Summary
- The PS5 disc drive is back in stock at PlayStation Direct and Amazon US as of mid-January 2025.
- The ongoing shortage in the U.S. may not last long, suggesting quick action is necessary for interested buyers.
- The shortage could be influenced by the PS5 Pro, which does not include a disc drive variant.
The PlayStation 5 disc drive, essential for gamers who prefer physical media, is currently available at select U.S. retailers. As of mid-January 2025, PS5 owners should act swiftly to secure one, as stock may not last long due to recent trends.
Introduced in 2020, the PS5 Digital Edition marked Sony's first console without an optical disc drive. Following this trend, the PS5 Pro, released four years later, also omits the disc drive. Both the PS5 Pro and the newer Slim models offer modularity, allowing users to add a separately purchased disc drive. This feature has become popular among U.S. PS5 owners, yet the attachment has been in short supply for months.
Despite ongoing shortages, some national retailers have restocked the PS5 disc drive since the beginning of the year. As of January 15, it is available at Amazon U.S. and Sony's PlayStation Direct for the standard price of $79.99. Additionally, a third-party seller on Walmart offers it at a 50% markup, priced at $122, with only three units remaining, making it a less favorable option for those looking to add disc-reading capabilities to 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 to prevent scalping, a practice they've also used for high-demand products like the PlayStation Portal pre-orders and the 30th-anniversary consoles and accessories.
The shortage of PS5 disc drives has been a significant issue for U.S. owners for months, with similar problems emerging in the U.K. since late 2024. The timing suggests a connection to the launch of the PS5 Pro on November 7, which does not offer a disc drive option. As a result, gamers seeking the best Sony gaming experience with physical media need to purchase the disc drive separately.
With the attachment still out of stock at Walmart, GameStop, and Best Buy, it's evident that the shortage in the U.S. is far from resolved. How long it will continue remains uncertain.
$424 $500 Save $76 $424 at Amazon $425 at Best Buy $425 at Newegg $500 at Target $500 at Sony
