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, essential for those who prefer physical media, is currently available at select U.S. retailers as of mid-January 2025. However, eager PS5 owners should act swiftly, as the device is expected to sell out quickly due to ongoing demand.

Initially released in 2020, the PS5 Digital Edition marked Sony's first console without an optical disc drive. This trend continued with the PS5 Pro, launched four years later, also omitting a built-in disc drive. Both the PS5 Pro and the Slim models offer modularity, allowing users to add a disc drive purchased separately. This feature has been popular among U.S. gamers, leading to a prolonged shortage of the disc drive attachment.

Despite the persistent 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 is offering the drive, albeit at a 50% markup, pricing it at $122. With only three units left in stock, this option is less appealing but could be a last resort for those desperate to add physical disc capabilities to their PS5.

Where To Buy PS5 Disc Drive Right Now

PlayStation Direct Limits PS5 Disc Drive Orders

Sony's digital storefront, PlayStation Direct, restricts PS5 disc drive purchases to one per customer. This measure aims to prevent scalping, a tactic Sony has used with high-demand items like PlayStation Portal pre-orders and 30th-anniversary consoles and accessories.

The ongoing shortage of PS5 disc drives has been a source of frustration for U.S. gamers for months, with similar issues emerging in the United Kingdom since late 2024. The timing of these shortages suggests a connection to the PS5 Pro's launch on November 7, which does not include a disc drive variant. Consequently, gamers seeking the best gaming experience from Sony's ecosystem while using 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 stateside 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