Amid PlayStation 5 Pro Shortages, Sony Implements Lottery System Based on Playtime

No one is exempt from the global DRAM shortage, and today Sony confirmed there might be a way for enthusiastic gamers to purchase the PlayStation 5 Pro console at MSRP. In Japan, Sony is running a lottery system that explicitly allows gamers with 60 hours of playtime to purchase the console. These playtime hours must have been earned in the two-year period between September 27, 2024, and September 27, 2026. The latter date marks a hard stop that Sony will track, preventing anyone from artificially increasing their playtime. Eligible gamers can apply to the lottery system by October 7, and those selected to buy the console at MSRP will be notified on October 26.

Once the notification email is received, the eligible owner must purchase the console by November 2, or these lottery spots will be returned for another drawing scheduled later this year. This is perhaps one of the strangest ways to purchase a console, but since DRAM shortages have been depleting Sony’s stock for manufacturing new consoles, it at least allows gamers who are truly passionate about gaming and need to upgrade their hardware from any earlier PlayStation version to get better performance on the upcoming launch of Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto VI game.

Reportedly, the company has worked with the big three DRAM makers—Samsung, SK hynix, and Micron—to ensure an ample supply of DRAM for the PlayStation 5, as demand is expected to grow rapidly with the upcoming release of GTA VI. Being one of the most anticipated major AAA titles this year, it usually triggers a whole ecosystem of purchases, with gamers flocking to retailers to buy the latest generation console.