A region-locked PS5 with lower price ($325) could launch in Japan, countering strong Switch 2 sales

A furious Switch 2 sales pace has Nintendo catching up to its PlayStation rival in Japan. Facing slower adoption in Sony’s home country, the company may introduce a region-locked console. A rumor from a Chinese retailer suggests Japanese gamers could see a digital PS5 price of 50,000 yen. That would equate to around $325 USD, making the system significantly cheaper than in other regions.

The report originated from the Install Base forums, which often focus on console sales. Gamers should be skeptical, but the State of Play Japan announcement has fans wondering about a connection. The show will promote Asian-developed PS5 games, but also promises “a few other exciting updates.” Viewers can watch the stream on November 11th at 11 PM CET/5 PM EST to learn if the region-locked console exists.

According to Install Base, the digital console’s 72,980 yen MSRP will be permanently discounted to 50,000 yen. In September 2024, as in other regions since, buyers faced a PS5 price increase from 59,980 yen. Although the updated cost converts to $474, the weaker yen compared to the USD has hindered Sony.

PlayStation may follow a path laid out by Nintendo. A region-locked Switch 2 price of 49,980 yen boosted sales of the new handheld in Japan. The strategy addressed currency challenges while preventing international scalpers from profiting.

How the Switch 2 is leaving the PS5 Digital in the dust

Reported by Famitsu and Nintendo Life, Japanese Switch 2 sales eclipsed the lifetime mark of the PS5 Digital in June, weeks after its launch. The disc version has sold considerably more units, but this trend has continued. Some sources indicate that the handheld has outsold PS5 consoles by a 2:1 ratio in recent months.

It’s uncertain what use, if any, a region-locked PS5 could have for gamers outside Japan. The comparable Switch 2 restricts language choices in games and limits users to the Japanese eShop. Regardless, the more affordable console would come as a relief to local buyers and publishers. In September, Capcom President Haruhiro Tsujimoto complained that the high PS5 price was throttling Monster Hunter Wild sales.