Sony is offering up to $400 for used PS5 consoles through a trade-in program handled by Back Market. The maximum applies to a standard PS5 with two DualSense controllers. Notifications are reaching some US owners through the PlayStation app, and Sony has not explained its reasoning.
Sony is offering up to $400 for used PS5 consoles through a trade-in promotion. In the U.S., the company is informing select PS5 owners about the program for unused consoles, with the payout depending on condition and accessories. Sony has started urging some owners to sell their consoles this way.
How the program works
Sony does not buy back hardware itself but redirects interested users to Back Market, a platform for selling used and refurbished electronics. Back Market handles the actual trade-in. It operates the program following a partnership Sony announced with the company in 2024. Sony has not separately announced a new PS5-specific promotional campaign.
What the $400 covers
The maximum of $400 is available only under certain conditions. It applies to a standard PlayStation 5 with two DualSense controllers and is a maximum, not a guaranteed price. Notebookcheck reports the estimate covers a PS5 Standard console with two or more controllers in Grade 0 condition. Push Square reports the most on offer is $400 for a base PS5 with two DualSense controllers, depending on overall condition.
App notifications
PlayStation is sending notifications to fans who have the PlayStation app on their phones. The messages say users can trade in their console and have money sent directly to their bank account. ResetEra user Jay_Horror spotted the message first. Reports describe the notifications as going to US players only, and no similar prompt has been confirmed for New Zealand or Australia.
Prices and possible motives
The PS5 initially cost $500. Consoles now cost $600 to $650 depending on the disc drive, and the PS5 Pro costs $900. IGN says used PS5 Pro consoles are being listed by resellers and retailers such as GameStop for as much as $1,400. IGN adds that buying a Pro at retail price has become difficult amid rising demand ahead of GTA 6.
IGN suggests Sony could be preparing for a hardware shortage, or could want pre-owned stock to resell at a lower price than a new unit. Sony has not officially confirmed its rationale for the promotion. GTA 6 has a November 19th release date and was expected to boost hardware revenue. Circana's Mat Piscatella has not seen evidence of that so far.
Microsoft's similar efforts
Microsoft previously launched a similar initiative offering Xbox owners the chance to sell their consoles. More recently, it encouraged gamers to trade in their Xbox Series X and S systems through Best Buy.
