PS5 Disc Drive Shortage Irks Gamers

Summary

• The PS5 disc drive shortage persists since the launch of the PS5 Pro, exacerbated by scalpers driving up prices.
• Both the US and UK PS Direct storefronts remain out of stock, with drives selling out immediately upon restocking.
• Sony has yet to provide any official statement regarding the ongoing shortage.

The ongoing shortage of standalone PlayStation 5 disc drives continues to frustrate fans eager to enhance their PS5 Pro experience. Sony introduced the attachable PS5 disc drive in 2023 as an accessory for its digital-only PlayStation 5 models. However, its importance surged after the release of the PlayStation 5 Pro in 2024, which comes exclusively without a physical disc drive. This has made the separate disc drive a crucial component for gamers wishing to use their physical game collections with the new console.

Since the PS5 Pro's launch in November 2024, the demand for the PS5 disc drive has led to a persistent shortage. The PlayStation's official PS Direct website has struggled to keep up with the demand, resulting in quick sell-outs whenever stock becomes available. In regions such as the UK, scalpers have capitalized on the situation by buying up the drives and reselling them at inflated prices, reminiscent of the initial PS5 launch issues in 2020. This has significantly impacted consumers who are already facing high costs for the PS5 Pro.

According to PlayStation Lifestyle, the PS5 disc drive shortage shows no signs of abating. Both the US and UK PS Direct storefronts continue to be out of stock, with drives vanishing as soon as they are restocked. While some third-party retailers like Best Buy and Target occasionally receive limited supplies, these are quickly snapped up by the fortunate few, leaving many gamers still without a drive.

PS5 Disc Drive Shortage Continues

Scalpers have been quick to exploit the demand for the PS5 disc drive, focusing on the accessory rather than the console itself. This has led to a significant secondary market where prices are driven up. Sony has remained silent on the issue, which is surprising considering their efforts to maintain PS5 production during the 2020 global supply chain disruptions.

The decision to exclude a built-in disc drive from the PS5 Pro has been a contentious issue since its announcement in September. Purchasing the standalone PS5 Slim Disc Drive from Sony's official outlets adds an additional $80 to the already expensive console. With scalpers dominating the market and driving prices even higher, many PlayStation 5 enthusiasts are left waiting for an improvement in supply and a decrease in demand, which currently seems unlikely.

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