Jumping in here because I went through the same SSD anxiety back when I first started upgrading my storage. People argue about heatsinks all day but for a Pro model... you really want that extra cooling if you're pushing high frames for hours. I personally wouldn't risk running a naked drive in there long term. Heres what I'd focus on with that 200 bucks:

• If you decide to add storage later, get the Samsung 990 PRO 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD with Heatsink. It fits the slot perfectly and the built-in sink is way better than trying to DIY a cheap one.
• Since the disc drive is a ghost right now, maybe grab a solid headset instead. The Sony Pulse Elite Wireless Headset is a massive upgrade for 3D audio compared to standard speakers.
• Dont skip a high-quality cable if your setup is tricky. The Zeskit Maya 8K 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 Cable is what I use to keep my 4K/120Hz signal stable. Honestly just focus on what improves the experience today while you wait for restocks. Itll save you a lot of headache.

@Reply #2 - good point! Heat is definitely the enemy of performance, especially on a machine this pricey. Honestly tho, people spend way too much on the fancy branded accessories when you can save a ton of cash on the basics that actually matter daily. If you got 200 bucks left, dont blow it all on one thing just because it looks shiny on the shelf. In my experience, the biggest quality of life upgrade is having a second controller ready to go. You dont want to be stuck waiting for a charge when you just sat down to play. Plus, some small ergonomic tweaks make a huge difference for long sessions. Here is what I would actually grab right now:

• Sony DualSense Wireless Controller Midnight Black
• Essential for when the first one dies or for couch co-op. Usually runs about 75 bucks.
• KontrolFreek Performance Thumbsticks Galaxy for PlayStation 5
• These are like 20 bucks and honestly, once you use them, the stock sticks feel way too small. Better grip and better aim.
• UGREEN Cat 8 Ethernet Cable 10ft
• If youre downloading 100GB+ games on that 2TB drive, do yourself a favor and hardwire it. The Pro has a 10Gb port so you might as well use it. Basically, you can get all that and still have a hundred bucks left over for a new game or some DLC. Ive tried many setups over the years and the most expensive gear doesnt always make the experience better. Stick to the stuff that actually affects your hands-on time... everything else is just extra noise.

Honestly dont panic about the disc drive for now if you cant find one... most of my library is digital anyway and the 2TB internal storage is a solid start. If you are planning on keeping it vertical tho, you gotta grab the Sony PlayStation 5 Vertical Stand since it doesnt come in the box anymore. Its about 30 bucks and I have been super happy with how sturdy it feels. For the SSD thing, people overthink it. I have been using the Western Digital WD_BLACK SN850X 1TB NVMe SSD with Heatsink and it runs like a dream. Getting one with the heatsink already attached is just way easier than messing with thermal pads. If you have cash left, the Sony PlayStation 5 DualSense Charging Station is a total life saver. It looks clean and works well every time I am done gaming for the night.