PS5 Slim Disc Drive

Each PlayStation console since the PlayStation 2 has had its own Slim counterpart be released with a smaller, sleeker design as well as new features. And as of November 2023 we now have the PS5 Slim, the newest PlayStation console release.

The PS5 Slim boasts the ability to swap disc drives between both the digital and the disc versions, as well as having a new case design. Let’s review how this new disc drive swapping feature works as well as how to get your disc drive working.

Swapping Disc Drives Between Disc Version Consoles

As we mentioned before, with the PS5 Slim you will find two different versions - the disc version and the digital version. The disc version simply includes a disc drive while the digital version lacks the disc drive. The best thing about this new Slim console is that Sony made it extremely easy to swap the disc drive out between both versions, so you can either play disc games or not, depending on what you want to do. If you bought a digital version and later decide you want to be able to use discs, you can! You don’t even need any soldering experience or any tools to achieve this.

We also found out that if you have two PS5 Slim disc versions, you can swap out the disc drives between the two without any issues. All you have to do is take out the disc drive from one console, put it into the other console, and register it through the system’s prompts, and bam! You’ll have it working in no time. You can see a detailed process on how to do this in this video from our YouTube channel:

Adding A Disc Drive To A Digital Version Console

If you have a digital PS5 Slim and want to install a disc drive into it to be able to play physical games, we’ve got you covered! The process has never been easier before. All you need is your console, the disc drive you want to use, and this tutorial. No need for screwdrivers or any soldering equipment.

Here’s how you do it:

1. Turn the PS5 Slim off and unplug it from its power source. Also allow it time to cool down if it was used for a period of time (it will be hot right after continuous use).
2. Once it has cooled down, put the PS5 Slim on a flat surface with the front side facing down.
3. Pull up on the bigger case piece, and then slide it up and off.
4. Take the disc drive and put the front end down first, then push down on the back until it it’s securely in place.
5. Take the disc drive compatible faceplate and put the back tabs in first, then push down on the top until you hear it snap into place.

Be careful when you remove and replace the case of the PS5 Slim because you don't want to break the tabs off that attach it to the console. Scroll back up and click on the video if you want to see us show you the removal and replacement process.

How To Register A Disc Drive

Now that you have the disc drive installed, you will have to register it to your device. If you don’t, then you won’t be able to put discs in and it will otherwise look like the disc drive is not working. It’s also worth noting that you will need to be connected to a network to register the drive, so make sure that you are able to connect to the internet before attempting to do so.

To register your disc drive, all you have to do is follow the instructions that the PS5 prompts you with:

1. First, you will get a screen that says “Your disc drive is connected to your PS5. To use your disc drive, register it to your PS5.” From there you will hit OK. (It may prompt you to update the system software, which you will also have to do. Once that is finished, it will bring you back to the screen telling you to register the disc drive to your console.)
2. After you hit OK, there will be a screen saying “Registering your disc drive…” which will last for a few moments while it gets your disc drive set up with your device.
3. You will then get a screen saying “You can now use your disc drive with your PS5.” It will also tell you how to safely remove the disc drive if you decide to in the future.

Future Updates

There is a possibility that as new updates come out for the PS5 Slim there may be changes to how disc drive swapping will work. This is something to keep in mind as you swap disc drives between consoles. It’s very easy to do now but that may change later on.

Additional Help

If you have any questions about PS5 Slims or PS5s in general, a great place to go to is the TronicsFix Forum. There you can find hundreds of posts about PS5s as well as advice from fixers all around the world who also share a love for video game consoles. It's a great place to go to learn about how to fix things on your console.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a reliable professional to get one of your consoles repaired, we greatly recommend the company ShaneFix.

About the Author

Kirstyn Bahnmiller is a writer, graphic designer, and video editor for TronicsFix who loves to share her ideas and creativity with the world. In her off time you will find her working on various crafts, making digital art, taking photos, and cooking delicious recipes she found online.