PS5 Disc Drive Restocked: Act Quickly

Summary

• The PS5 disc drive is back in stock at PlayStation Direct and Amazon US as of mid-January 2025.
• Despite this, the stateside shortage continues, and the new stock may not last long.
• The ongoing shortage might be influenced by the PS5 Pro, which does not come with a disc drive variant.

The PlayStation 5 disc drive has returned to stock at select U.S. retailers as of mid-January 2025, offering a glimmer of hope for PS5 owners eager to expand their console's capabilities. However, given recent trends, it's crucial for interested buyers to act quickly, as the device is unlikely to remain in stock for long.

Since its release in 2020, the PS5 Digital Edition marked Sony's first foray into a console without an optical disc drive. This trend continued with the PS5 Pro, launched four years later, and the subsequent Slim models, all of which offer the option to install a separately purchased disc drive. This modular approach has become increasingly popular among U.S. PS5 owners, but the ongoing shortage of Sony's official disc drive attachment has made it challenging to obtain.

Despite the persistent stateside shortages, some national retailers have managed to restock since the beginning of the year. As of January 15, the PS5 disc drive is available at Amazon U.S. and Sony's PlayStation Direct for the regular MSRP of $79.99. Additionally, a third-party seller on Walmart offers the device at a 50% markup, priced at $122, with only three units remaining. This option serves more as a last resort for those desperate to add disc-playing capabilities to their PS5.

Where To Buy PS5 Disc Drive Right Now

PlayStation Direct Limits PS5 Disc Drive Orders

To combat scalpers and ensure fair distribution, PlayStation Direct limits PS5 disc drive orders to one per customer. This strategy is consistent with Sony's approach to other high-demand products, such as the PlayStation Portal pre-orders and 30th-anniversary consoles and accessories.

The persistent shortage of PS5 disc drives in the U.S. has been a source of frustration for months, with similar issues emerging in the United Kingdom since late 2024. These shortages seem to be linked to the launch of the PS5 Pro on November 7, which does not include a disc drive variant. As a result, gamers seeking the best gaming experience while retaining the ability to play physical media must purchase the PS5 disc drive separately.

With the attachment still out of stock at major retailers like Walmart, GameStop, and Best Buy, it's evident that the stateside shortages are far from resolved. However, 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