PlayStation Officially Introduces New Anti-Scalper Measures

Published Sep 29, 2026, 10:30 AM EDT

Chris is a Gaming Editor at ScreenRant. He has been a professional writer since 2009, and has written for top TV, comics, movie, and video game outlets like Engadget, Polygon, Destructoid, and more. He brings with him an expertise in every game genre, no matter how niche or mainstream.

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The PlayStation 5 continues its run against the Switch family of systems and the Xbox Series X/S line, and it's doing pretty well. While Sony has a gargantuan task ahead of it in 2028, proving out the digital-only model, for now, they're riding pretty high.

That said, scalping issues are plaguing multiple countries and the industry as a whole. Collector products from Nintendo in particular often sell out incredibly fast, but other sectors like TCGs are being impacted, too.

Sadly, PlayStation 5 Pro systems have been tough to get in select regions as well, raising concerns about scalpers and bots. Thanks to an official confirmation from PlayStation on X, we know that more anti-scalping measures are being implemented imminently.

After a ton of frustration and back-and-forth with Sony, the PlayStation brand has finally confirmed a new anti-scalping measure. In Japan, anyone who wants to buy a PS5 Pro from the Sony Store will need to meet multiple requirements.

First, you need to have a PSN account. Next, and this is the important part: you also need at least 60 hours of gameplay on your account to qualify for the lottery. Those 60 hours must be completed within the past two years to remain in good standing with this lottery system.

Here's Sony's statement (translated): "There are conditions for applications and purchases. If the number of applications exceeds the planned sales volume, it will be determined by lottery, so please understand this in advance."

For reference, you can acquire those 60 hours through either a PS4 or a PS5, so you don't need to play on a PS5 to "earn the right" to buy a PS5 Pro. Once October 7 hits and those requirements are met, you can enter the lottery in Japan from the Sony Store, at which point, if chosen, you'll be able to buy it on October 26.

It's a pretty straightforward process; if you're trying to snag one in Japan, make sure you have a Japanese PSN account and all those hours logged.

The lottery system is common in Japan across many industries, especially gaming and entertainment. It essentially ensures that everyone gets a fair shake at getting something, and occasionally, there's a priority queue or some other concession for specific people. In this case, you need to log those 60 hours of gameplay over two years.

Sony hasn't confirmed this exact program will make its way overseas, but we could see more anti-scalping measures pop up globally as consumers grow increasingly frustrated with scalpers.

The TCG industry isn't the only one getting hit hard by the bot epidemic, either, as many pieces of hardware and collector's editions in the gaming industry are affected. That includes the PlayStation 5 Pro.