Everyone in Japan is Renting a PlayStation 5

The rental service launched by GEO for Japanese gamers who want to buy a PlayStation 5 but hesitate due to its high cost has attracted great interest in a short time. This affordable system, which started simultaneously with the launch of Monster Hunter Wilds, has filled capacity in hundreds of stores.

PlayStation 5 Rental Model Draws Great Interest in Japan

GEO, one of Japan’s major rental chains, has managed to attract the attention of gamers with its low-cost rental program for PlayStation 5. As part of this service, which started on February 28, gamers can rent the PS5 for only 980 yen (approximately $6.90) for eight days. For those who want to use it for a longer period, there is also a fifteen-day option for 1,780 yen. For additional days, 500 yen can be paid per day.

GEO, which has a history of renting CDs, DVDs and physical games, implemented this service using its existing infrastructure. With the decrease in interest in disc-based media and the PS5 price increases in Japan, the company switched to a game console rental model. In this way, there was no need for additional investment and the existing store network was evaluated.

As of now, this service is offered in more than 200 stores across Japan, and almost all of them are operating at full capacity. Each console is reset to factory settings after use, which prevents the data from being transferred to the next user. However, users have the opportunity to transfer their own save data by bringing external storage. This system encourages long-term rentals, especially for those who want to try out big games.

GEO’s initiative targets a different user base in Japan, where PS5 sales are still strong. Gamers who want to have access to the console for a short time or do not want full ownership seem quite happy with this service. It remains unclear whether this model, which is currently only valid in Japan, will be implemented in other countries.

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