PS5 Disc Drive Restocked: 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 is now available at select U.S. retailers as of mid-January 2025. However, due to recent trends, PS5 owners should act quickly as the device may not remain in stock for long.

Launched in 2020, the PS5 Digital Edition was Sony's first console to debut without an optical disc drive. The trend continued with the PS5 Pro, released four years later without a disc drive variant. Both the mid-gen upgrade and the newer Slim models allow for the installation of a separately purchased disc drive. This modularity has led many PS5 owners in the U.S. to opt for the attachment, which has been in short supply for months.

Despite ongoing shortages, some U.S. retailers have restocked the PS5 disc drive since the beginning of the year. As of January 15, it can be purchased from both Amazon U.S. and Sony's PlayStation Direct for the regular price of $79.99. Game Rant identified a third-party seller at Walmart offering the device at a 50% markup, priced at $122, with only three units left in stock. This option is more of a last resort for those eager to add physical disc reading capabilities to their PS5.

Where To Buy PS5 Disc Drive Right Now

PlayStation Direct Limits PS5 Disc Drive Orders

PlayStation Direct limits orders of the PS5 disc drive to one per customer, a strategy Sony uses to combat scalpers during high demand periods. This was also the case with PlayStation Portal pre-orders and Sony's 30th-anniversary products.

The shortage of the PS5 disc drive has been a persistent issue for U.S. PS5 owners and has similarly affected the UK since late 2024. The timing suggests a link to the PS5 Pro's launch on November 7, which does not include a disc drive option. As a result, 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 major retailers like Walmart, GameStop, and Best Buy, it's evident that the shortage in the U.S. continues. However, the duration of these shortages remains uncertain.