Sony Opens PS5 Pro Purchase Applications in Japan With 60-Hours Playtime Requirement

Sony has opened applications for PlayStation 5 Pro buyers in Japan, and it comes with a rather interesting requirement. If you want a shot at buying the console, you need to prove you have actually been playing PlayStation games. Applications are open until October 7, 2026, at 11:59 PM JST.

You need 60 hours of PS5 or PS4 gameplay to qualify

Sony is not simply opening the doors to everyone. Applicants must use a Sony account registered in Japan and have accumulated at least 60 hours of gameplay on PS5, PS4, or both combined (via GamesRadar). There is a specific window for those hours, too. Sony requires applicants to have played at least 60 hours between September 27, 2024, and September 27, 2026, at 11:59 PM local time.

So yes, Sony is effectively checking whether you have spent enough time actually playing PlayStation before giving you a chance to buy its more powerful console. Applicants also need to have their Sony account connected to both their My Sony ID and Sign-In ID, while applications are limited to one PS5 Pro per Sony account.

Sony will use a lottery if demand is too high

This is where things get interesting. Sony says it will first check whether applicants meet all of the requirements. If the number of eligible applications exceeds the planned sales volume, a lottery will be held.

The company plans to start notifying applicants of their results around October 26, 2026. Winners will then have until 11:59 AM on November 2 to complete their purchase through the dedicated Sony Store page. The PS5 Pro for which Sony has opened applications is the CFI-7100B01 2TB SSD model. It includes DualSense controller and the other standard accessories. The whole package costs 137,980 yen (~ $875), including tax.

Only for Japanese players

Sony says the console is limited to customers residing in Japan and will only be shipped within Japan. The company also prohibits purchases intended for resale. If winners fail to complete their purchase by the deadline, Sony says additional sales will be held from November for eligible applicants who were not selected.

So, if you were hoping to grab a PS5 Pro through Sony’s Japanese store, having a Sony account alone won’t be enough. You need the required 60 hours of PlayStation gameplay, and even then, you may still have to win the lottery.