Sony announces Japan-exclusive Midnight Black PS5 Digital Edition

Sony Interactive Entertainment has announced a new Midnight Black PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, scheduled for release in Japan on November 19, 2026. The launch coincides with the release of Grand Theft Auto 6. The console is priced at 55,000 yen (approximately $350), making it a more affordable option compared to standard models.

However, the device is strictly limited to the Japanese market. It requires the system language to be set to Japanese and necessitates a PlayStation Network account registered in the Japan region. Hideaki Nishino, CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, stated that these regional restrictions are intended to combat the trend of consoles being exported from Japan to other markets due to currency fluctuations, thereby protecting local pricing and revitalizing the domestic gaming market.

The Digital Edition features an 825GB SSD and does not include a disc drive. Sony will also release a matching Midnight Black disc drive separately for 11,980 yen on the same day. Pre-orders are set to begin on October 20 through Japanese retailers and online stores.