PS5 Disc Drive Is Back in Stock, But You May Need to 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 this new stock may not last long.
• The ongoing shortage may be influenced by the PS5 Pro, which does not offer a variant with a disc drive.

The PlayStation 5 disc drive, an essential accessory for many gamers, is currently available at select U.S. retailers. As of mid-January 2025, PS5 owners have a limited window to purchase this attachment due to persistent supply issues.

Since its launch in 2020, the PS5 Digital Edition marked Sony's first console without an optical disc drive. This trend continued with the release of the PS5 Pro in 2024, which also lacks an integrated disc drive. Both the PS5 Pro and the newer Slim models support the addition of a separately purchased disc drive, a feature many U.S. gamers have opted for. However, obtaining the disc drive has been challenging due to ongoing shortages.

Despite these shortages, some retailers have managed to restock the PS5 disc drive since the start of the year. As of January 15, 2025, you can find the disc drive at Amazon U.S. and Sony's PlayStation Direct for the standard price of $79.99. Additionally, a third-party seller at Walmart offers the drive, albeit at a 50% markup, selling it for $122 with only three units remaining. This option is more suited for those in dire need rather than those looking for a cost-effective solution.

Where To Buy PS5 Disc Drive Right Now

PlayStation Direct Limits PS5 Disc Drive Orders

Sony's PlayStation Direct imposes a limit of one PS5 disc drive per customer to prevent scalping, a tactic also used during high-demand product launches like the PlayStation Portal pre-orders and the 30th-anniversary consoles and accessories.

The ongoing shortage of the PS5 disc drive has been a source of frustration for U.S. gamers for months, with similar issues emerging in the UK since late 2024. The timing of these shortages suggests a connection to the launch of the PS5 Pro on November 7, 2024. The PS5 Pro, unlike the base model, does not come with a disc drive, necessitating the separate purchase of the attachment for those who wish to enjoy both top-tier gaming performance and physical media.

With the PS5 disc drive still out of stock at major retailers like Walmart, GameStop, and Best Buy, it's evident that the stateside shortages are far from resolved. The duration of these shortages remains uncertain.