With PS5 prices climbing up in numerous markets, more people are turning towards renting the latest-model console as a preferred choice.
During the midpoint of the console generation, instead of the usual trend of prices lowering as technology becomes obsolete, they’ve surprisingly increased this time around. As recent as last week, Sony declared that the price of the PS5 will rise in four primary markets.
This follows increases in prices across various regions during 2024, as well as the continuous rise in the cost of PlayStation Plus.
Due to the increasing cost of indulging in this luxury pastime, some people are resorting to creative approaches to satisfy their desires. Interestingly, in specific areas, leasing a PlayStation 5 has become significantly more common than one might expect.
Renting a PS5 has become a popular option as prices soar
In September of 2024, Japan was one of the initial regions to experience an increase in price for the PS5. Initially priced at approximately 66,980 Japanese Yen or around $470 USD, Sony increased the cost to about 79,980 Japanese Yen, which is equivalent to around $561 USD.
Many enthusiasts are currently choosing to rent a PlayStation 5 instead of buying it outright, allowing them to enjoy the latest games without making a significant upfront investment. Companies like GEO, a prominent media rental service in Japan, have seen an increase in business due to this option.
For just 980 Japanese Yen, approximately $7 US dollars, players can temporarily take home a PS5 for eight days. There are also larger rental options available; the fourteen-day plan costs 1,780 JPY, which is around $12.50 USD.
Despite consoles being reset to factory settings with each use, erasing save data between rentals, the service has still proven extremely popular. As reported by company representative Yusuke Sakai and initially shared by Automaton, approximately 200 stores in Japan ran out of their entire PS5 inventory in March.
Rental services for gaming consoles have been common in Europe, the U.S., and many other regions for quite some time, with console ownership typically being favored. However, in Japan, there’s a growing trend towards temporary rentals, as fans look to save money by playing the newest games at a more affordable cost.
Additionally, it’s important to mention that overall console sales in Japan have been decreasing, not just for PlayStation enthusiasts. This trend affects a broader gaming audience in the region.
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2025-04-22 02:48