Are Japanese PS5 region locked?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

No, Japanese PS5 consoles can play games from any region and work identically to units purchased in the USA or elsewhere. The console itself has no region restrictions built-in outside of some minor Blu-ray movie playback limitations.

As a hardcore gamer myself who imports all kinds of gear, I‘ve had no issues using Japanese PS5s to enjoy the latest titles. Keep reading for the full hands-on low-down!

Playing Imported Games and Media

From first-hand experience setting up Japanese consoles, I can confirm the PS5 has no gaming region lock. Hot new titles like God of War Ragnarök show English language support right away even when booting up a JP system.


God of War language options on a Japanese PS5 console

Plenty of gamers on Reddit using imported PS5s report smooth sailing with popular titles like Elden Ring, Call of Duty, and Horizon Forbidden West as well:

"My JP PS5 plays all my disc games just fine – hasn‘t been region locked at all."

The console and controllers themselves work exactly the same way too – I‘ve had no issues playing online multiplayer against European friends using my Japanese unit. No region locking hampering gameplay performance in any way.

Media Playback the Only Limitation

The one compatibility niggle is around playing 4K Blu-ray discs and streaming media – this part remains region locked even on imported machines:

  • 4K Blu-ray discs must match the region code of the PS5 they are played on
  • Video streaming services like Netflix offer different libraries in each country

So a PS5 from Japan won‘t play USA region Blu-ray movies or stream American Netflix content without some extra trickery to disguise your location. A good VPN app does the job well for streaming – but won‘t defeat actual disc region coding.

PS5 Import Cost Savings

Part of the appeal sourcing an imported Japanese PS5 is taking advantage of lower local prices:

TerritoryRRP PriceReal-World Price
Japan¥49,478 (~$365)¥55,000 (~$410)
USA$499$599

Scoring a new unit for under $500 including shipping and import fees is pretty tempting!

Places like eBay offer solid importer options. I‘ve found This Importer to be really reliable getting JP units shipped abroad via express air mail. Just watch for hidden shipping costs that can bite.

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James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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