In early March, PlayStation Direct introduced a rental program for the PlayStation 5 at an affordable monthly fee, and it has quickly become a hit in Japan. Reports suggest that many of the approximately 400 locations offering this service have already sold out. Gamers can rent a PS5 for eight days at just under $7, or enjoy it for 15 days for around $12.
A comparable service has also been successful in the UK, but unfortunately, there isn’t a similar option available in the U.S. While some companies do offer PS5 rentals, those tend to be rent-to-own arrangements that lack the affordability of PlayStation Direct’s offering.
The surge in popularity of titles like Monster Hunter Wilds has played a significant role in the rental service’s success, according to various sources. The selected stores for this program were chosen based on their customer traffic and strategic locations, indicating that additional outlets in Japan may soon begin offering PS5 rentals. This raises the prospect that such a service might eventually come to the United States.
Recently, Sony increased the price of the PS5 in select countries; however, the U.S. market was not affected. That said, ongoing trade tensions and new tariffs could lead to a price increase here. Economic uncertainty often prompts consumers to think twice about their purchases, making an affordable rental option particularly appealing for those who may find it hard to buy a console outright.
Even five years after its initial release, the PlayStation 5 remains relatively expensive. With this reality in mind, the U.S. certainly seems like a promising market for a rental service. Hopefully, Sony will leverage successful models from its UK and Japanese experiences to cater to a wider audience.
