As of mid-January 2025, the PlayStation 5 disc drive has seen a restock at select retailers in the U.S., notably on PlayStation Direct and Amazon. However, if you’re a PS5 owner hoping to snag one, you’ll need to move quickly. Given the ongoing high demand, it isn’t expected to stay available for long.
The PS5 Digital Edition, released back in 2020, marked Sony’s first foray into a console without a disc drive. More recently, in 2024, the PS5 Pro followed this trend but also introduced a more modular design. Both the Pro and new Slim models allow users to attach a disc drive bought separately. This modularity has become a popular choice among PS5 owners in the U.S., though obtaining the disc drive hasn’t been easy, with stock dwindling over several months.
Recently, despite the persistent shortages of the disc drive in the U.S., certain national retailers have replenished their stock at the start of this year. Available for purchase from Amazon U.S. and Sony’s PlayStation Direct at the standard price of $79.99, this can be a rare opportunity. During a check by Game Rant, a third-party seller was also found offering the drive through Walmart, albeit at a steep markup to $122, with only three units left. This makes it a costly, last-ditch option for those wanting to enhance their PS5 with disc compatibility.
Now, where exactly can you get your hands on a PS5 disc drive right now? Over at PlayStation Direct, Sony has imposed a limit of one disc drive per customer. This isn’t the first time they’ve restricted purchases to curb scalpers, mirroring tactics used previously during hot-ticket sales like the PlayStation Portal pre-orders and various anniversary editions of their products.
The shortage of disc drives in the U.S. has been a sore point for months, mirrored by a similar situation in the UK since late 2024. This coincides with the November 7 launch of the PS5 Pro, which doesn’t come with a built-in disc drive. Consequently, anyone wanting premium gaming performance while retaining the ability to play physical media has had to seek out the separate disc drive.
With no restocks at major retailers like Walmart, GameStop, or Best Buy, it’s evident that these shortages are expected to last a while longer, though an end date remains uncertain.
As for those considering the PS5 Slim Disc Edition, it’s priced at $424 down from the standard $500, saving you $76. This model offers all the functionality of the original, paired with a sleeker design, 1TB of storage, and an additional front USB-C port. It’s a tempting package, complete with everything you need to start gaming right away, including a DualSense controller and essential cables. With its enhanced features packed into a more compact body, it’s an attractive option for those still deciding about diving into the PS5 experience.
