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, given the high demand.
- The shortage could be linked to the PS5 Pro, which does not include a disc drive variant.
The PlayStation 5 disc drive has returned to stock at select U.S. retailers in mid-January 2025. However, PS5 owners should act quickly, as the device is expected to sell out soon, based on recent trends.
Launched in 2020, the PS5 Digital Edition was Sony's first console without an optical disc drive. The PS5 Pro, released four years later, followed this trend by also omitting a disc drive. Both the mid-gen upgrade and the new Slim models offer modularity, allowing users to add a separately purchased disc drive. Many U.S. PS5 owners have opted for this upgrade, leading to a prolonged shortage of Sony's official disc drive attachment.
Despite the ongoing shortages, some national retailers have restocked 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 remaining. This option is more of a last resort for those desperate 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
PlayStation Direct limits PS5 disc drive orders to one per customer to combat scalping, a strategy also used for high-demand items like PlayStation Portal pre-orders and 30th-anniversary consoles and accessories.
The U.S. disc drive shortage has been a source of frustration for PS5 owners for months, with similar issues emerging in the UK since late 2024. The timing suggests a connection to the PS5 Pro's launch on November 7, which does not offer a disc drive variant. Those seeking the best gaming experience from Sony's ecosystem while wanting to use physical media must purchase the disc drive separately.
With the attachment still out of stock at Walmart, GameStop, and Best Buy, it's evident that the U.S. shortages are 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
