{
  "id": 11076958,
  "title": "PlayStation Japan Locks PS5 Pro Pre-Orders Behind Lottery",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/playstation-japan-locks-ps5-pro-pre-orders-behind-lottery",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-01T01:30:24.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Lowyat.NET",
    "slug": "lowyat-net",
    "url": "https://www.lowyat.net/2026/405977/playstation-japan-ps5pro-behind-lottery/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "PlayStation Japan has introduced a lottery system for pre-orders of the PS5 Pro due to a surge in demand. The eligibility criteria for the lottery require applicants to have a Japan-based account and a total of 60 hours logged between their PS4 and PS5 consoles, starting from 27th September 2024. The application deadline is 7th October, and successful applicants must finalize their console purchase by 2nd November.\n\nThe reasons behind the sudden surge in demand for the PS5 Pro are unclear, but two potential suspects have been identified. One is the impending release of Grand Theft Auto VI in November, which is expected to be the biggest game of the decade. The other possible factor is the ongoing scalping problem that has plagued the base PS5 since its launch. With the memory shortage crisis adding to the issue, PlayStation Japan has resorted to these stringent measures to control the pre-order surge. Unlike the rental model that was popular early last year, Japanese gamers are now opting to purchase consoles outright, addressing the rental business boom that was previously observed.",
  "summary": "We previously saw Pokemon card stores in Japan implement pretty drastic measures like using facial recognition to fight scalpers. It looks like PlayStation Japan is doing something similar with the PS5 Pro due to a surge in demand. There’s also a touch of what Valve did with the Steam Machine, imposing a certain number of […] The post PlayStation Japan Locks PS5 Pro Pre-Orders Behind Lottery…",
  "key_points": [
    "PlayStation Japan introduces lottery for PS5 Pro pre-orders due to high demand.",
    "Applicants must have Japan-based account and 60 hours logged on PS4/PS5 since 27th September.",
    "Lottery application deadline is 7th October, final purchase by 2nd November."
  ],
  "editors_take": "PlayStation Japan's lottery system for PS5 Pro pre-orders suggests that high demand and scalping concerns are outweighing efforts to revive console rentals, tightening access for gamers.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}