Sony's Japanese store is selling its next batch of PS5 Pro consoles only to players who can prove they actually play. Confirmed If there are more eligible applicants than consoles, buyers are picked by lottery.
The rules
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Account | A Sony account registered in Japan |
| Playtime | 60+ hours on PS4 or PS5 between Sep 27, 2024 and Sep 27, 2026 |
| Applications | September 28 to October 7, 2026 |
| Results | From around October 26 |
| Buy by | November 2 |
| Price | ¥137,980 (about $880), one per account |
The playtime window closed before applications opened, so nobody can grind hours to qualify now. Sony's terms also say orders meant for resale can be cancelled. Confirmed For a limited PS5 Pro bundle in 2024, Sony asked for 30 hours, so this bar is double.
What it has to do with GTA 6
Sony's notice doesn't mention GTA 6, and Sony hasn't said why it chose 60 hours. Confirmed The timing is hard to miss, though. Winners get consoles in early to mid November, just before GTA 6's November 12 pre-load. GTA 6's PlayStation Store listing says it is PS5 Pro Enhanced, though Rockstar hasn't given Pro resolution or frame rate details. Confirmed Standard PS5 models are still in stock in Japan, Kotaku reports. Preview report
The rules apply only in Japan. Nothing similar has been announced elsewhere.
Should you get a PS5 Pro for GTA 6?
Not yet, unless you'd buy one anyway. Digital Foundry thinks Sony's new upscaler could fix GTA 6's soft image on the base PS5, but Rockstar hasn't committed to it. Read our QSSR explainer before spending around $900.