Are Refurbished Games Consoles Worth It in 2026? PS5, Xbox and Nintendo Switch Buying & Selling Guide

Are Refurbished Games Consoles Worth It in 2026? PS5, Xbox and Nintendo Switch Buying & Selling Guide

Yes, a refurbished games console can be an excellent buy in 2026. New PS5 prices have risen in the UK, Microsoft itself sells certified-refurbished Xbox consoles, and Nintendo Switch 2 has created a much larger supply of original Switch systems entering the second-hand market. However, buyers need to check the exact model, storage, controller condition, disc drive, HDMI output, account status and warranty before deciding whether a refurbished console is genuinely good value.

There is also another side to the market.

Every refurbished console started as somebody else's old technology.

If a PS4, PS5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch or other console is sitting unused after an upgrade, it may still have resale value rather than belonging in a cupboard for another five years.

Sell My iPhone's current device catalogue extends beyond phones and includes selected games consoles, alongside tablets, smartwatches and audio equipment.

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Quick answer: A refurbished console makes most sense when the saving is meaningful, the hardware has been properly tested and you receive sensible buyer protection. For sellers, once you have transferred your saves and removed your accounts, an unused console is usually worth checking for resale before its value falls further.

Why refurbished games consoles make particular sense in 2026

Console prices have not simply moved down as the current generation has aged.

In fact, Sony increased UK recommended retail pricing in April 2026.

The current UK recommended prices are:

Sony says these prices took effect on 2 April 2026.

That changes the refurbished calculation.

When new hardware becomes more expensive rather than cheaper, a well-tested previous console can become considerably more attractive.

Sony itself now sells refurbished PS5 consoles

This is useful evidence that refurbished gaming hardware has become a mainstream purchasing route rather than something limited to marketplace listings.

PlayStation Direct currently sells certified-refurbished PS5 consoles in the UK.

Its current listings include:

• refurbished PS5 Slim with disc drive at £479;
• refurbished PS5 Slim Digital Edition at £429;
• earlier refurbished PS5 disc models at £449.

Sony says its certified-refurbished products undergo a recertification and testing process and include a 12-month manufacturer's warranty.

That means buyers can potentially save around £90 on the current Slim disc model compared with Sony's £569 new-console price.

The important lesson is not that you must buy directly from Sony.

It is that refurbished consoles can make financial sense when the discount is large enough and the testing and warranty are clear.

Is a refurbished PS5 worth buying in 2026?

For many buyers, yes.

The standard PS5 remains the same core gaming platform even though newer revisions and the PS5 Pro have appeared.

A refurbished PS5 can therefore offer access to the current PlayStation generation without paying full new-console pricing.

Start with the exact PS5 model

"PS5" now covers several different pieces of hardware.

You may encounter:

• original PS5 with disc drive;
• original PS5 Digital Edition;
• PS5 Slim with disc drive;
• PS5 Slim Digital Edition;
• PS5 Pro.

Those products are not equivalent.

Storage capacity can differ.

The presence or absence of a disc drive matters.

PS5 Pro also sits at a much higher price point.

Disc or digital can change the value equation

A disc-drive PS5 allows you to buy and use compatible physical games.

That can be attractive in the refurbished market because physical games themselves can be bought used.

A Digital Edition relies on digital purchases.

Therefore, the cheaper console is not automatically the cheaper ownership route.

If you already own a collection of PS4 or PS5 discs, a disc-drive model may be more valuable to you even if it costs more upfront.

How much can you save with a refurbished PS5?

As of September 2026, Sony currently lists its new 1TB disc PS5 at £569 and a certified-refurbished Slim equivalent at £479.

That is a £90 difference.

Sony also lists a new Digital Edition at £519 and a certified-refurbished Slim Digital Edition at £429.

For some buyers, £90 is enough to make refurbished worthwhile.

For others, the extra cost of buying new may feel justified by having completely unused hardware.

Look at percentage saving, not just headline price

Suppose a private seller wants £520 for a used PS5 when a professionally refurbished model with a warranty costs £479.

That private listing is obviously difficult to justify.

Likewise, if a refurbished console costs only £10 less than a brand-new model during a retailer promotion, the saving may be too small.

Always compare the actual live prices.

What should you check on a refurbished PS5?

Do not judge the console purely from photographs.

Sony's own used-PlayStation buying guidance tells buyers to check seller reputation, ask for proof of testing, inspect ports and buttons and confirm that the console can connect to PlayStation services.

That gives you a useful checklist.

Check the HDMI output

The console should produce a stable image without intermittent black screens, visible artefacts or repeated signal loss.

Test the HDMI socket physically too.

Excessive movement around the connector can indicate damage.

Check USB ports

Connect a controller or compatible accessory.

A console may otherwise appear perfectly healthy while having a damaged front or rear port.

Test the disc drive

If you are buying a disc model, use an actual game disc.

Check that the drive:

• accepts the disc;
• reads it;
• installs or launches the game;
• ejects normally.

Do not pay a premium for a disc-drive console without confirming that the drive works.

Listen to the console

Fans make noise.

That is normal.

However, severe rattling, grinding or unexpected shutdowns deserve investigation.

Is a refurbished Xbox Series X worth it?

Yes, particularly when the saving over Microsoft's new price is meaningful.

Microsoft itself currently sells certified-refurbished Xbox Series X and Series S consoles in the UK.

Its current console listings include:

• Xbox Series X 1TB new: £499.99;
• Xbox Series X 1TB certified refurbished: £439.99;
• Xbox Series S 512GB new: £299.99;
• Xbox Series S 512GB certified refurbished: £249.99.

That puts refurbished hardware directly alongside new consoles in Microsoft's own store.

Series X and Series S suit different buyers

Xbox Series X offers more powerful hardware and models with disc drives.

Series S targets a lower price point and is digital-only.

Therefore, buying a refurbished Series S can become a particularly affordable way into current-generation Xbox gaming.

However, storage deserves attention.

Modern games can consume large amounts of space, so a cheaper low-capacity console may eventually require additional storage.

Is Series X better value than a refurbished PS5?

There is no universal answer.

Both platforms have strong libraries.

The better purchase depends on factors such as:

• games you want to play;
• friends you play with;
• subscriptions you already use;
• physical versus digital games;
• backwards compatibility;
• storage;
• controller preference.

Do not buy hardware based purely on which refurbished model has the largest percentage discount.

A £50 saving is irrelevant if the console does not have the games you actually want.

Is an original Nintendo Switch worth buying after Switch 2?

Potentially, yes.

Nintendo Switch 2 is now well established, with Nintendo continuing to release major Switch 2 titles throughout 2026.

That does not make the original Nintendo Switch useless.

In fact, the arrival of a successor can create one of the best periods for refurbished buying because many existing owners upgrade and sell their previous hardware.

There are several original Switch models

Buyers may encounter:

• original Nintendo Switch;
• revised standard Switch;
• Nintendo Switch OLED;
• Nintendo Switch Lite.

Those products have different screens, features and use cases.

A cheap Switch Lite can make sense for someone who only wants handheld gaming.

A Switch OLED may appeal more to someone who values the better handheld display.

Do not compare Switch and Switch 2 only by age

The original Switch has a huge established software library.

For somebody primarily interested in existing Nintendo titles rather than the latest hardware, the right refurbished original Switch can still provide excellent value.

Nintendo has made upgrading from Switch easier

Nintendo now provides a dedicated system-transfer process from Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch 2.

It can move items including:

• Nintendo Accounts;
• users;
• digital games;
• save data;
• screenshots and videos;
• system settings.

That is particularly relevant to sellers.

You can transfer even if you plan to sell your old Switch first

Nintendo provides a server-based transfer option specifically for situations where you will no longer have the old Switch by the time you receive the Switch 2.

Nintendo explicitly gives selling, trading in or giving away your old console as examples of when this method can be useful.

After the upload completes, Nintendo says the source Switch restores itself to factory settings.

That makes 2026 a particularly logical time for Switch 2 owners to decide what to do with an unused original Switch.

Should you keep your old Switch after buying Switch 2?

Only if you have a genuine use for it.

Perhaps another family member plays it.

Maybe you want a second console.

Perhaps you have a child who can use the older system.

Those are sensible reasons.

Keeping it simply because:

"It might be useful one day"

is different.

If six months pass and nobody switches it on, the console has become unused technology.

At that point, checking its resale value makes more sense than letting it age indefinitely.

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What should you check when buying any refurbished console?

Different consoles have different designs, but the important checks overlap.

1. Confirm the exact model

Do not buy something described merely as:

"Xbox"

or:

"PS5".

Identify:

• model;
• generation;
• storage capacity;
• disc or digital configuration;
• hardware revision where relevant.

That affects both price and features.

2. Check the controller

Controllers are among the most heavily used parts of a console package.

Test:

• both analogue sticks;
• directional buttons;
• face buttons;
• triggers;
• shoulder buttons;
• charging;
• wireless connection.

Watch for stick drift

Stick drift occurs when a controller registers movement even though you are not deliberately moving the analogue stick.

You may notice a character or menu moving by itself.

Even if the console itself works perfectly, replacing a controller adds cost.

Factor that into the purchase price.

Check the HDMI port

A console that cannot reliably send video to the television is not properly functional.

Move carefully around the HDMI connection.

If light movement causes the signal to disappear, the socket may need repair.

This matters particularly when buying privately because damaged ports can be difficult to spot in photographs.

Check Wi-Fi and online services

A console should connect to the internet normally.

This matters for:

• downloading games;
• updates;
• subscriptions;
• multiplayer;
• account sign-in.

Sony specifically advises second-hand PlayStation buyers to confirm that connected products can access PlayStation services, partly because reported lost or stolen products may be suspended.

That is an excellent reason to test online connectivity before handing over money.

Check storage

Storage differences matter more than many buyers expect.

Modern games can require substantial installation space.

An inexpensive lower-capacity console can become frustrating if you constantly need to uninstall games.

Check for aftermarket storage too

A previous owner may have installed additional storage.

For example, PS5 supports compatible M.2 SSDs.

However, do not assume an expansion drive comes with a second-hand console unless the listing explicitly says so.

Sony's own pre-sale guidance tells owners to remove an M.2 SSD if they want to keep it before transferring or disposing of a PS5.

As a buyer, verify exactly what storage you are paying for.

Does cosmetic condition matter?

Yes, but usually less than functionality.

Scratches on a console shell may look unattractive without affecting gameplay at all.

More concerning signs include:

• cracked casing;
• badly damaged ports;
• missing panels;
• signs of liquid exposure;
• excessive corrosion;
• missing serial numbers;
• broken warranty or security seals where suspicious.

A well-used console can still be an excellent purchase.

The price simply needs to reflect its condition.

Do you need the original box?

Usually, the console is more important than its cardboard packaging.

For collectors or limited editions, the box may matter more.

For a normal PS5, Xbox or Switch, focus first on:

• console;
• controller;
• power cable;
• HDMI cable where required;
• dock for Switch models where relevant;
• charger or power supply.

A pristine box does not compensate for a faulty HDMI port.

Is buying refurbished safer than buying privately?

It can be.

The main advantage is not simply that someone cleaned the console.

It is risk reduction.

A professional refurbished product may offer:

• testing;
• grading;
• warranty;
• return rights;
• clearer fault reporting.

Sony's own certified-refurbished PS5 consoles, for example, include a 12-month manufacturer warranty.

Microsoft also sells certified-refurbished Xbox consoles directly alongside new ones.

Private buying can still offer better prices

A private seller may charge less because they do not provide the same service overhead.

That can be worthwhile if you know how to test the hardware.

However, the discount should compensate you for taking more risk.

What should you do before selling a PS5 or PS4?

Do not simply unplug it and put it into a box.

Sony has a dedicated guide for transferring or disposing of PlayStation consoles.

It recommends several steps before passing the console on, including:

1. recording the serial number;
2. removing discs and USB devices;
3. backing up data;
4. transferring data where needed;
5. syncing trophies;
6. removing storage you intend to keep;
7. restoring the console to factory settings.

Reset, do not just restore default settings

Sony distinguishes between Restore Default Settings and a full console reset.

Restoring defaults changes system settings but does not erase user or game data.

A full PS5 reset removes user data, game data and personalised settings.

That distinction is extremely important before selling.

What should you do before selling an Xbox?

Microsoft gives similar advice.

Before selling, gifting or recycling an Xbox, Microsoft recommends backing up the information you need, resetting the console to factory defaults and then removing the device from your Microsoft account.

That last step is easy to forget.

A physical factory reset and removing hardware from your online account are related but separate actions.

Do not leave your Microsoft account behind

A games console can contain:

• account access;
• payment information;
• saved preferences;
• communications;
• personal data.

Treat it as a computer, not simply a plastic games machine.

What should you do before selling a Nintendo Switch?

The right process depends on whether you are upgrading to Switch 2 or simply selling.

If upgrading to Switch 2

Use Nintendo's transfer system first.

Nintendo says a transfer can move accounts, save data and purchased digital software information.

If selling before your Switch 2 arrives

Nintendo's server-transfer option can be particularly useful.

Your old Switch uploads the transferable data, then restores itself to factory settings.

Nintendo stores the transfer data on its server for up to one year while you complete the move to Switch 2.

Check your microSD card

Do not accidentally send storage you want to keep.

Nintendo also notes that ordinary Switch microSD cards are not used for Switch 2 game data in the same way; Switch 2 uses microSD Express cards for expandable game storage.

Remove your old card if you intend to keep it.

What affects the resale value of a games console?

The exact model comes first.

Then several other factors matter.

Condition

A clean, fully working console is easier to resell than one needing repair.

Storage

Higher-capacity models can attract different values.

Disc drive

Disc-drive and digital versions should not be treated as the same product.

Controller

A good controller improves the completeness of the package.

Accessories

Original power supplies, docks or required cables can matter.

Limited editions

Some special editions can attract different demand from standard models.

However, do not assume every unusual colour automatically commands a huge premium.

Can you sell a broken games console?

Potentially.

A console with one repairable fault may still have commercial value.

Possible faults include:

• damaged HDMI port;
• faulty disc drive;
• controller drift;
• overheating;
• power problems;
• damaged USB ports.

The important question is whether repair remains economical.

A high-value current-generation console with a repairable port can be very different from an extremely old console with several major faults.

Sell My iPhone says its wider device business accepts both working and damaged technology where supported, and its current catalogue includes a games-console category.

Check your exact device before assuming it has no value

Should you repair a console before selling it?

Not automatically.

This is the same mistake people make with phones and tablets.

Imagine a repair costs £100.

If repairing the console only increases its resale value by £60, you have made yourself £40 worse off.

Therefore:

1. estimate the value in its current condition;
2. obtain a realistic repair quote;
3. compare the likely repaired value;
4. decide whether the numbers make sense.

Do not repair purely because a broken device feels harder to sell.

Why old consoles lose value sitting in cupboards

Consumer electronics generally depreciate.

Consoles can hold value better than some gadgets because gaming generations last for years, but the same pressures still apply.

Over time:

• newer hardware arrives;
• more second-hand stock enters the market;
• controllers wear out;
• batteries in handheld systems age;
• ports and drives can develop faults.

If you no longer use a console, waiting usually does not improve its commercial position.

Sell My iPhone makes the same broader point in its guide to unused technology: a working device with useful life should be considered for sale or reuse before it becomes waste.

Read: What to Do With Old Tech in 2026 — Sell, Reuse, Donate or Recycle?

Is a refurbished console better for the environment?

Reuse generally extends the useful life of hardware that has already been manufactured.

That does not mean every refurbished purchase automatically solves an environmental problem.

However, using functional electronics for longer can reduce the pressure to treat working products as waste prematurely.

The more practical point for consumers is simple:

if a console still works, selling or reusing it can make more sense than discarding it.

If it reaches genuine end of life, then use an appropriate electrical recycling route.

A practical example: upgrading from Switch OLED to Switch 2

Imagine you own a Switch OLED.

You buy a Switch 2.

After two weeks, all of your games, accounts and saves are working properly on the new console.

The OLED now sits beneath the television unused.

Option one: keep it

This makes sense if another family member uses it or you genuinely want a second Switch.

Option two: give it away

A sibling, child or friend might get substantial value from it.

Option three: sell it

You complete the Nintendo transfer process, remove anything you want to keep and check the current resale value.

Option four: store it for three years

This requires the least effort.

However, more original Switch consoles are likely to enter the second-hand market as Switch 2 adoption grows.

The battery also continues to age.

If you already know you do not need the console, waiting is unlikely to make it more valuable.

Another example: PS5 owner considering PS5 Pro

Suppose you own a standard disc PS5.

The PS5 Pro currently has a UK recommended retail price of £789.99 after Sony's April 2026 price change.

That is a significant upgrade cost.

Your old PS5 can offset part of the move

Keeping both consoles makes sense only if you need both.

Otherwise, selling the original PS5 turns unused hardware into money that can offset the new purchase.

Again, do not guess at the value.

Identify:

• original or Slim;
• disc or Digital;
• storage;
• controller condition;
• cosmetic condition.

Then compare current offers.

Could refurbished consoles become more popular?

There are good reasons to think the category remains attractive.

Sony now operates an official certified-refurbished programme.

Microsoft also lists certified-refurbished Xbox hardware directly in its UK console store.

At the same time, current new-console pricing remains substantial.

That creates a simple consumer choice:

buy the newest hardware at full price, or buy tested previous hardware for less.

For many households, particularly parents buying consoles for children or casual players who do not need the very latest model, refurbished equipment can be a rational middle ground.

How to decide whether a refurbished console is a good deal

Use this simple calculation.

Step 1: Find the new price

Check the manufacturer's current price.

Step 2: Find the refurbished price

Compare professional refurbishers and reputable sellers.

Step 3: Check what is included

A cheaper console without a controller may not actually be cheaper once you replace the missing parts.

Step 4: Compare warranty

A £20 saving may not justify giving up meaningful warranty cover.

Step 5: Inspect the condition

Cosmetic marks may be acceptable.

Functional faults are different.

Step 6: Think about future use

Disc versus digital, storage and game library can matter more than saving another £30.

What should a good refurbished-console listing tell you?

At minimum, you should be able to establish:

• exact model;
• storage;
• cosmetic condition;
• whether it has a disc drive;
• whether a controller is included;
• whether the controller works properly;
• whether the console has been tested;
• warranty or returns policy.

Vague descriptions create unnecessary risk.

A strong listing makes it easy to understand what you are buying.

What if your old console has no resale value?

Do not put electronic equipment in ordinary household rubbish.

A console that is genuinely beyond economical repair should go through a proper electrical-recycling route.

However, check resale or reuse first.

Some electronics that look worthless to their owner still have value for refurbishment, repair or parts.

Sell My iPhone's broader old-tech guide encourages the same sequence: reuse or sell working technology first; recycle when useful commercial life has genuinely ended.

Sell My iPhone buys more than mobile phones

This is still easy to miss because of the name.

The company's own 2026 old-tech guide confirms that its live catalogue extends beyond phones and includes:

• tablets;
• smartwatches;
• audio;
• selected games consoles.

That means someone clearing out a cupboard can check several pieces of technology rather than only an old mobile.

Search Sell My iPhone's current device catalogue

You may find that the PS5, Xbox or Switch nobody uses still has a resale route.

The key takeaway

Refurbished games consoles can be excellent value in 2026, especially now that new hardware prices remain high and manufacturers themselves actively sell refurbished consoles.

For buyers:

• identify the exact console;
• compare the refurbished price with the live new price;
• test the controller;
• check HDMI and USB ports;
• test the disc drive where fitted;
• confirm storage;
• connect to online services;
• look for a sensible warranty.

For sellers:

• transfer your saves;
• back up anything you need;
• remove personal accounts;
• factory-reset the console properly;
• remove storage or accessories you intend to keep;
• identify the exact model;
• check its current value rather than leaving it unused.

A Switch replaced by Switch 2, a standard PS5 replaced by PS5 Pro or an Xbox sitting unused after moving to PC gaming can all retain value.

The worst assumption is:

"It's old, so it probably isn't worth anything."

Check first.

See whether your old games console or other tech has a current value

Frequently asked questions

Buying refurbished games consoles

Is a refurbished PS5 worth it in 2026?

Potentially, yes. Sony currently sells certified-refurbished PS5 consoles itself, with its refurbished Slim disc model listed at £479 compared with £569 for a new equivalent. Sony's certified-refurbished consoles include a 12-month manufacturer warranty.

Is a refurbished Xbox Series X worth buying?

It can be. Microsoft currently lists a new 1TB Series X at £499.99 and a certified-refurbished version at £439.99 in the UK.

Is an original Nintendo Switch still worth buying after Switch 2?

Yes, if the price is right and you mainly want access to the established Switch library. Switch 2 has created a new reason for existing owners to sell older systems, potentially increasing second-hand choice.

Selling a games console

Should I factory-reset my PS5 before selling it?

Yes. Sony recommends backing up anything you need and then resetting the console before transferring or disposing of it. A full reset deletes user and game data, while merely restoring default settings does not.

Should I reset my Xbox before selling it?

Yes. Microsoft recommends backing up what you need, resetting the console to factory defaults and removing the device from your Microsoft account before selling, gifting or recycling it.

How do I sell my Nintendo Switch after buying Switch 2?

Nintendo provides a dedicated system-transfer process. You can transfer directly between consoles or use Nintendo's server-transfer option if you intend to sell or trade in the old Switch before obtaining your Switch 2.

Condition and value

Does controller drift reduce console value?

It can, because a drifting controller is faulty and may need repair or replacement. Test both analogue sticks before selling or buying.

Can a broken console still be worth money?

Potentially. Repairable faults such as a damaged HDMI port, controller problem or disc-drive fault do not automatically make a current console worthless. Check its as-is value before paying for repairs.

Do I need the original box to sell a console?

Not necessarily. Functionality, exact model and included essential accessories are generally more important. However, boxes can matter more for limited editions or collectors.

Sources and further reading

Sell My iPhone — Search Your Device

Sell My iPhone — What to Do With Old Tech in 2026

Sell My iPhone — Frequently Asked Questions

PlayStation — Certified Refurbished PS5 Consoles

PlayStation — Current UK PS5 Prices

PlayStation — Buying a Used PlayStation Product

PlayStation — Prepare a PS5 or PS4 Before Selling

Xbox — Current New and Certified Refurbished Consoles

Microsoft — Before You Sell or Gift an Xbox

Nintendo — Transfer From Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo — Nintendo Switch 2 UK Site