Sony caps external PS5 disc drive purchases to one per order amid high demand

Sony announced that sales of the external PlayStation 5 disc drive on PlayStation Direct are limited to one unit per customer, citing "high demand" as the reason. The restriction, which has been in place since at least November 2023, remains despite the company’s upcoming shift to digital‑only game releases beginning January 2028. Under the new policy, only a single drive can be ordered per person to curb scalpers and manage supply constraints.

Sony’s broader strategy aims to end the production of new physical PS5 games after the 2028 deadline, while existing disc titles will continue to be available and may be re‑produced on demand. The company says the limitation does not reflect a technical shortage of the drives but a controlled response to a strained supply chain. The move affects PlayStation owners worldwide who rely on the external drive to play existing disc libraries.

The announcement has prompted discussion among gamers about the future of physical media, with some noting that the hardware will become a niche product as the industry moves toward digital distribution.