The PS5 Pro Does Not Come With a Disc Drive
The PlayStation 5 Pro, released in November 2024, ships without a built-in disc drive. If you want to play physical game discs, movies, or other disc media on the PS5 Pro, you must buy the Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive separately and attach it to the console's dedicated port on the back.
This is different from the standard PS5, which comes in two versions: one with a disc drive built in, and one without (the Digital Edition). The Pro model follows the Digital Edition approach — it arrives disc-free, and the drive is optional.
Sony sells the disc drive as a standalone accessory. You do not need any special tools or technical knowledge to install it; it connects magnetically and clicks into place on the rear of the console.
Key Takeaways
- The PS5 Pro does not include a disc drive in the box; you must purchase it separately if you own physical games or media.
- The Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive attaches to a port on the back of the PS5 Pro and installs without tools in under a minute.
- The disc drive works with PS5 games on disc, PS4 games on disc, and Ultra HD Blu-ray movies, but not with older PlayStation formats.
- If you own only digital games or plan to buy only digital games, you do not need the disc drive at all.
What the PS5 Pro Disc Drive Does and Does Not Play
The Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive plays three types of media: PS5 games on disc, PS4 games on disc, and Ultra HD Blu-ray movies. It does not play PS3, PS2, PS1, or original PlayStation discs, and it does not play standard DVDs or regular Blu-rays (only the Ultra HD version).
When you insert a disc, the console reads it and either launches the game or movie, or prompts you to read the game if it requires additional files beyond what is on the disc. For PS4 games, the console may ask you to update the software before play begins.
The drive is read-only — you cannot burn or record to discs using it. It is designed only to read what is already on the disc.
How to Install the Disc Drive on Your PS5 Pro
The disc drive attaches to the back of the PS5 Pro where a dedicated port sits. Power off the console and unplug it before you begin. Locate the port on the rear panel — it is clearly marked and sits near the bottom of the back panel.
Align the disc drive with the port and push it straight in until you hear or feel a click. The magnetic connection holds it in place. Plug the console back in and power it on. The system will recognize the drive automatically; no setup or configuration is required.
Removal is equally straightforward: power off the console, press the release button or lever on the drive (depending on the model revision), and pull it straight out. You can swap the drive on and off as needed without damaging the console or the drive.
Cost and Where to Buy the Disc Drive
Sony prices the Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive at $79.99 USD. Prices vary by region and retailer. The drive is sold through Sony's official PlayStation Direct store, major electronics retailers like Best Buy and Amazon, and other authorized sellers.
Stock and availability vary. Some retailers have experienced shortages at launch, so checking multiple sources before purchasing is common. The drive is not bundled with the PS5 Pro — it is always sold separately.
If you are buying a PS5 Pro and already own physical games, budget for the disc drive cost in addition to the console price.
Digital Games vs. Physical Games on PS5 Pro
You can play digital games on the PS5 Pro without a disc drive. Digital games are purchased through the PlayStation Store and downloaded directly to the console's storage. Once downloaded, they run the same way whether you own the disc drive or not.
Physical games require the disc drive to launch, but they still read additional files to the console after you insert the disc. The disc acts as a license verification and content source, not as the sole location of the game data.
Many players own a mix of both. If you have a library of physical PS5 or PS4 games, you need the disc drive to access them. If your collection is entirely digital, or if you plan to buy only digital games going forward, the disc drive is not necessary.
Comparing PS5 Pro to Other PlayStation 5 Models
| Model | Disc Drive Included | Disc Drive Available Separately | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS5 Pro | No | Yes ($79.99) | 2 TB |
| PS5 Standard (original) | Yes | N/A | 825 GB |
| PS5 Digital Edition | No | Yes ($79.99) | 825 GB |
The PS5 Pro is the newest model and includes the most storage. Its disc drive situation mirrors the PS5 Digital Edition — both ship without a drive, and both can add one later. The original PS5 Standard came with a disc drive built in and cannot remove it.
If you already own a PS5 Digital Edition disc drive, it is not compatible with the PS5 Pro. The Pro uses a different port design, so you would need to purchase the PS5 Pro-specific disc drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a PS5 Digital Edition disc drive on the PS5 Pro?
No. The PS5 Digital Edition and PS5 Pro use different port designs on the back of the console. The drives are not interchangeable. If you upgrade from a PS5 Digital Edition to a PS5 Pro and want to play discs, you must buy the PS5 Pro disc drive separately.
What happens if I insert a disc into the PS5 Pro without the disc drive attached?
You cannot insert a disc at all without the drive attached. There is no slot on the console itself. The disc drive is the only way to read physical media on the PS5 Pro.
Do I need the disc drive if I only play digital games?
No. If your entire game library is digital — purchased through the PlayStation Store — you do not need the disc drive. The console plays digital games without it. You only need the drive if you own physical game discs or want to watch Ultra HD Blu-ray movies.
Can the PS5 Pro disc drive play regular DVDs or standard Blu-rays?
No. The drive plays only PS5 games on disc, PS4 games on disc, and Ultra HD Blu-ray movies. Standard DVDs and regular Blu-rays are not supported.
Is the disc drive worth buying if I have only a few physical games?
That depends on your situation. If you own physical games you want to play, the drive is necessary — there is no other way to access them on the PS5 Pro. If you have only one or two discs and plan to buy digital games from now on, you might decide the $79.99 cost is not worth it for occasional use.