Summary
- The PS5 disc drive is back in stock at PlayStation Direct and Amazon US.
- Its stateside shortage is still not over, and this new stock may not last for long.
- The ongoing shortage is possibly driven by the PS5 Pro, which lacks a variant that includes a disc drive.
The PlayStation 5 disc drive is now available at select U.S. retailers as of mid-January 2025, but PS5 owners should act quickly as the device may not stay in stock for long, given recent trends.
Launched in 2020, the PS5 Digital Edition was Sony's first console without an optical disc drive. This trend continued with the PS5 Pro, released four years later, which also did not include a disc drive. Both the mid-gen upgrade and the new Slim models offer modularity, allowing users to add a separately purchased disc drive. Many U.S. PS5 owners have opted for this upgrade, leading to a prolonged shortage of Sony's official disc drive attachment.
Despite ongoing shortages, some U.S. retailers have managed to restock since the start of the year. As of January 15, the attachment is available at Amazon U.S. and Sony's PlayStation Direct for the regular price of $79.99. Game Rant identified one third-party seller on Walmart offering the device at a 50% markup, priced at $122, with only three units left in stock. This makes it a less desirable option for those looking to enable physical disc playback on their PS5.
Where To Buy PS5 Disc Drive Right Now
Store | Price |
---|---|
Amazon | $79.99 |
PlayStation Direct | $79.99 |
Walmart (reseller) | $122 |
PlayStation Direct Limits PS5 Disc Drive Orders
Sony's PlayStation Direct limits purchases of the PS5 disc drive to one per customer, a strategy to deter scalpers. This approach has been used for high-demand products like the PlayStation Portal pre-orders and Sony's 30th-anniversary consoles and accessories.
The shortage of PS5 disc drives has been a persistent issue for U.S. owners, with similar shortages occurring in the UK since late 2024. The timing of these shortages points to the launch of the PS5 Pro on November 7, which does not come with a disc drive option. This forces gamers wanting the best Sony gaming experience with physical media to purchase the disc drive separately.
With the attachment still out of stock at major retailers like Walmart, GameStop, and Best Buy, it's evident that the shortage in the U.S. is far from resolved. The duration of these shortages remains uncertain.
$424 $500 Save$76 $424 at Amazon$425 at Best Buy$425 at Newegg$500 at Target$500 at Sony