Sony’s recently unveiled PS5 Pro, priced at $700, has stirred up significant discussion due to its decision to exclude a built-in disc drive, offering it instead as an $80 add-on. According to Sony, this move is part of their effort to “give players choices.” Toshi Aoki, a senior principal product manager at Sony, elaborated that the new model is packed with technological advancements, such as a two-terabyte SSD and Wi-Fi 7, while the disc drive is merely an optional accessory for players who may not need it.
This rationale, however, raises eyebrows among many gamers, particularly those who already own physical copies of PS5 games. Aoki’s acknowledgement that “most players may” already have a collection of physical games complicates the narrative, suggesting that for these players, the choice to purchase a disc drive feels more like an additional expense than a genuine option.
Critics argue that if the PS5 Pro had included the disc drive, it would likely have pushed the price even higher than the current $700 tag. The lack of a bundled drive also seems to indicate a shift toward digital consumption, potentially alienating long-time fans of physical media. As digital gaming continues to rise, players who prefer tangible copies may feel compelled to pay an unexpected “disc tax” simply to access their existing library.
The situation is exacerbated by ongoing stock issues for the disc drives, which have faced shortages even before the pre-orders for the PS5 Pro began. This scenario leaves early adopters scrambling to secure this essential accessory, all while potentially spending over $800 just to access their game collections.
Overall, Sony’s decision to decouple the disc drive from the PS5 Pro highlights a strategic pivot that aligns with the growing trend toward digital gaming. However, this move may alienate a substantial segment of the player base who value the option of physical media. As the gaming landscape evolves, it remains to be seen how this decision will affect player sentiment and Sony’s market position.
