Several PS5 Slim users are reporting its disc drive is malfunctioning due to the latest firmware update. Players are unable to play or install discs after the update is installed. However, there does appear to be a fix, so it’s not as dire as it may seem.
Players can’t install or play discs on PS5 Slim models after update
Issues with PS5 Slim disc drives were reported soon after the update launch. X (formerly Twitter) user @JB_LV426 presented a screen showing their disc was unreadable. They did confirm it is due to a disc drive update, and it had worked prior to the update. However, they did say a hard reset clears the issue. It is not yet known if this is the current overall fix for others experiencing this problem.
Another PS5 Slim owner detailed their experience with a malfunctioning disc drive in a Reddit thread. User theclickhere says they received a validation error mid game and the console ejected their disc. They were able to insert the disc afterwards and kept on playing without any other issues.
Was just a software update, followed by a disk drive update then controller update and yes have the slim model, it worked no problem before updates but after the update it wouldn’t read disks but after a hard reset it’s worked fine since— jamie (@JB_LV426) September 17, 2024
It does not seem like the bug is affecting every PS5 Slim player, but it seems widespread enough for it to be problem.
I personally haven’t had issues with the disc drive, but I do have the launch model. The error may stem from the detachable hard drive, which are included with PS5 Slim disc drive models, which does require an online connection to set up.
It seems this is the same update that has plagued PS5 players with graphical issues for select games. Players were reporting visual glitches and stutters in games like Death Stranding and Final Fantasy XVI. Square Enix is currently working with Sony Interactive Entertainment to solve the issue.