Sony PlayStation 5 Shortage Leaves Gamers Disappointed

Persistent PS5 Disc Drive Shortage Impacts PS5 Pro Owners

Since the launch of the PS5 Pro, a significant shortage of standalone PlayStation 5 disc drives persists, frustrating gamers seeking to add disc functionality to their new consoles. The PS5 Pro, released in November 2024, lacks a built-in disc drive, making the previously released external drive a necessity for those upgrading.

This increased demand has led to a supply crisis, with online retailers like the US and UK PS Direct consistently sold out. Stock vanishes rapidly upon restocking, mirroring the initial PS5 launch challenges in 2020. Scalpers are exacerbating the issue, acquiring drives and reselling them at inflated prices, adding significant cost to an already expensive console upgrade. While some third-party retailers like Best Buy and Target occasionally offer drives, availability remains extremely limited.

Sony's silence on the matter is noteworthy, particularly given their past efforts to address production challenges. The $80 price increase (from first-party sellers) for the external drive, coupled with scalping, leaves many PS5 Pro owners with little option but to wait for improved supply and reduced demand – a resolution that remains uncertain. The lack of a built-in drive in the PS5 Pro has sparked considerable debate since its September unveiling.

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