I picked up a PS5 Pro last Christmas as a gift, and after a bit of research, decided to get the official disc drive addon. For me the draw was simple, physical discs keep things affordable. And there’s something nostalgic about building my own movie and game collection. Plus the PS5 makes it pretty easy to swap regions so I can access US Blu-rays. That’s super handy if you’re into collecting rare or exclusive editions. If you’re considering picking up the PS5 disc drive here’s a look at what you can expect, who it’s for, and whether it’s a worthy upgrade for your setup.
Why Add a Disc Drive to Your PS5?
Having a disc drive on your PS5 opens up a lot of possibilities. Physical games usually sell for cheaper than digital ones. There are sales, bundles, and plenty of second hand options around. Plus, you actually own the discs. And if you’re into movie collecting the drive doubles as a very capable Blu-ray player. I’m especially keen on collecting movies and you can change the region to region 1 to watch USA blu rays. Recently I have started collecting boutique labels like Scream Factory and Shout! Factory movie releases. If you want to have a look at it here is a link to the ps5 disc drive
When I’m not gaming and want to watch a movie I use my PS5 mostly for Region 1 (US) movies and lean on my Xbox for Region 2 (UK), so both systems have their place in my setup.
How the PS5 Disc Drive Works
If you’ve bought the digital PS5, Sony’s official disc drive lets you snap on physical media capabilities without buying a new console. The installation is straightforward. Slide off the side panel, slot the disc drive into place and secure it. After plugging it in the PS5 recognizes the drive immediately (as long as your firmware is up to date), so you’re set to play physical PS5 and PS4 games or watch DVDs, Blu-rays, and UHD Blu-rays.
- Easy Setup: Takes just a few minutes. No complex tools or steps required.
- Plays PS5/PS4 Discs: Great if you have a backlog of physical games or want to buy used discs to save cash.
- Blu-ray Support: Handles standard and 4K UHD Blu-rays, letting you get the most from your home theater setup.
One thing to keep in mind: the drive is only for the latest PS5 models (the “Slim” refresh released in late 2023 and beyond). If you own the launch model, it won’t fit. For the current models it’s a awesome piece of tech.
Buying Games: Disc vs. Digital
Games on disc have always been appealing because of sales, resale value, and the option to lend to friends or trade in for new titles.
On the other hand, digital is super convenient for instant access. No swapping discs, just click and play. But in my experience, there’s something satisfying about seeing your whole collection lined up on the shelf. If you’re a bargain hunter or collector the disc drive pays for itself quickly, especially if you hunt for good used deals or trade older games for new releases. Digital only buyers lose out on trading, sharing, and the joy of hunting for deals in person.
Is the PS5 Disc Drive Good for Movies?
The PS5 disc drive does a great job as a Blu-ray and 4K UHD player. Like what I have said above it’s an awesome bit of kit. Visual quality is crisp. There are no compression artifacts that you get with streaming, and HDR support makes a noticeable difference on modern TVs. I use the PS5 mostly for US region discs by switching the region setting. but if you’ve built up a collection over the years, it’s a convenient way to keep using those discs.
Key Features I Find Super Useful
- Region Flexibility: You can change your PS5’s Blu-ray region up to four times. Collecting discs from different countries works if you plan ahead.
- Quiet Operation: The drive is quieter than my old PS4 Pro’s disc drive, especially during movie playback.
- Space Saving: The new “Slim” PS5 consoles are compact, and the disc drive fits nicely, so it doesn’t stick out next to other gear. This makes setting up your entertainment centre easier.
Possible Downsides to Know About
- Requires a “Slim” PS5: It works only with the newer models starting late 2023, not the original PS5.
- Not Swap Friendly: If you share a drive among multiple household consoles, this won’t work. Each drive stays linked to one PS5.
- Extra Cost: At £70, it’s not exactly cheap, but if you buy even a handful of games or movies, it can save money in the long run.
FAQs About the PS5 Disc Drive
Is it worth getting a disc drive for PS5?
If you’re into buying games second hand, trading old titles, or collecting movies, having a disc drive saves money and gives more options. For all digital buyers who never use physical discs, it’s less useful.
What is the best PS5 with disc drive?
The best model with a disc drive is the PS5 Slim with the official detachable drive. It covers all the main features: game discs, movie playback, 4K UHD support, while staying compact. The launch PS5 with a built-in disc drive is still great, but the newer model is easier to find and often runs cooler and quieter.
Is the PS5 disc drive good for movies?
Absolutely, it delivers great playback for Blu-rays and UHD discs. Video and sound quality rival dedicated players. It’s a solid pick for both casual and serious movie fans. Having a single device that handles gaming and movies makes the entertainment centre less cluttered and more efficient.
Is the PS5 better with a disc or without a disc?
This really depends on your buying habits. If you like swapping games, saving on used sales, or building a physical library (movies included), go with the disc drive. If you’re all-in on digital and don’t mess with movie discs, sticking to the digital console keeps things simple and saves a bit of cash up front. Think about your game-buying style, your movie habits, and what kind of collector you are.
Who Should Grab the PS5 Disc Drive?
Collectors, bargain hunters, and movie buffs will get the most out of the disc drive. Anyone who likes flexibility whether for region switching movies or trimming costs with used games will find it handy. If your shelves are already packed with Blu-rays and PlayStation discs, making the drive part of your setup is super practical. Even libraries and classrooms using PS5s for media could get extra life and savings from physical media options.
Digital-only players who stream everything or buy games online probably won’t miss the drive. But for me, it adds lots of value by letting me watch obscure or region locked movies and scoop up cheap used games whenever I find them. Having the ability to flex between digital and disc games makes for a versatile and budget-friendly setup as well.
Final Thoughts
Owning the disc drive made my PS5 Pro more than just a gaming machine; it’s now the centre piece of my game and movie setup. With physical media prices dropping and collectors’ editions on the rise, the drive helps me save money and build a collection I can enjoy offline too. If you like tracking down rare movies, enjoy the satisfaction of a stacked game shelf, or just want to keep your entertainment flexible, the PS5 disc drive is definitely worth checking out. For anyone who gets a thrill out of hunting for new discs and stacking up their library, it’s a must have addition to the PlayStation experience.