Can I Trade My PS4 for Money?
The short answer is – absolutely! Trading in your PS4 is a great way to get some solid cash or store credit, especially if you‘re looking to put that money towards a new console like the PS5. In this detailed guide, I‘ll provide everything you need to know to trade in your Playstation 4 for the maximum payout.
How Much Can You Get for Trading In Your PS4?
The amount of money you can receive when trading in your used PS4 depends on several key factors:
- Which PS4 model you have
- The storage capacity
- The condition and completeness
- Any included games and accessories
- Current market trade-in value cycles
To give you a sense of what kind of cash we‘re talking about, here are the current trade-in ranges for popular PS4 models across major retailers:
| Model | Storage | Condition | Trade In Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS4 Slim | 500GB | Good | $100 – $140 |
| PS4 Slim | 1TB | Like New | $130 – $180 |
| PS4 Pro | 1TB | Good | $170 – $220 |
Keep in mind these values fluctuate frequently based on market demand, new console releases, promotions and other factors.
How Trade In Values Decline Over a Console‘s Lifecycle
To demonstrate how trade values typically diminish as a console ages, here‘s a look at average PS4 trade in prices over time:
| Time Since Launch | PS4 500GB Trade In Value |
|---|---|
| Launch Month | $300+ |
| 1 year | $275 |
| 2 years | $200 |
| 3 years | $150 |
| 4 years | $100 |
| 5 years | $75 |
As you can see, trading in your console within the first 2 years while demand is still high results in substantially more trade in cash or credit compared to 4-5 years into its lifecycle.
Tips to Score the Most for Your PS4 Trade In
Follow these expert tips and you can expect to score the absolute most cash back when trading in your PS4:
Trade In During Peak Times
The best times to trade in your PS4 for maximum value are:
-
New Console Launch – Trade in values spike when new consoles like the PS5 are released.
-
Holiday Season – Prices also trend higher around the holidays due to increased demand.
Sell Accessories Separately
You‘ll earn significantly more by trading in your PS4 by itself, and selling accessories like controllers, headsets and games separately.
Based on my research, you can expect to get roughly:
| Item | Added Trade Value |
|---|---|
| PS4 Controller | $20-$30 each |
| PS VR Headset | $60-$100 |
| PS Camera | $10-$20 |
| 10 Popular PS4 Games | $100-$150 |
Take Advantage of Promos and Bonuses
It‘s common to see trade in bonuses like an extra 10% or 20% trade credit during promotional periods. Stack that on top of an already high trade offer for maximum value.
Consider Selling Privately
While more complex, selling your PS4 locally via Craigslist or eBay can result in ~20% more cash compared to even the best trade in offers.
Compare Prices from Multiple Stores
Don‘t take the first trade in offer you see! Shopping your PS4 around to various stores and online sites can easily yield you an extra $50+ compared to only looking in one place.
Here‘s a snapshot of what major retailers are currently offering for a PS4 Slim 1TB in good condition:
| Retailer | Trade In Value |
|---|---|
| GameStop | $140 store credit |
| Best Buy | $150 store credit |
| Walmart | $120 gift card |
| Target | $135 gift card |
| decluttr.com | $112 cash |
As you can see, Best Buy currently offers the best overall trade in value for this particular model.
Where to Trade In Your PS4 for the Most Cash
Now that you know how to maximize your trade in value, where should you actually trade in your PS4? Here are my top recommended options:
Game Stores
Pros:
- Immediate in-store credit
- Competitive trade in values
- Frequent promotions and bonuses
Cons:
- Tend to pay less than private sale
Examples: GameStop, EB Games
Electronics Retailers
Pros:
- Strong trade in values
- Instant store credit or gift cards
Cons:
- Credit is limited to that retailer
Examples: Best Buy, Walmart, Target
Online Trade In Sites
Pros:
- Fast and convenient
- Pay via PayPal, check, etc
Cons:
- Lower cash payout than in-store credit
Examples: decluttr, Gazelle
eBay and Craigslist
Pros:
- Highest cash payout overall
- Set your own pricing
Cons:
- More effort and hassles
- Dealing with buyers
Pawn Shops
Pros:
- Quick and easy cash
Cons:
- Tend to underpay significantly
On the whole my recommendation would be to compare values from GameStop, Best Buy and decluttr and go with whoever offers you the most for your specific PS4 bundle.
Common PS4 Trade In Questions Answered
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about trading in your Playstation 4:
Will stores accept it without the original controller or cables?
Most major chains require the original controller and power cable to give you their advertised trade in value. Without them, expect at least $20-$50 less.
Can I trade in a PS4 with technical issues or defects?
A few retailers like GameStop may give partial credit for defective consoles but most will not accept them for trade in. Repair any issues before trading it in.
How much should I expect to get with games or accessories bundled?
As mentioned earlier, you maximize value by trading in items separately. But including 2-3 popular games could net you $20-$40 more overall.
Is it better to take cash or store credit?
Store credit gets you about 20% more trade in value, but cash is much more flexible. Choose based on if you‘ll actually use the store credits.
Final Tips for Trading In Your PS4
If you‘re ready to trade in your PS4, make sure to follow these tips to get the most bang for your buck:
- Fully factory reset and wipe your PS4 of any personal data
- Gather and include all cords, controllers, and accessories
- Clean your PS4 fully and make it looks as new as possible
- Shop offers from at least 3 major retailers to compare values
- Look for any limited time trade in bonuses or bumps
- Be prepared to show ID when trading in in-person
- Keep your receipt in case you need to refer back to it
Trading in your used PS4 plays a great way to offset the cost of upgrading to a new console generation like the PS5. With some smart shopping around, you could walk away with $150-$250 in trade credit or cash to put towards new gaming gear.
So don‘t let your PS4 collect dust – turn it into cold hard cash today! Let me know if you have any other questions.