PS5 Disc Drive Restocked: Act Fast

Summary

• The PS5 disc drive is back in stock at PlayStation Direct and Amazon US as of mid-January 2025.
• Despite this restock, the ongoing shortage in the U.S. suggests these units may not last long.
• The shortage could be linked to the release of the PS5 Pro, which does not include a disc drive variant.

The PlayStation 5 disc drive has become available again at select U.S. retailers in mid-January 2025. However, PS5 owners should act quickly as the device's availability is likely to be short-lived, reflecting 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, also lacking a built-in disc drive. Both the mid-gen upgrade and the new Slim models offer modularity, allowing users to add a separately purchased disc drive. In the United States, the demand for Sony's official disc drive attachment has been high, leading to months of shortages.

Despite ongoing shortages, some U.S. retailers have restocked the PS5 disc drive since the beginning of the year. As of January 15, it's 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 the device, albeit at a 50% markup, priced at $122. With only three units left, this option is more suitable as a last resort for those eager to enable physical disc playback on their PS5.

Where To Buy PS5 Disc Drive Right Now

PlayStation Direct Limits PS5 Disc Drive Orders

PlayStation Direct restricts orders of the PS5 disc drive to one per customer, a strategy aimed at preventing scalping. This approach has been consistently applied to high-demand products, including PlayStation Portal pre-orders and 30th-anniversary consoles and accessories.

The persistent shortage of the PS5 disc drive has frustrated many U.S. owners for months, a situation mirrored in the UK since late 2024. The timing of these shortages points to a connection with the launch of the PS5 Pro on November 7, which does not come with a disc drive. Consequently, gamers seeking the best Sony gaming experience alongside physical media playback must purchase the disc drive separately.

With the attachment still unavailable at major retailers like Walmart, GameStop, and Best Buy, it's evident that the U.S. shortages are ongoing. 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