How and Where to Sell a PS4 For the Most Cash

With the new PS5 on the horizon, you may be thinking of getting one for yourself. But with an estimated price tag of about $500, that’s a tall order. Until you realize something spectacular: the PS5 has backward compatibility.

Almost everything you play on your current PS4, you can continue to enjoy on the new console. Selling your PS4 is your ticket to experiencing everything the next generation of consoles has to offer. But you need to maximize your profit to get your savings started on the right foot.

With so many options available, the right choice can be elusive. Here’s where to sell PS4 consoles for the most cash.

1. Secure Your Playstation Account

Remember that your personal information is linked to your PS4. Before selling it off for a quick buck, you’ll want to wipe the console clean of any lingering data. Otherwise, the new owners could have access to your PlayStation account.

First, head to the Settings menu, find Account Management, then press “X” on deactivate. This will unlink your PlayStation account from the device.

For extra security, complete a factory reset by restarting your PS4. Return to the Settings menu, find Initialization and choose Full. After a few hours, the PS4 will be back to its default state, ready for a new owner.

With the software out of the way, turn to the hardware. A PS4 can come in different conditions, just like a used vehicle. Take note of any physical damage or missing pieces, as selling your PS4 without disclosing technical problems can come back to bite you.

To guarantee an accurate, worthwhile sale, make sure you know which version of the console you own. A PS4 comes in four different varieties, and you’ll receive different payments for each.

In addition to the PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro, there are two different base PS4s: the first has a glossy exterior while the second is composed of plastic.

If you’d like more information about preparing your PS4 for sale, check out our in-depth article.

2. Where to Sell PS4 Consoles

Now that your PS4 is wiped, you’re ready to pass it along to someone who can continue its legacy. But where, exactly, should you sell your prized possession?

From online marketplaces like eBay to trade-in services, you’ve got a few options.

Trade-In Service

There’s no doubt that the easiest way to sell your PS4 is to go through a trade-in service. It’s as simple as bringing your console to a brick-and-mortar store.

The entire process is automated. You get in, you receive a predetermined offer, and you walk out. A trade-in service will normally pay you extra if you keep the funds as in-store credit.

And if you’re selling a PS4 to upgrade to a PS5 later on, it makes sense to keep everything in-store. There’s no reason to leave money on the table.

At some stores, the associates will not look at the condition of your PS4 right away.  But don’t lie. When they look later on, they’ll simply pay you less if the console’s condition isn’t as described.

Rates of compensation vary across the industry. In some cases, selling direct-to-consumer will net you more money. But if you’re using the right trade-in business, you can walk away with a small fortune — all without worrying about shipping fees or finding a buyer.

Online Marketplace

You can sell PS4 consoles on places like eBay and Craigslist. With this option, you could have more control over the final sale price of your console. Plus, it’s a decent alternative if you’re really against in-store credit bonuses.

You’ll start by taking high-quality pictures of your PS4 to showcase its condition. Once you make your listing, you can demand a flat price on eBay or Craigslist. And after completing the sale, you’ll have to worry about the shipping costs unless the buyer lives nearby or you force the expenses on them.

Take a look at recent PS4 listings on eBay to get a good idea of what your set is worth. From here, it’s up to you if you want to deal with the extra work that comes with using an online marketplace rather than a trade-in service. 

3. Where to Sell a Broken PS4

Do you have an old PS4 that stopped working years ago? You can still collect some dividends off this investment. People looking to save a penny on fixing their own PS4 — or trying to revitalize yours — will be happy to buy a bricked machine to scrap it for parts.

The easiest way to sell a broken PS4 is to go through an online marketplace. Many people head to eBay looking for cheap, broken devices they can flip for a profit. Just make sure your description and title inform potential buyers that, yes, this PS4 is inoperable.

Some trade-in services will accept broken devices, but the list is small. Search around in your local area to find recycling opportunities. And, if anything else, take your old device to a recycling center so its rare components and minerals can be used once again.

Make a Splash With PS4 Cash

Ultimately, it’s your choice if you want to sell through a marketplace or at a brick-and-mortar retailer. For the best results, research trade-in values and going rates across eBay. Then, consider what the extra effort of selling it yourself is worth.

At Recharge Electronics, we offer the highest cash value for your trade-in to keep things simple for you. If you want to know where to sell PS4 consoles, take a look at our trade-in cash payouts. With payments this high, the choice is simple.