When the PS5 Pro was announced, its price wasn’t the only controversial topic. Buyers also learned that the upgraded console would lack an optional disc drive accessory. Consequently, gamers could only play digitally downloaded titles.
Even worse, the add-on soon became scarce, leading scalpers to sell the drive for inflated prices. Recently, Sony restocked the disc drive, which also works with the PS5 Slim Digital, for its standard $79.99 price. Buyers should act fast since it’s not likely to be available for long.
Is the PS5 Disc Drive Really Needed?
Purchasing games on the PS Store is undoubtedly convenient. It only requires a few button presses, and you can avoid driving to stores or waiting for shipments. On the other hand, buyers can’t resell titles after completing them or deciding they aren’t worth playing. It’s also generally easier to find games in physical form discounted. Playing game discs isn’t the only advantage the PS5 drive accessory has.
With the popularity of streaming media players, Blu-ray disc sales have suffered. Even so, the PS5 and PS5 Pro are underrated as home entertainment hubs. In Fall 2023, the consoles finally received an update to enable Dolby Atmos. While Dolby Vision has yet to arrive, HDR and surround sound combine to create an authentic cinematic experience. After purchasing the add-on, PlayStation gamers can watch 4K Ultra Blu-ray and older disc formats.
Disc Drive for PS5 Digital Edition Consoles
Sony’s disc drive is the perfect way to play physical disc collections on the latest PlayStation consoles. The accessory attaches to the sides of PS5 Slim Digital and PS5 Pro consoles. Once installed, buyers can also watch 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and DVD media. Owners will need an internet connection to pair the drive with consoles.
- Color
- White
- Brand
- Sony
- Weight
- 2.44 lbs
Installing the PS5 Disc Drive on consoles involves more than snapping it on. However, it’s not a difficult endeavor, provided buyers follow Sony’s instructions. It’s a matter of removing the console’s original cover, and the drive should attach with a post and clips. Then, you can place the new cover over the drive to restore the console’s seamless look. The PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Edition complicates matters but ships with an alternate gray-colored cover. Scalpers may not be cashing in on the standard PS5 Pro, but this limited edition is much more lucrative.
There are some caveats to consider when purchasing the PS5 Disc Drive. The drive demands an internet connection each time it pairs with a different console. Some users contend with a large update file that taxes slower or bandwidth-limited connections. Also, owners of the original chunkier PS5 Digital are out of luck, as the drive only attaches to the newer PS5 Slim Digital and PS5 Pro.
Ironically, the PS5 Pro itself has proven not very difficult to find for sale. The fact that the disc drive became so popular anyway proves physical media is far from dead. Some gamers may have panicked, fearing the PS5 Pro foreshadowed the end of disc-based gaming. Still, even with Microsoft releasing a digital Series X, most AAA console titles remain available in a tangible form.
Related
PS5 Pro vs Gaming PC: How the Specs Compare For The Cost
The pricey PS5 Pro has reignited one of the most heated gaming debates. Are console gamers better served investing in a gaming PC?
What should you do if the PS5 Disc Drive becomes scarce again? There is no reason to pay more than the suggested retail price. The PS5 Slim with drive is available at a reduced holiday price. The latest Sony console sports worthy upgrades, like a GPU capable of rendering PS5 Pro Upgraded games smoothly at higher resolutions and framerates. Even so, it’s a huge jump in cost for modest performance gains. The PS5 Pro is of very questionable value when losing the ability to run discs.
Gamers who decide to go digital instead may face storage limitations. Fortunately, we are seeing some nice deals on PS5 hard drives, one of the most vital console accessories. The Lexar 4TB NM790 SSD meets Sony’s minimum specs for speed and multiplies the size of PS5 libraries.
More
Top 8 Gifts For PS5 Owners In 2024
From the advanced DualSense Edge Pro controller to the beautiful PlayStation Icons Light, here are the best PS5 gifts for every gamer.