PS5 Disc Drive Shortage Persists: Scalpers and High Demand Fuel Crisis
The ongoing shortage of standalone PlayStation 5 disc drives continues to frustrate gamers, particularly those who have purchased the disc-less PS5 Pro. Since the PS5 Pro's November 2024 launch, demand for the add-on drive has far outstripped supply.
Sony's decision to release the PS5 Pro without a built-in disc drive, coupled with the continued absence of readily available drives, has created a perfect storm for scalpers. Both the US and UK PlayStation Direct websites consistently show the drive as out of stock, with any available units disappearing almost instantly. While some third-party retailers like Best Buy and Target occasionally receive stock, the limited availability pales in comparison to the high demand.
This situation mirrors the initial PS5 launch in 2020, with scalpers capitalizing on the scarcity and reselling drives at significantly inflated prices. This adds considerable expense to the already high cost of the PS5 Pro.
The lack of official comment from Sony regarding the shortage is noteworthy, especially given the company's previous efforts to address production challenges during the 2020 pandemic. The absence of a built-in drive in the PS5 Pro has been a point of contention since its September unveiling, adding approximately $80 to the console's cost when purchasing the drive directly from Sony. With scalpers exacerbating the problem, many PlayStation fans are left with little option but to wait for improved supply and reduced demand – a prospect that currently seems distant.
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