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. is expected to persist, with the new stock likely to sell out quickly.
- The shortage may be influenced by the PS5 Pro's release, which does not include a disc drive variant.
The PlayStation 5 disc drive is once again available at select U.S. retailers as of mid-January 2025. However, PS5 enthusiasts should act swiftly, as the device is expected to sell out rapidly, consistent with recent trends.
Introduced in 2020, the PS5 Digital Edition was Sony's first console to launch without an optical disc drive. This trend continued with the PS5 Pro, released four years later, also lacking a disc drive. Both the mid-gen upgrade and the newer Slim models offer modularity, allowing users to add a separately purchased disc drive. In the United States, many PS5 owners have opted for this upgrade, contributing to the prolonged shortage of Sony's official disc drive attachment.
Despite the ongoing scarcity, some U.S. retailers have restocked the PS5 disc drive since the beginning of the year. As of January 15, 2025, it is available at both 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 at a 50% markup, priced at $122, with only three units remaining. This option serves as a last resort for those urgently needing to add physical disc 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, a strategy aimed at thwarting scalpers. This approach has been used for high-demand items like PlayStation Portal pre-orders and Sony's 30th-anniversary products.
The persistent shortage of the PS5 disc drive has been a source of frustration for U.S. gamers for months. A similar situation has emerged in the United Kingdom since late 2024. These shortages appear to be linked to the release of the PS5 Pro on November 7, 2024, which does not offer a disc drive variant. As a result, gamers seeking the pinnacle of Sony's gaming experience along with the ability to play physical media 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. shortage 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
