PS5 Console Rentals Surge in Japan: Here's Why

In recent months, renting a PS5 console has unexpectedly surged in popularity across Japan. But why are more people choosing to rent instead of buying Sony’s latest hardware? The answer lies in a combination of rising console prices, the release of a highly anticipated game series, and a well-timed rental service launched by one of Japan's leading retailers.

Back in February 2025, Japan’s GEO Corporation — a retail giant with around 1,000 stores specializing in movie, music, and game rentals — introduced its PS5 rental service. With prices starting at just 980 yen (approximately $7 USD) for a one-week rental and 1,780 yen ($12.50) for two weeks, the offering quickly gained traction. At over 400 participating locations, reports suggest that between 80% to 100% of available PS5 units are consistently rented out — a clear indicator of the service’s success.

According to Yusuke Sakai, manager of GEO’s rental products division, the idea was first considered back in the summer of 2024. This came as DVD and CD rentals continued to decline due to the growing dominance of streaming platforms. Around the same time, rumors circulated about an impending price increase for the PS5 in Japan — a concern that later proved accurate when Sony raised the cost of the Digital Edition from 59,980 yen to 72,980 yen and the disc-based model from 66,980 yen to 79,980 yen on September 2, 2024. Many Japanese consumers expressed frustration online, calling the nearly 80,000 yen price point unreasonable for a four-year-old console.

A Timely Opportunity

With its long-standing experience in electronics rentals and repairs dating back to the late 1980s, GEO was uniquely positioned to offer a competitive PS5 rental option. Leveraging existing infrastructure and skilled staff trained in refurbishing second-hand consoles, the company managed to undercut other local rental providers, whose monthly rates previously ranged from 4,500 to 8,900 yen.

GEO officially launched its PS5 rental program on February 28, 2025 — perfectly timed with the release of *Monster Hunter Wilds*. Given the series’ immense popularity in Japan and the game’s limited platform availability, many players found themselves seeking access without committing to a full console purchase. While Xbox remains relatively niche in the region and PC requirements were prohibitively high for most users, the PS5 became the preferred choice — albeit a costly one.

“We knew that *Monster Hunter Wilds* would be one of the biggest titles of the year, so we prioritized launching our service ahead of its release,” explained Sakai.

The Value of Trying Before Buying

This new service aligns with GEO’s core philosophy: making expensive technology accessible through short-term rentals. Reflecting on past strategies, Sakai noted how movie rentals helped make entertainment affordable in the 1980s, when purchasing a single film could cost up to 20,000 yen. Today, with a PS5 priced near 80,000 yen, it's easy to see why many parents and students might prefer renting rather than making a full investment.

Things to Consider Before Renting

While the initial rental fees may seem low, there are additional costs to factor in. For example, gamers must also account for game purchases or rentals, plus a PlayStation Plus subscription if they wish to play online. Furthermore, GEO currently only offers weekly or biweekly plans, with daily extension fees set at 500 yen. These variables can add up, potentially affecting the overall value of the service.

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