PlayStation 5 Disc Drive Shortage Irks Gamers

Summary

• The PS5 disc drive shortage persists since the launch of the PS5 Pro, exacerbated by scalpers who inflate prices.
• Both the US and UK PS Direct storefronts are 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 gamers eager to enhance their PS5 Pro experience. In 2023, Sony introduced a detachable PS5 disc drive as an accessory for its digital-only PlayStation 5 models. This accessory became crucial following the 2024 release of the PS5 Pro, which does not include a built-in disc drive. As a result, the demand for the separate disc drive surged, leading to a persistent shortage since the PS5 Pro's launch in November 2024.

The PlayStation Direct website has struggled to keep up with the demand, with stock vanishing almost instantly in regions like the UK. Scalpers have capitalized on this scarcity, buying up the drives and reselling them at significantly higher prices, reminiscent of the initial PlayStation 5 launch in 2020. This situation has compounded the frustration for gamers, especially 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 remain out of stock, and any new inventory is quickly depleted. While some third-party retailers like Best Buy and Target have occasionally had drives in stock, these are quickly snapped up, leaving many gamers still searching for a solution.

PS5 Disc Drive Shortage Continues

Scalpers have effectively exploited the high demand for the PS5 disc drive, hoarding them rather than the PS5 Pro itself. Sony has yet to comment on this ongoing issue, which is surprising considering the company's efforts to manage PS5 production during the 2020 pandemic.

The decision to omit a disc drive from the PS5 Pro has sparked significant controversy since its announcement in September. The standalone PS5 Slim Disc Drive, priced at around $80 from Sony's first-party outlets, becomes even more expensive due to scalping. Many PlayStation 5 enthusiasts are left waiting for increased supply and reduced demand, a resolution that seems elusive at the moment.

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