Sony announced a new PS5 Digital Edition at its State of Play Japan show. This one is exclusive to Japan for the foreseeable future. It hits stores November 21 for 55,000 yen, or about $357. Pre-orders start November 13 at 10 a.m. JST through local retailers and online stores.
Regular PS5 Digital Editions in Japan are now 72,980 yen (about $473). That’s two price increases since launch: from 39,980 yen in 2020 to 59,980 yen last year, and then up to the current price. With this model you save about 18,000 yen, or $117, but it’s still more than the original by 15,000 yen due to the weak currency exchange rate and rising costs.
PlayStation®5 console (slim)
- Model Number CFI-2000
- Includes DualSense Wireless Controller, 1TB SSD, Disc Drive, 2 Horizontal Stand Feet, HDMI Cable, AC power cord, USB cable, printed materials,...
- Vertical Stand sold separately
The hardware is the same as the regular Digital Edition, with an 825GB SSD for downloads. There’s no included disc drive, but you can still buy one for physical games. Backward compatibility includes PS4 titles from the Japanese PS Store. The DualSense controller has the same feedback, while 3D audio is also included.
Its design has been somewhat updated, with a matte finish on the body and panels. Sony describes it as a small enhancement from earlier models. The package reads, “Console Language: Japanese Only.” Plus, access is limited because the console language is set to Japanese. The PS account’s nation and region must be set to Japan, as only Japan Store games operate. Tourists and expats with international accounts should wait it out. Sony will keep the units local, similar to Nintendo’s region-locked Switch 2.
The timing of the announcement feels deliberate since November 12 is the 5th anniversary of the PS5’s launch. Over 4,500 units have been sold in Japan so far. Sony expects to ship 90 million units by the end of the year. After 5 years, the PS5 is still behind the PS4 in lifetime sales. Nintendo dominates the home turf. Publishers like Capcom said high prices are a barrier.
Downloads outnumber discs, therefore Japan benefits from a digital focus. With large modern games, that 825GB fills up quickly. The pricing is low enough to lure PS4 owners who have been holding out. That said, Sony follows Nintendo, and export limitations exist due to the region’s weak yen.
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