Scalpers have been a massive issue in many markets and the fact that there is some Joe quickly using bots to buy all stock of a coveted item is becoming a part of every hobby. Sony and PlayStation have decided to try to take this issue into their own hands.
As of yesterday, if you’re looking to own a PlayStation 5 Pro from the latest produced batch, you’ll need to show your gaming record. According to Dexerto, your PlayStation account needs to have upwards of 60 hours of game time in the last two years.
This is not the first time that Sony has issued such a strict requirement, with a similar one in 2024 for the PlayStation 5 Pro 30th Anniversary edition, albeit that only mandated half the playtime.
In case the number of orders exceeds the stock, Sony will also trigger a lottery system on top of the playtime requirements.
The Fight Against Scalpers
While Sony hasn’t directly said the measures are to combat scalpers, when scalpers are an issue in most hobby areas, it’s hard to find another reason to tie the console to the actual end user.
The Sony account must be linked to the address to which the PlayStation 5 Pro will be sent; otherwise, the order will be cancelled. Sony explicitly stated that if the account was created or the purchase was made specifically for the purpose of reselling, this will also constitute grounds for cancellation.
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Customers are unable to change the delivery address after confirming it; forwarding will also be prohibited, so maybe if you’re ordering the PS5 Pro and are moving any time soon, you have to stick to your current address and wait it out.
The measures are in place because of massive shortages in the PlayStation 5 Pro stock across Japan, and the scarcity has forced Sony to address the situation.
The Great Wall of Playtime
Bear with me for a moment: the corresponding account must have at least 60 hours dated between September 27, 2024 and September 27, 2026; yes, the dates have passed, so either you played or no PS5 Pro for you. What if you’re an aspiring PS5 Pro owner who has played on Nintendo or XBOX until now?
It is a controversial measure, but with scalpers ruining many sales and boosting reseller markets, it only makes sense, and we don’t know whether this technique will actually work.
If there won’t be enough sales, then everyone should be able to get their own copy on the hours alone, but if scarcity remains, then a lottery system will take place, making it a lot harder for anyone in Japan to get their own PS5 Pro.
What if you’re an aspiring PS5 Pro owner who has played on Nintendo or XBOX consoles until now?
A potential flaw in the system is that scalpers may well have played on a PlayStation in the last two years, or have access to someone’s account with the right hours, defeating the purpose.
These considerations have been brought up before when Sony first implemented the system, but it’s still laudable that the company is trying to address scarcity and scalpers (albeit quietly).
The scarcity of the PlayStation 5 Pro keeps numbers from matching demand due to component shortages and consequently rising prices for the PlayStation 5 and other consoles.
The current application period for the PS5 Pro in Japan will run until October 7.
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