PS5 Disc Drive Is Back in Stock, But You May Need to Act Fast

Summary

• The PS5 disc drive is back in stock at PlayStation Direct and Amazon US.
• Its stateside shortage is still not over, and this new stock may not last for long.
• The ongoing shortage is possibly driven by the PS5 Pro, which lacks a variant that includes a disc drive.

The PlayStation 5 disc drive has returned to stock at select U.S. retailers as of mid-January 2025. However, PS5 owners should act quickly, as the device is expected to sell out rapidly, given recent trends.

Introduced in 2020, the PS5 Digital Edition marked the first Sony console without an optical disc drive. The trend continued with the PS5 Pro, which was released four years later without a disc drive option. Both the mid-gen upgrade and the new Slim models offer modularity, allowing users to install a separately purchased disc drive. Many PS5 owners in the United States have opted for this upgrade, contributing to the ongoing shortage of Sony's official attachment.

Despite the persistent shortages, some U.S. retailers have managed to restock since the start of the year. As of January 15, the attachment is available at Amazon U.S. and Sony's PlayStation Direct for the standard price of $79.99. Game Rant identified a third-party seller on Walmart offering the device at a 50% markup, priced at $122. With only three units left in stock, this option is best considered as a last resort for those eager to add physical disc capabilities to 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 measure aimed at deterring scalpers. This strategy has been consistently applied to high-demand Sony products, such as the PlayStation Portal pre-orders and the 30th-anniversary consoles and accessories.

The shortage of the PS5 disc drive has been a source of frustration for U.S. owners for months, with similar issues emerging in the UK since late 2024. The timing of these shortages suggests a connection to the PS5 Pro launch on November 7. Unlike the original PS5, the PS5 Pro does not offer a version with an integrated disc drive, necessitating separate purchases for those who wish to enjoy physical media alongside the enhanced gaming experience.

With the disc drive still unavailable at Walmart, GameStop, and Best Buy, it's evident that the shortage in the U.S. 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