The short answer: yes, but only one specific way

You can add a disc drive to a PS5 Digital Edition, but Sony sells only one official option: the PS5 Disc Drive, a standalone unit that attaches magnetically to the side of your console. It costs around $80 to $100 depending on where you buy it, and it works only with PS5 Digital consoles — not with the standard PS5 that already has a built-in drive. Once attached, it functions exactly like the disc drive in the standard PS5, letting you play physical games, movies, and audio CDs.

The catch is that this is not a permanent modification. The disc drive clicks on and off magnetically, so you can remove it if you want to travel with your console or if you decide you do not need it anymore. It does not require opening your PS5, installing internal components, or voiding your warranty.

Key Takeaways

  • Sony's official PS5 Disc Drive is the only way to add disc capability to a Digital Edition console, and it attaches magnetically to the side rather than installing inside.
  • The disc drive costs between $80 and $100 and is sold separately from the console, so budget for it as an additional purchase.
  • You can remove the disc drive at any time without tools or permanent changes to your console.
  • Third-party or modified disc drives do not work with PS5 consoles, and attempting to install one will damage your system or violate your warranty.

Where to buy the official PS5 Disc Drive

The PS5 Disc Drive is sold through major retailers: PlayStation Direct (Sony's own store), Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target all carry it. Prices are consistent across retailers at around $80 to $100, though occasional sales or bundle deals may appear during holiday periods or promotional events.

Availability can be inconsistent. If it shows as out of stock at one retailer, check others — stock levels vary by location and restocking happens regularly. You can also set up stock alerts on most retailer websites so you get notified when it comes back in.

Do not buy from third-party sellers on marketplaces unless they are the official retailer themselves. Counterfeit disc drives exist, and they will not work with your PS5 or may damage the console.

How to attach the disc drive to your PS5 Digital

The installation takes about one minute and requires no tools. First, power off your PS5 completely and unplug it from the wall. Locate the magnetic slot on the lower right side of your console — it is a small rectangular area with a subtle indentation.

Align the disc drive unit with the slot and push it firmly until you hear or feel a click. The magnetic connection is strong enough that the drive will not fall off during normal use, even if you move your console. Plug your PS5 back in, power it on, and the system will recognize the drive automatically — no software update or configuration needed.

To remove it, straightforward push the release button on the back of the disc drive unit or gently pull it away from the console. The magnetic connection releases easily by hand.

What you can and cannot do with the disc drive

Once attached, the disc drive lets you play physical PS5 games, PS4 games, Blu-ray movies, DVDs, and audio CDs. Your game library will show both digital and physical titles in the same place, and you can switch between them without removing the drive.

The drive does not add storage space to your console. Your PS5 Digital still has the same internal solid-state drive (SSD) as before — the disc drive only reads discs; it does not store anything. If you want to play a physical game, you still need enough free space on your internal drive to install it, just as you would with a digital purchase.

You cannot use the disc drive with a standard PS5 that already has a built-in drive. It is designed only for the Digital Edition. Attempting to attach it to a standard PS5 will not work and may damage the console.

Why the disc drive is separate instead of built-in

Sony released the PS5 Digital Edition in 2020 as a lower-cost option for players who buy games digitally. At the time, the company did not offer a separate disc drive because the technology and manufacturing were not ready. The standalone disc drive became available in 2023, about three years after the Digital Edition launched.

The magnetic attachment design lets Sony keep the console slim and lets you choose whether you need the drive at all. If you buy only digital games and never watch physical media, you can leave the drive off and save the $80 to $100. If you change your mind later, you can add it without replacing your entire console.

Cost comparison: Digital Edition plus disc drive versus standard PS5

A PS5 Digital Edition costs around $400 to $450, depending on current pricing and sales. Adding the official disc drive brings the total to roughly $480 to $550. A standard PS5 with the built-in disc drive costs around $500 to $550.

In most cases, buying a Digital Edition and adding the disc drive later costs about the same as buying a standard PS5 from the start. The advantage of the Digital Edition path is flexibility: you can buy the console now and add the drive later if you decide you need it, rather than paying for a drive you might never use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the disc drive work if I buy it used or refurbished?

Yes, as long as it is an official Sony PS5 Disc Drive. Used or refurbished units from reputable sellers work the same way as new ones. Avoid extremely cheap listings or sellers with no return policy, as counterfeit drives do exist and will not function with your console.

Can I use the disc drive on a PS5 Pro?

The PS5 Pro has a built-in disc drive, so you cannot attach the separate disc drive to it. If you own a PS5 Pro, the drive is already included and you do not need to buy one separately.

What happens if the disc drive breaks or stops working?

Sony covers the disc drive under the standard PS5 warranty, which is one year from purchase. If it fails within that period, you can contact PlayStation Support to arrange a replacement or repair. After the warranty expires, you can buy a replacement drive for the same $80 to $100 cost.

Do I need to update my PS5 software before using the disc drive?

No. The PS5 recognizes the disc drive automatically when you attach it, even if your system software is several versions old. The console may prompt you to update after you connect the drive, but this is optional for basic disc playback — you only need to update if you want the latest features or security patches.

Can I leave the disc drive attached all the time, or should I remove it when not in use?

You can leave it attached permanently with no negative effects. The magnetic connection is find, and the drive does not consume power when you are not using it. Remove it only if you want to travel with your console or prefer the slimmer appearance without it.