Summary
- The PS5 disc drive shortage persists since the launch of the PS5 Pro, with scalpers driving up prices.
- Both the US and UK PS Direct storefronts remain out of stock, with drives selling out immediately upon restocking.
- Sony has not yet addressed the ongoing shortage.
The ongoing shortage of standalone PlayStation 5 disc drives continues to frustrate fans eager to enhance their PS5 Pro experience. Sony introduced the attachable PS5 disc drive in 2023 as an accessory for the digital-only PlayStation 5, which later became essential following the 2024 release of the PS5 Pro. This new version of the PS5, launched without a built-in disc drive, made the accessory a crucial component for gamers wanting to enjoy their physical game collection on the upgraded console.
Since the PS5 Pro's debut in November 2024, demand for the PS5 disc drive has surged, resulting in a persistent shortage. PlayStation's official PS Direct website has struggled to keep up with the demand, especially in markets like the UK, where scalpers have capitalized on the situation by purchasing drives and reselling them at inflated prices. This mirrors the challenges faced during the initial release of the base PlayStation 5 in 2020. The high cost of these resold PS5 disc drives adds an extra burden for consumers already investing in the expensive PS5 Pro.
According to PlayStation Lifestyle, the shortage of PS5 disc drives shows no signs of abating. Both the US and UK PS Direct storefronts are consistently out of stock, with available drives vanishing as soon as they are restocked. While some third-party retailers like Best Buy and Target have occasionally had drives available, these have been quickly snapped up by fortunate shoppers. The majority of gamers, however, continue to face difficulties in securing a drive.
PS5 Disc Drive Shortage Continues
Scalpers have quickly recognized the increased demand for the PS5 disc drive as an essential accessory for the disc-less PS5 Pro, opting to hoard the drives rather than the console itself. Surprisingly, Sony has remained silent on the ongoing shortage, which stands in contrast to their efforts to maintain PS5 production during the 2020 pandemic.
The absence of a built-in disc drive in the PS5 Pro has been a contentious issue since its unveiling in September. Purchasing the standalone PS5 Slim Disc Drive from Sony's first-party outlets adds an additional $80 to the console's already substantial price tag. With scalpers monopolizing these units and driving up prices, many PlayStation 5 enthusiasts are left with no option but to wait for an increase in supply and a decrease in demand, a scenario that seems unlikely to change in the near future.
