Sony Has Clever Way to Fight Back Against PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Edition Scalpers

Sony Has Clever Way to Fight Back Against PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Edition Scalpers

Key Takeaways

  • PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Edition pre-orders in Japan will require a PSN account and at least 30 hours of playtime on a PS4 or PS5.
  • These restrictions aim to curb scalping, which was a big problem after PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Edition pre-orders went live in the US and UK.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that Sony Japan’s decision to implement certain requirements for pre-ordering the PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Edition is a much-needed step towards curbing scalping activities.


Sony Japan has set specific guidelines for those wishing to pre-order the 30th Anniversary Edition PS5 Bundle. These include having an active PlayStation Network (PSN) account and a certain amount of gameplay hours on PlayStation systems. This step aims to combat scalping, as the limited-edition bundle had previously fallen prey to reselling in other regions.

The PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Edition takes the already impressive console to new heights. It boasts a vintage PS1-style color scheme and a variety of coordinating accessories, such as a standard DualSense controller, DualSense Edge, disc drive cover, vertical stand, and charging station for controllers. For those who still need convincing, the fact that it’s a limited edition run of only 12,300 units makes it an ideal collector’s item, perfect for the most dedicated PlayStation enthusiasts and their home setups.

Despite contrasting trends in other regions, pre-orders for the PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Edition in the US and UK saw units selling out lightning fast, only for scalpers to resell them at inflated prices online. Legitimate PlayStation fans expressed frustration due to lax restrictions that allowed scalpers to snap up and resell these limited edition bundles. However, it appears Sony is taking notice of the criticisms. In preparation for the Japanese pre-orders of the PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Edition, the regional PlayStation website has set forth specific requirements that potential buyers must fulfill in order to secure a bundle.

PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Edition Pre-Orders Have a Set of Requirements in Japan

  • PlayStation Network account registered in Japan
  • At least 30 hours of playtime on a PS4 or PS5 linked to this account
  • Playtime will be counted between February 14, 2014, and September 19, 2024

To secure a PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Edition bundle in Japan, account holders must have their PlayStation Network account registered within Japan and have clocked at least 30 hours of gameplay on either a PS4 or PS5 linked to this account between February 14, 2014, and September 19, 2024. These conditions should deter resellers (scalpers) and provide genuine PlayStation enthusiasts with a fair opportunity to pre-order the PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Edition bundle. As the playtime is only accumulated until September 19, scalping tactics like keeping a console active for 30 hours won’t work around these regulations.

Fans of PlayStation, particularly those based in Japan, have felt a sense of relief due to these restrictions. It’s only fair, given the challenging situation with scalping for the PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Edition in the US and UK following its launch in late 2020, that Sony had implemented similar constraints there as well. Here’s hoping that future PlayStation consoles and special editions will enforce these restrictions globally to ensure a fair purchasing experience for everyone involved.

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2024-10-01 20:53