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.
• The ongoing shortage in the U.S. may not last long, as stock could sell out quickly.
• The shortage might be due to the PS5 Pro, which does not have a variant with a built-in disc drive.

The PlayStation 5 disc drive is once again available at select U.S. retailers as of mid-January 2025. However, PS5 owners should act quickly, as the device's stock is expected to deplete rapidly, given recent trends.

Launched in 2020, the PS5 Digital Edition was Sony's first console without an optical disc drive. The trend continued with the PS5 Pro, released four years later, also lacking a built-in disc drive. Both the mid-gen upgrade and the Slim models offer modularity, allowing users to add a separately purchased disc drive. Many U.S. PS5 owners have opted for this upgrade, but Sony's official attachment has been scarce 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 is available at Amazon U.S. and Sony's PlayStation Direct for the regular price of $79.99. Game Rant identified a third-party seller on Walmart offering the drive at a 50% markup, priced at $122, with only three units left in stock. This option is more of a last resort for those desperate to add physical disc capabilities to their PS5.

Where To Buy PS5 Disc Drive Right Now

PlayStation Direct Limits PS5 Disc Drive Orders

PlayStation Direct limits purchases of the PS5 disc drive to one per customer, a measure to combat scalping. This practice was also used for high-demand items like PlayStation Portal pre-orders and Sony's 30th-anniversary products.

The shortage of PS5 disc drives has been a persistent issue for U.S. owners, with similar shortages in the U.K. since late 2024. These shortages may be linked to the PS5 Pro's launch on November 7, which does not include a disc drive variant. Those seeking the best gaming experience with 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 U.S. shortages are far from resolved. It remains uncertain how long these shortages will continue.