Japanese retailers use smart tactics to deal with PS5 resellers during restocking

For a variety of reasons, getting a PS5 has been extremely difficult since its launch, and the presence of scalpers hasn’t helped at all. Essentially, scalpers are buying multiple consoles for the sole purpose of reselling them at a premium, and since the problem has become so severe, Japanese retailers are now using innovative methods to combat it.

Several Japanese retailers, most notably GEO and Nojima Denki, have reportedly begun using innovative methods to combat PS5 scalpers and resellers. These tactics include writing the buyer’s full name on the box at the time of purchase, disposing of the DualSense Controller box, and labeling it in such a way that resale becomes a problem.

Japanese retailers no longer play with PS5 scalpers

via PCU

Scalpers have been a major cause for concern for those looking to get their hands on a next-gen console, as they seem to be taken off the shelf with every restocking, both offline and online. In Japan, the severity of these issues has reached the point where sometimes the police have to intervene to stop the unrest caused in stores due to the small number of PS5s available.

Typically, Japanese retailers like GEO have implemented a lottery system that allows users to enter their name in the hope of being chosen to buy a PS5 when it’s time to restock. This time, potential buyers received additional instructions on the methods of dealing with scalping, which are used by the store. Once purchased, the PS5 box will be opened and the DualSense controller bag will be marked with an “X”to make reselling a little more difficult.

It will be interesting to see if retailers in other countries decide to use similar methods to ensure resellers don’t get their hands on a lot of PS5 stock.