Sony Restocks the PS5 Disc Drive

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As a seasoned gamer with memories of swapping floppy disks and CD-ROMs in the early days, I find the PS5 Disc Drive to be a necessary addition to my gaming arsenal. The convenience of physical media, the ability to resell games, and the added value as an entertainment hub make it worth the investment.

When the PS5 Pro was unveiled, it wasn’t just the cost that sparked debate among buyers. They also discovered that the advanced console wouldn’t have a detachable disc drive add-on, meaning players could only access games they had downloaded digitally.

Fortunately, Sony has recently restocked their disc drive, compatible with both the regular and slim digital versions of the PS5. This item retains its original price of $79.99. Given its scarcity, potential buyers are advised to act swiftly as it may not stay in stock for long.

Is the PS5 Disc Drive Really Needed?

Buying games from the PS Store is indeed hassle-free, as it just takes a few clicks and eliminates the need for store visits or shipment waits. However, the downside is that once you finish or decide not to play a game, you can’t resell it like you could with physical copies. Moreover, finding discounted games in their physical form tends to be simpler. The PS5 drive accessory offers more than just playing discs; it provides additional benefits as well.

Due to the rise in streaming media players, sales of Blu-ray discs have declined significantly. However, it’s worth noting that the PS5 and PS5 Pro are often overlooked as home entertainment systems. In late 2023, these consoles will receive an update, which will allow Dolby Atmos support. Although Dolby Vision is still pending, the combination of HDR and surround sound offers a genuine cinematic experience. After purchasing the necessary add-on, PlayStation gamers can enjoy 4K Ultra Blu-ray and older disc formats.

Installing a PS5 Disc Drive isn’t as simple as snapping it onto your console, but it’s not overly complicated if you follow Sony’s guidelines. You’ll need to remove the console’s original cover first, and the drive will attach using a post and clips. Once attached, you can put the new cover back on to maintain the console’s sleek appearance. The PS5 Pro 30th Anniversary Edition has an extra step due to its alternate gray-colored cover, but it comes with the console. While scalpers might not be targeting regular PS5 Pro models, this limited edition is a more attractive target due to its exclusivity.

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.

Interestingly, contrary to what some might expect, securing a PS5 Pro has not been particularly challenging. The popularity of its disc drive, despite this, suggests that traditional game media is still quite vibrant. Some gamers may have worried that the advent of the PS5 Pro signaled the demise of physical games. However, even with Microsoft launching a digital Series X, many big-name console games continue to be offered in a tangible format.

If the PS5 Disc Drive becomes hard to find once more, there’s no need to pay above the suggested retail price. Instead, consider getting the PS5 Slim model, which currently has a discounted holiday price. This latest Sony console boasts impressive upgrades such as a GPU that smoothly runs PS5 Pro Upgraded games at higher resolutions and frame rates. However, given the significant increase in cost for only moderate performance improvements, the value of the PS5 Pro becomes debatable, especially when it can no longer play discs.

For gamers who opt for a digital experience, storage constraints could potentially be an issue. However, there are some appealing discounts available on PS5 hard drives, which are essential console add-ons. The Lexar 4TB NM790 SSD not only complies with Sony’s speed requirements but also significantly increases the capacity of your PS5 game library.

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2024-12-17 21:53