PS5 Suddenly a Hot Product in Japan, But as a Rental

While PlayStation hardware sales in Japan have declined significantly, it doesn’t imply that enthusiasm for the PS5 and its diverse catalog of games has faded entirely. In reality, business is thriving… specifically in the area of PS5 console rentals.

Retailer GEO in Japan has announced that its PS5 rental program is exceeding expectations in terms of popularity, with rental stores nearly sold out for the upcoming six weeks. The service launched alongside Monster Hunter Wilds, a beloved game series in Japan, leading many players to pay 980 yen (~$7) primarily for an eight-day access to the Capcom sensation.

According to a report by IT Media News, this rental option can be found in 400 locations across Japan, with each store having approximately five consoles available for rent.

For quite some time, outright sales of the PS5 have struggled compared to previous PlayStation generations. The latest Famitsu statistics show that the console has sold just over 5.6 million units in Japan, lagging nearly a million units behind the Switch Lite. The standard Nintendo Switch has had commendable success in Japan with over 20 million units sold, benefiting from a three-year head start over the PS5. Interestingly, the Switch OLED model released a year after the PS5 has achieved sales of 8.9 million units.

Though this rental service isn’t an official Sony initiative, it indicates that the PS5 has become a sought-after item in a certain capacity. As Sony increases the prices of select PS5 models in some regions, a rental option might appeal more to prospective buyers.

A PS5 console rental program is also available in the UK, allowing customers to rent a console for as low as £11.99 per month (on a 36-month plan).

Would you consider utilizing a console rental service? Share your thoughts in the comments below.