Sony’s PS5 Pro Signals the End of Disc Drives

With the release of the PS5 Pro, Sony appears to be edging toward a future where physical disc drives may become obsolete. The new PS5 Pro requires a separate disc drive if players wish to use physical game discs, potentially laying the groundwork for an all-digital gaming ecosystem.

Yesterday, Sony unveiled the highly anticipated PS5 Pro, priced at $699.99. While the console boasts impressive specs and a higher price tag, it’s the first PlayStation model that necessitates a separate disc drive for physical games, indicating a possible departure from traditional disc-based gaming.

Sony has been gradually nudging consumers in this direction with its previous disc-free offerings, like the PS5 “Slim,” which was available both with and without an attachable disc drive. However, with the PS5 Pro, players will need to purchase a separate disc drive for $79.99, or use one from a PS5 Slim.

Microsoft is also adopting a similar approach. The Xbox Series S, which doesn’t support discs, has already carved out a spot in the all-digital market. Additionally, a disc-free version of the Xbox Series X is expected to launch later this year. Last year’s major Xbox leak also revealed a new design for an entirely digital version of the Series X, hinting that a disc-free future is on the horizon for Microsoft as well.

It seems increasingly likely that both Sony and Microsoft are testing the waters for a future where digital downloads dominate, especially with the next generation of consoles. Much like Apple’s removal of the disc drive from its devices years ago, this transition could be inevitable.

However, it’s not just the console makers pushing this trend. Retailers are gradually stepping away from physical media, with companies like Best Buy discontinuing physical movie sales, and Target significantly reducing its in-store DVD inventory. While movies aren’t video games, it’s not a huge stretch to imagine that physical video game sales could be phased out in brick-and-mortar stores as well. In fact, UK retailer Game has already ceased video game trade-ins.

Personally, I have mixed feelings about this shift. While I’ve moved entirely to digital games for convenience and lack of storage space, I understand the concerns around digital-only ownership. Discs provide a level of control and access to games that digital copies can’t always guarantee. If a company delists a game, or if you lose access to your account, the inability to play your purchased games can be frustrating.

It will likely be a few more years before we see the full extent of this digital transformation, possibly with the release of the next PlayStation and Xbox consoles. Microsoft’s CEO, Phil Spencer, recently stated that the company’s strategy does not hinge on moving entirely digital, though the majority of its customers are already purchasing games online. This suggests it might only be a matter of time before disc drives become obsolete.

For now, if you’re planning to invest in the PS5 Pro and prefer physical games, you’ll need to account for the additional $79.99 cost of the disc drive.