The ongoing scarcity of standalone PlayStation 5 disc drives continues to frustrate gamers, particularly those who've purchased the disc-less PS5 Pro. Since the PS5 Pro's November 2024 launch, demand for the add-on drive has far outstripped supply.
Sony's own PS Direct online stores in both the US and UK remain consistently out of stock, with any available units vanishing almost instantly. This mirrors the challenges faced during the initial PS5 launch in 2020, with scalpers aggressively acquiring drives and reselling them at significantly inflated prices. This adds considerable expense to an already premium console purchase.
While some third-party retailers like Best Buy and Target occasionally offer drives, these sporadic drops are insufficient to meet the overwhelming demand. The situation is further complicated by Sony's silence on the matter. The company's lack of comment contrasts with their proactive approach to PS5 production during the pandemic.
The PS5 Pro's design, omitting a built-in disc drive, has sparked considerable debate. The added cost of the separate drive, already around $80 from official sources, is exacerbated by scalping activities, leaving many players with little option but to wait for improved availability – a prospect that currently seems distant.