Renting video game consoles is making a comeback—yes, seriously. And not just in some niche retro shop filled with nostalgia and dusty shelves. We’re talking about Japan, right now, where PlayStation 5 rentals are flying off shelves faster than stores can stock them.
You might chuckle at the thought, but this isn’t just some quirky fad. It’s a very real response to very real problems: console prices, availability, and the simple math of modern living.
From Blockbuster Nights to Booking a PS5 Online
Ask anyone over 30 about renting a game and they’ll probably bring up Blockbuster. Maybe they’ll throw in a fond memory of that one time they beat Final Fantasy VII over a long weekend—on a rented PlayStation, no less.
Back then, it was part of the fun. You didn’t own the game, but it didn’t matter. You had three days, maybe five, and that was enough.
Today, it’s a different world. Or… was.
Japanese retailer GEO has revived that old rental magic with something modern gamers can’t stop talking about: PS5 rentals. We’re not talking about streaming or subscription services. This is brick-and-mortar, in-the-flesh, come-pick-it-up renting.
So, How Much Does It Cost?
The pricing is surprisingly chill.
A recent report from IT Media News in Japan laid it all out:
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¥980 (about $6.62 USD) for 6 days
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¥1,780 (around $12.02 USD) for 15 days
Yes, for less than the cost of a new controller grip, you can take home a fully-functional PlayStation 5.
The hook? You bring it back when you’re done. Like the good old days. And if you want it again next weekend, go for it.
But here’s the kicker: GEO can’t keep up. They’re literally out of stock. People are lining up—or more accurately, refreshing their browsers—trying to get their hands on a rental unit.
Why Now? Why Japan?
Short answer? It’s getting too expensive to own fun.
PS5 prices have jumped in several countries. In Japan, the price of the disc version rose by 5,500 yen (roughly $40 USD) last year. That’s not a minor bump. And for a lot of people, it’s enough to tip the scales from “maybe I’ll buy it” to “nope, not today.”
A spokesperson from GEO put it pretty plainly. The traditional rental store may be fading, but that doesn’t mean the concept is dead. They’re betting on a new generation realizing how convenient short-term ownership can be.
And honestly? They might be right.
Not Just Consoles—It’s a Whole Shift in Thinking
There’s something broader happening here, and it’s not just about gaming.
We’ve seen this kind of shift in other industries too:
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Cars: More people leasing instead of buying.
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Streaming: Nobody wants to own DVDs anymore.
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Fashion: Rent-the-Runway exists for a reason.
Gaming’s just catching up. And in Japan, where space is tight and costs are high, it makes a lot of sense.
Let’s look at the broader numbers:
| Product Type | Average Cost in Japan | Rental Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| PS5 Console | ¥60,478 ($408) | ¥980–¥1,780 |
| New Game | ¥7,000–¥9,000 ($47–$60) | Included in bundles or separate rentals |
| Extra Controller | ¥7,500 ($50) | Often provided during rental |
That’s a big gap. For someone unsure if they’ll even use the console regularly, rentals feel like a smarter move.
The Nostalgia Factor Is Real—But It’s Not Everything
Let’s not pretend this is just about money.
There’s a psychological layer to this too. Renting feels lighter. Less pressure. No commitment. You can dip your toe in without diving headfirst into the deep end of a $500 investment.
And for older gamers? It’s like cracking open a time capsule. But it’s not stuck in the past—it’s very much alive in the present.
One sentence here, just to break things up.
You rent, you play, you return. Maybe you rent again next weekend. It’s a rhythm that just… works.
Could It Catch On Outside Japan?
So here’s the big question: Is this just a Japan thing?
Maybe not.
Sony’s already raised PS5 prices in regions like the UK and Canada. Rental-style subscription models like Xbox Game Pass have shown there’s serious demand for flexibility.
Add inflation, student loans, and rising rent to the mix, and you’ve got a generation that’s rethinking ownership entirely. In the US, rental startups for gaming exist—but they haven’t hit GEO-levels of success yet. Maybe that’s about to change.
Imagine GameStop offering weekend PS5 bundles for $10. Sounds wild? Maybe not for long.
