Persistent Shortage of PS5 Disc Drives Continues to Plague Gamers
The ongoing scarcity of standalone PlayStation 5 disc drives persists, causing significant frustration among gamers, particularly those who have purchased the PS5 Pro. Since the PS5 Pro's November 2024 launch, demand for the add-on drive has far outstripped supply. This is largely due to the PS5 Pro's design; unlike its predecessors, it lacks a built-in disc drive, making the separate drive a necessary purchase for those wanting to play physical games.
Sony's own PS Direct online stores in both the US and UK remain consistently out of stock, with any available units quickly disappearing. This situation mirrors the challenges faced during the initial PS5 launch in 2020, with scalpers exploiting the high demand by acquiring and reselling drives at significantly inflated prices. This adds considerable expense to the already high cost of the PS5 Pro.
While some third-party retailers like Best Buy and Target occasionally receive limited stock, these sporadic drops are insufficient to meet the overwhelming demand. The lack of a statement from Sony regarding this persistent shortage further fuels gamer discontent. The company's previous commitment to maintaining PS5 production during the 2020 pandemic contrasts sharply with its current silence on this issue.
The PS5 Pro's omission of a built-in disc drive has been a contentious point since its September unveiling. The added cost of the separate drive, approximately $80 from official Sony sources, is exacerbated by scalping activities, leaving many players with no option but to wait for improved supply and reduced demand – a prospect that currently seems distant.
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