Gaming
Where to Sell Your Old PS5 or Xbox When You Upgrade
New console generation dropping? Here's how to actually get good money for your old PS5 or Xbox instead of settling for a lowball trade-in.
Where to Sell Your Old PS5 or Xbox When You Upgrade
Every console generation, the same thing happens. You've got your eye on the new system, but your current console still works perfectly fine. It just needs to go — and you want real money for it, not a $150 trade-in credit toward something you have to buy right now.
Here's an honest breakdown of your actual options, what they pay, and where the tradeoffs are.
The Real Numbers
A used PS5 typically sells between $350 and $600 depending on condition, accessories, and demand at the time. Xbox Series X/S consoles trend similarly, sometimes slightly lower given lower overall demand. The details matter: extra controllers, original box, and included games can meaningfully bump your final price.
Your Options, Ranked Honestly
Trade-In Programs (GameStop, Best Buy, Manufacturer Trade-In)
Fastest option, worst payout. You're trading convenience for a significant discount — often 40-60% below what you'd get selling directly to another gamer. Only worth it if you genuinely don't want to deal with listing, photos, or waiting for a buyer.
Buyback Sites (Decluttr, Gazelle-style services)
Slightly better than in-store trade-in, still wholesale pricing. You ship it in, they inspect it, they pay a set rate. Convenient, but you're leaving real money on the table compared to selling peer-to-peer.
eBay
Solid option with a huge buyer base and transparent sold comps so you can price accurately. The tradeoff: eBay charges real fees on every sale, you're responsible for the entire listing and buyer communication process, and shipping a console securely takes effort.
Facebook Marketplace
Zero fees and instant cash if you're selling locally — but you're on your own for safety. Meeting strangers for a $400 transaction with no buyer or seller protection is exactly the scenario that goes wrong often enough to matter. No recourse if a buyer tries to lowball you last minute, no-shows, or worse.
A Dedicated Gaming Marketplace
This is where ShareTheLoot fits in. It's built specifically for gaming gear — consoles, controllers, games, PC parts — with real buyer and seller protection built into every transaction. Funds are held securely until the buyer confirms they received exactly what was described, so you're not exposed to the classic Facebook Marketplace risks, and you're not paying eBay-style fees stacked on top of payment processing.
List your console with accurate condition details — what's included, current condition, any accessories — and reach buyers who are specifically looking for gaming gear, not general shoppers scrolling through unrelated listings.
Tips That Actually Increase Your Sale Price
- Include everything you have. Original box, extra controllers, and cables consistently add $30-50 to your final sale price compared to selling the console alone.
- Factory reset before listing. Remove your account, saved games, and payment methods. This is both a security requirement and something serious buyers expect to see mentioned.
- Bundle strategically. A console plus a couple of games and an extra controller sells faster and for more total money than listing everything separately.
- Be specific about condition. "Works great, minor scuff on the top panel" builds more buyer confidence than just "good condition." Specific details reduce back-and-forth questions and speed up your sale.
The Bottom Line
Trade-in convenience costs you real money. Facebook Marketplace saves on fees but adds real risk. eBay works, but fees and the DIY nature of it add friction. If you want a straightforward, protected way to sell directly to someone who actually wants a console — not a general marketplace shopper — a dedicated gaming platform solves both the pricing and safety problem at once.