Sony Interactive Entertainment has seemingly given the boot to the controversial Internet requirement for the PS5 Disc Drive with the latest model of the system, labelled CFI-2116.
The PS5 Disc Drive can be purchased separately and is compatible with the PS5 Pro and the newer slimmer version of the PS5 Digital-Only Edition, but had to be connected to the Internet in order to pair it to your console the first time. However, as noted by Zuby_Tech on X, it appears that this requirement has now been removed for the latest PS5 mode via a new firmware update for the system.
The PS5 Disc Drive was actually so popular during its initial release back in late 2023 that it sold out, resulting in scalpers taking advantage of the situation by buying up stock and reselling them at inflated prices.
Sony originally launched the PS5 back in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic in November 2020, with the system selling out of its initial stock quickly. However, due to a shortage of manufacturing components brought on by COVID-19, it became increasingly difficult to restock the system and it didn’t become readily available for nearly two years.