Sony and Xbox Offer Big Trade‑In Deals
In normal times, console makers regularly cut the price of their latest hardware to boost sales, but Sony recently sent an alert to PS5 owners offering up to $400 for trading in their console, a move that surprised many.
The alert, titled “Trade in your PS5 console for up to $400,” went out on November 2, and a screenshot of it was shared on the gaming forum ResetEra. “Enjoy simple, hassle‑free service if you choose to trade in with Back Market,” the announcement read. “If you’re ready to sell your console, you could soon receive a cash payment into your nominated bank account. Find out how much you could get today.”
The deal seemed surprisingly good, even though getting the full $400 required sending in two DualSense controllers. The all‑digital PS5 launched at $400 in 2020, but the official price has risen to $600, while used PS5s on eBay now sell for around $435. going for around $435. Rarely do third‑party refurbishment offers come close to lone‑seller prices.
Xbox has been similarly aggressive, pinging dormant Xbox Series X/S owners with up to $375 trade‑in offers. Both companies aim to clear inventory before the release of Grand Theft Auto 6, ensuring consoles find active players rather than sit unused.
If you own a PS5 Pro, you’re in luck: GameStop lists used units for up to $1,400, but selling directly can yield far more than trading in to the “meme stock” chain.