The PS5 Pro has sparked controversy among gamers with its disc drive situation. Sony’s decision to sell the console without a built-in disc drive has raised eyebrows, especially considering its $699 price tag. To play physical games on the PS5 Pro, gamers must purchase the disc drive separately for an additional $80.
This separate disc drive is compatible with both the PS5 Pro and the slim Digital Edition consoles. Installing it is straightforward, as shown in several tutorial videos online. The drive will play 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray discs, standard Blu-ray discs, and physical PS5 game copies.
Sony claims this approach gives players “choices,” but many gamers see it as a way to increase profits rather than enhance user experience. The separate purchase requirement for both the disc drive and the vertical stand has been described by some as Sony at its “most incompetent” moment in recent gaming hardware releases.
The PS5 Pro and Its Disc Drive
The PlayStation 5 Pro, Sony’s mid-generation upgrade, delivers significant performance boosts — but like the PS5 Slim, it uses a modular Ultra HD Blu‑ray disc drive rather than a built‑in one.
That means:
- The PS5 Pro Digital Edition ships without a disc drive.
- You can add an external disc drive later — the official PS5 Pro Ultra HD Blu‑ray Disc Drive — if you want to play physical games or Blu‑ray movies.
(Source: PlayStation Support – PS5 Pro Compatibility Guide, Digital Hub Blog)
⚙️ Key Specs
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | Detachable Ultra HD Blu‑ray Disc Drive |
| Supported Discs | PS5 & PS4 game discs, Blu‑ray 4K Ultra HD, standard Blu‑ray, DVD |
| Connection | Dedicated high‑speed USB‑C port on PS5 Pro |
| Resolution Support | Up to 4K HDR playback |
| Region Coding | Same as standard PS5 disc drives |
| Power | Draws directly from console (no external adapter) |
(Source: StatsPros – Which Disc Drive Fits PS5 Pro?)
🧩 Compatibility
- Only the official Sony PS5 Pro Disc Drive is supported — third‑party drives will not work.
- The drive is not interchangeable with the original PS5’s internal drive.
- Works with both PS5 Pro Digital Edition and PS5 Pro Disc Edition (if you need a replacement).
⚠️ You must pair the drive to your console online once during setup — this links the disc drive to your PS5 Pro for security and DRM purposes.
🔧 How to Install the PS5 Pro Disc Drive
- Power off your PS5 Pro completely and unplug it.
- Remove the side faceplate on the disc‑drive side.
- Align the disc drive’s connector with the dedicated port.
- Gently press the drive into place until it clicks.
- Reattach the faceplate and plug the console back in.
- Power on your PS5 Pro — it should automatically detect the drive.
- Follow any on‑screen prompts to pair and update firmware.
(Source: Gameranx – How to Add a Disc Drive to the PS5 Pro)
🎮 Using the Disc Drive
Once installed:
- Insert discs label‑side up when the console is horizontal.
- From the PS5 home screen, the game or Blu‑ray icon appears automatically.
- You can eject discs using the eject button or via Options → Eject Disc in the menu.
🧰 Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Issue | Possible Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Disc not recognized | Firmware not updated | Check for system update & restart |
| Drive not detected | Improper installation | Re‑seat the drive and reconnect |
| Noisy or vibrating drive | Loose mounting | Ensure the drive is securely attached |
| Disc won’t eject | Software freeze | Hold eject button for 10 seconds |
| Frequent read errors | Dirty or scratched disc | Clean disc or test another one |
If problems persist, visit Sony’s Troubleshooting Guide or iFixit’s PS5 Disc Drive Repair Guide.
🧠 Tips for Longevity
- Keep the console in a well‑ventilated area to prevent overheating.
- Avoid moving the console while a disc is spinning.
- Use only clean, original discs — avoid damaged or pirated media.
- Regularly update your system firmware.
🧾 Final Thoughts
The PS5 Pro Disc Drive gives you the flexibility to enjoy both digital and physical gaming on Sony’s most powerful PlayStation yet.
It’s easy to install, secure through online pairing, and supports the full library of PS5 and PS4 discs — making it a must‑have for collectors and Blu‑ray enthusiasts.
Sources:
- PlayStation Support – PS5 Pro Compatibility Guide
- Digital Hub Blog – PS5 Pro Disc Drive Guide
- StatsPros – Which Disc Drive Fits PS5 Pro?
- Gameranx – How to Add a Disc Drive to the PS5 Pro
- LevelUpTalk – PS5 Pro Disc Drive Safety Concerns
Key Takeaways
- The PS5 Pro requires a separate $80 purchase for the disc drive accessory if you want to play physical games.
- The disc drive is compatible with both PS5 Pro and PS5 Digital Edition (slim model) consoles.
- Sony’s decision to sell the disc drive separately has received significant criticism from the gaming community.
PS5 Pro Overview
The PlayStation 5 Pro represents Sony’s mid-generation upgrade to their flagship console. It offers significant performance improvements while maintaining a similar design philosophy to the standard PS5, with some notable differences in hardware configuration and physical design.
Hardware Enhancements
The PS5 Pro features upgraded internals compared to the standard model. It’s powered by an enhanced AMD Ryzen CPU with more efficient processing capabilities. The GPU has received a substantial boost with an improved AMD Radeon graphics chip that delivers better ray tracing performance and more consistent frame rates at higher resolutions.
One of the most significant improvements is in the ray tracing department. The PS5 Pro’s Advanced Ray Tracing capabilities allow for more realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows in supported games.
The Ultra-High Speed SSD remains a cornerstone of the PS5 experience. Storage options include configurations up to 2TB, with the integrated I/O system maintaining the near-instant loading times PlayStation 5 users have come to expect.
Design and Build
The PS5 Pro maintains the distinctive aesthetic of the PlayStation 5 family but with some key differences. Most notably, the PS5 Pro doesn’t come with a built-in disc drive by default – it features a detachable disc drive that must be purchased separately.
This design choice has been controversial among gamers. Sony states this approach gives players choices, but many see it as an additional cost on top of the console’s $699 price tag.
The system doesn’t include a vertical stand in the base package either, requiring another separate purchase for those who prefer to position their console vertically. The dimensions remain similar to the original PS5, with the same striking white side panels and black center portion.
Despite these omissions, the PS5 Pro delivers crisp 4K graphics with vibrant colors and maintains the premium build quality expected from PlayStation hardware.
Gaming Experience and Ecosystem
The PS5 Pro offers an enhanced gaming experience despite the controversial decision to sell the console without an included disc drive. This design choice impacts how players access games and interact with Sony’s PlayStation ecosystem.
Game Compatibility and Formats
The PS5 Pro supports both physical and digital games, but requires an additional purchase for those wanting disc functionality. Players who own physical PS5 games must buy the optional external disc drive to use their existing collection. This additional cost (on top of the $699 price tag) has frustrated many gamers who prefer physical media.
Digital games purchased through the PlayStation Store work seamlessly on the PS5 Pro without any additional hardware. The console comes with enhanced specs including 16GB of memory to improve performance across all game formats.
The PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) technology uses AI-driven upscaling to enhance visuals for both disc-based and digital games. This feature works across the entire PS5 game library regardless of how games are accessed.
Online Services and Features
The PS5 Pro maintains compatibility with all PlayStation Network services while enhancing the online experience through improved hardware. The console features upgraded Wi-Fi and Ethernet capabilities for faster downloads and more stable online play.
Sony’s digital ecosystem remains central to the PS5 Pro experience, with PlayStation Store serving as the primary method for acquiring new games without a disc drive. PlayStation Direct has become increasingly important as Sony’s retail channel for both the console and its accessories.
The DualSense controller remains unchanged from the original PS5, maintaining feature parity across the PlayStation 5 family. Online multiplayer services, trophy systems, and cloud saves work identically between standard PS5 and PS5 Pro models.
PlayStation Plus subscribers benefit from the PS5 Pro’s improved performance in supported games, particularly those with enhanced graphics options or better frame rates in multiplayer environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
The PS5 Pro’s disc drive situation has left many gamers with questions about availability, compatibility, and features. Below are answers to the most common inquiries regarding the PS5 Pro disc drive based on current information.
Will the PS5 Pro feature an improved disc drive over the standard PS5?
The PS5 Pro does not include any major improvements to the disc drive technology itself. The disc drive is actually an optional add-on that uses the same technology as the PS5 Slim’s detachable drive.
This means the read speeds and capabilities remain largely unchanged from previous PlayStation 5 models. Sony has focused its hardware improvements on other aspects of the console rather than the disc drive.
What is the price range for the PS5 Pro with a disc drive?
The PS5 Pro base model is sold without a disc drive included. Consumers need to purchase the disc drive separately as an add-on peripheral.
The disc drive attachment typically costs around $80, which must be added to the PS5 Pro’s base price. This brings the total cost for a PS5 Pro with disc capabilities higher than the initial sticker price advertised by retailers.
Are there any notable hardware improvements in the PS5 Pro disc drive compared to its predecessor?
There are no significant hardware improvements in the PS5 Pro disc drive compared to earlier PS5 models. The drive is essentially the same component used in the PS5 Slim.
It uses the same connection interface and offers identical disc reading capabilities. The focus of the PS5 Pro’s improvements lies in its GPU, CPU, and memory rather than enhancing physical media playback.
What could be causing the PS5 Pro disc drive shortages in retail outlets?
Disc drive shortages for the PS5 Pro may stem from Sony’s strategic shift toward digital distribution. The company appears to be producing fewer disc drive units compared to console units.
Supply chain issues affecting electronics manufacturing globally could also be contributing to the limited availability. Additionally, the separate purchase model may have led to inventory management challenges for retailers who must stock both components.
Does the PS5 Pro offer a digital-only version, or is it available solely with a disc drive?
The PS5 Pro is primarily a digital-only console. Unlike the original PS5 launch that featured both Digital Edition and Disc Drive models, the Pro comes without a built-in disc drive in the box.
Users who want physical media capabilities must purchase the compatible disc drive separately and attach it to the console. This represents a significant shift in Sony’s approach to physical media.
How does the PS5 Pro’s disc drive impact the performance and gaming experience compared to the original PS5?
The PS5 Pro’s optional disc drive has no impact on gaming performance. Games run with the same enhanced graphics and speeds regardless of whether they’re installed from a disc or downloaded digitally.
The primary difference is in convenience and ownership. Physical discs allow gamers to trade, sell, or collect games, while also reducing storage space needed for installations. The disc drive also enables playing Blu-ray movies and backward compatibility with physical PS4 games.
