Sony Offers $400 Trade-In for Unused PS5 Consoles

Image: Push Square

Sony is sending out notifications to PS5 players in the US, encouraging them to trade-in their console for cash if they’re not using it.

The programme – which runs through a third-party named Back Market – promises up to $400 for a base PS5 console with two DualSense controllers, depending on their overall condition.

Microsoft recently sent out a similar email to Xbox Series X|S customers, encouraging them to offload any consoles they’re not currently playing.

Here’s a look at Sony’s message, courtesy of ResetEra:

So, why is this happening?

Well, we’re in unprecedented times, and the price of new consoles has rocketed.

Moreover, the memory crisis has dramatically reduced stock – it’s quite difficult to get a PS5 Pro these days, even if standard systems may still be readily available.

But the real reason is there’s no money in a dormant device.

If someone buys a second-hand console, there’s a good chance they’ll purchase GTA 6 through the PS Store and a PS Plus subscription – that’s potential cash in Sony’s pocket which it wouldn’t have earned if the console sat in a storage unit gathering dust.

It is really strange to see console manufacturers promoting trade-ins like this, and of course they’d rather you use your system everyday and make purchases within their ecosystem.

But if you’re not, it seems companies want you to offload your console, so someone else can pick them up and hopefully spend some money.