PlayStation 5 Disc Drives Sell Out, But Sony Still Doesn’t Think the PS5 Pro Needs One
The $700 PS5 Pro is marketed as the most expensive modern gaming console to date, promising a significant performance boost over the standard PS5. With 2 TB of storage for your games, the PS5 Pro is built for gamers seeking enhanced performance. However, a critical component is missing: a straightforward method to use physical game discs.
As of now, pre-orders for the PS5 Pro are predicted to start on September 26, but the crucial disc drives required to play physical media are already flying off the shelves, and in some instances, are completely sold out.
Availability Issues
Shortly after Sony’s presentation of the PS5 Pro, major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy listed the PS5 Disc Drive as completely unavailable. Currently, the drive can still be found on sites such as GameStop, Target, Walmart, and PlayStation Direct. Analysts like Wario64 have pointed out that the disc drives are not just in high demand—they are proving to be hard to come by.
With the PS5 Pro being a more premium console, it remains uncertain whether it will experience the same stock shortages that plagued the PS5 during its early years. Historically, Sony has assured consumers that they do not face stock issues, especially after the release of the slim version of the PS5 in 2023.
Higher Cost for Gaming
Purchasing a disc drive alongside the PS5 Pro escalates the overall cost of the console to approximately $780. Although the PS5 Pro delivers impressive performance—running games in 4K at 60 FPS—the additional charge could deter potential buyers from opting for what’s essentially a high-end gaming PC instead.
While the 2 TB SSD included is a reasonable size for many users, those looking to expand their game library may still face storage limitations. Even if you own games on disc, installing them could require more space than anticipated, meaning extra storage options will likely be necessary. However, external SSDs, such as a 2TB WD_Black SSD, can be pricey at around $260.
Do Players Care About Disc Drives?
Interestingly, Microsoft’s Xbox Series S has no disc drive and is an all-digital console, yet it has reportedly outsold the more powerful Xbox Series X by a significant margin. This raises an important question: do players really care about having a disc drive?
In my view, they should. Disc drives offer not just backward compatibility but also a sense of ownership over games. With the PS5 Pro expected to support PS4 games, gamers have more to consider than just performance. Ownership questions arise when digital licenses can be revoked without warning, leaving consumers vulnerable.
The Importance of Physical Media
Despite the advancements in gaming technology, winning arguments in favor of digital dominance overlook the benefits of traditional physical media. Only through possession of a physical disc can you lend, trade, or sell your games—benefits lost when relying on digital licenses. Moreover, while many games require online servers to play, the health of the content you own is fundamental.
Thus, maintaining the ability to use physical media through consoles is vital. The trajectory of the gaming industry poses risks that could see this tradition vanish altogether.
In summary, while the PS5 Pro stands out in terms of performance, the need for a disc drive—and the very nature of how we own our games—remains an essential discussion.
Related Topics
– PlayStation 5
– PlayStation 5 Pro
– Sony
