PS5 Disc Drive Shortage Angers Fans

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 commented on the ongoing shortage.

The ongoing shortage of separate 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 its digital-only PlayStation 5 models. However, its significance surged following the 2024 release of the PS5 Pro, which does not include a built-in disc drive. This has made the accessory essential for gamers looking to upgrade without abandoning their physical game collections.

Since the PS5 Pro's launch in November 2024, demand for the PS5 disc drive has led to a persistent shortage. PlayStation's PS Direct website has struggled to keep up with the demand, with stock vanishing almost instantly upon restocking. In regions like the UK, scalpers have capitalized on this scarcity, reselling the drives at significantly inflated prices, reminiscent of the initial PS5 launch in 2020. This situation has compounded the financial burden on gamers, given the already high cost of the PS5 Pro.

According to PlayStation Lifestyle, the PS5 disc drive shortage shows no signs of abating. Both the US and UK PS Direct storefronts are consistently out of stock, and any new inventory is quickly snapped up. While some third-party retailers like Best Buy and Target occasionally receive stock, these are quickly exhausted, leaving many gamers still without a drive.

PS5 Disc Drive Shortage Continues

Scalpers have quickly recognized the demand for the PS5 disc drive as a crucial accessory for the disc-less PS5 Pro, opting to hoard the drives rather than the console itself. Sony has yet to address the ongoing shortage, which is surprising given their efforts to manage PS5 production during the 2020 pandemic.

The absence of a built-in disc drive in the PS5 Pro has sparked significant controversy since its announcement in September. Purchasing the standalone PS5 Slim Disc Drive from Sony's first-party outlets adds approximately $80 to the console's already substantial price. With scalpers inflating prices and stock remaining scarce, many PlayStation 5 enthusiasts are left waiting for an increase in supply and a decrease in demand, a resolution that seems elusive at the moment.

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