Sony Implements PS5 Pro Lottery in Japan Amid Supply Issues
Sony is rolling out a lottery system for the PS5 Pro on its Japanese online store, a move designed to address persistent console supply shortages when demand outpaces availability.
According to an update on Sony's official website, applications for PS5 Pro purchases are now open. To be eligible, applicants must have a Sony account registered in Japan and have logged at least 60 hours of playtime on that account over the past two years. These requirements appear to be measures to deter scalpers.
The application window is open until October 7th. If more applications are received than consoles available, a lottery will be conducted. Winners, notified by October 26th, will have one week to complete their purchase of the ¥137,980 console (approximately £662 / $876).
Failure to complete the purchase within the timeframe will forfeit the opportunity, returning the console to the pool for another applicant.
The ongoing supply challenges, partly attributed to the increased demand for hardware driven by the AI data center boom, make acquiring new consoles difficult. This has been a persistent issue for Sony throughout this generation, frustrating gamers worldwide.
The lottery approach echoes systems like the one used for Final Fantasy 14's housing system. In that game, a similar lottery helped alleviate the pressure and stress associated with competing for limited property, a situation analogous to the current scarcity of PS5 Pros.
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