PS5 Disc Drive Back in Stock (But Maybe Not for Long)
As of mid-January 2025, the elusive PlayStation 5 disc drive is back in stock at select US retailers, including PlayStation Direct and Amazon. However, given recent trends, this limited restock is unlikely to last.
The scarcity stems partly from the release of the PS5 Digital Edition in 2020—the first Sony console without a built-in disc drive—and further compounded by the 2024 launch of the PS5 Pro, which also lacks a disc drive option. Both the Pro and the Slim models offer some modularity, allowing users to purchase and install a disc drive separately. This has led to significant demand, particularly in the US, where the official Sony attachment has been consistently hard to find.
While some retailers have managed to restock, the situation remains precarious. As of January 15th, the disc drive was available at Amazon US and PlayStation Direct for the standard $79.99 MSRP. A third-party Walmart seller was also found offering it, but at a 50% markup ($122) and with extremely limited stock.
Where to Buy a PS5 Disc Drive Now
| Store | Price |
|---|---|
| Amazon US | $79.99 |
| PlayStation Direct | $79.99 |
| Walmart (Reseller) | $122 |
PlayStation Direct's Purchase Limits
To combat scalpers, PlayStation Direct limits PS5 disc drive purchases to one per customer. This is consistent with their policy for other high-demand items like the PlayStation Portal and anniversary consoles.
The ongoing US shortage, mirroring a similar situation in the UK since late 2024, points to a possible connection with the PS5 Pro's launch on November 7th. The lack of a disc drive option on the Pro forces gamers seeking both the best performance and physical media compatibility to purchase the drive separately, fueling demand.
With the disc drive still unavailable at major retailers like Walmart, GameStop, and Best Buy, the shortage is far from resolved. The duration of this scarcity remains uncertain.
$424 $500 Save $76 $424 at Amazon, $425 at Best Buy, $425 at Newegg, $500 at Target, $500 at Sony
