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.
• Its stateside shortage continues, and the new stock may not last long.
• The ongoing shortage could be related to the PS5 Pro, which does not include a disc drive variant.

The PlayStation 5 disc drive, essential for gamers who prefer physical media, is once again available at select U.S. retailers. As of mid-January 2025, PS5 owners should act quickly as the device is expected to sell out rapidly, following recent trends.

Since its launch in 2020, the PS5 Digital Edition has marked Sony's first venture into a console without an optical disc drive. The PS5 Pro, released four years later, continued this trend by also omitting 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. This feature has become popular among U.S. PS5 owners, yet Sony's official attachment has been in short supply for months.

Despite ongoing shortages, some national retailers have restocked the PS5 disc drive since the start of the year. As of January 15, it can be purchased at Amazon U.S. and Sony's PlayStation Direct for the regular price of $79.99. Game Rant identified one third-party seller offering the device on Walmart, albeit at a 50% markup of $122, with only three units remaining. This option serves as a last resort for those eager to enable their PS5 to read physical discs.

Where To Buy PS5 Disc Drive Right Now

PlayStation Direct Limits PS5 Disc Drive Orders

Sony's PlayStation Direct limits orders to one PS5 disc drive per customer, a strategy aimed at thwarting scalpers. This approach mirrors the company's handling of high-demand items like the PlayStation Portal pre-orders and the 30th-anniversary consoles and accessories.

The disc drive shortage has been a persistent issue for PS5 owners in the U.S., with similar challenges emerging in the UK since late 2024. The timing of these shortages suggests a link to the PS5 Pro, which launched on November 7 without an integrated disc drive option. Consequently, gamers seeking the best gaming experience while still wanting to use physical media must purchase the disc drive separately.

With the attachment still out of stock 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