Got an old PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch gathering dust? Don't let it become a high-tech paperweight – that's cash waiting to be claimed! This is your friendly guide to turning those unused second hand game consoles into money in your pocket, quickly and safely.
Your Guide to Selling Second Hand Game Consoles
Selling your old console is a brilliant way to clear some space and bankroll your next gadget. Whether you're upgrading to a shiny new model or just having a clear-out, there's a huge market of gamers out there hunting for a good deal on pre-owned tech.
But getting a great price isn't just about luck. It all comes down to knowing how to prep, grade, and sell your console smartly.
We'll show you exactly how to get your console looking its best to maximise its value, grade its condition like a pro, and break down why a specialist buyer like us at EXE in Redhill is often your best bet. Forget the lowball offers and marketplace headaches; we're all about making the process simple, secure, and profitable for you.
Why Now Is a Great Time to Sell
The market for used consoles is absolutely buzzing. It’s a classic case of supply and demand – as new console sales sometimes dip, the pre-owned sector gets a massive boost.
Take the Xbox Series X|S, for instance. When its sales dropped by 39% year-on-year, it created a ripple effect, making more second-hand units available and driving up demand from buyers looking for a bargain. This is fantastic news for sellers, as it means you can get a really competitive price for your old device.
The key takeaway is simple: your old console is almost certainly worth more than you think. By following a few straightforward steps, you can make sure you get the best possible payout without any of the usual hassle.
What This Guide Covers
We’ve put this guide together for everyone, from casual gamers in Merstham to tech enthusiasts across the wider Redhill area. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know, step by step:
- Device Prep: How to get your console ready for its new home, from wiping your data to rounding up all the right accessories.
- Smart Selling: A look at your different options (trade-in, marketplaces, us!) so you can get the highest payout.
- Our Process: A peek behind the curtain at how our simple and secure buyback service works.
Ready to find out what your old console is really worth? Pop over to our online form for a free, no-obligation quote and get started. It only takes a minute at https://www.exe.co.uk/#form.
Getting Your Console Ready for the Best Price
Before you even think about listing your second hand game console for sale, a little bit of prep work can seriously bump up the cash you get for it. Honestly, spending just 15-20 minutes now is the single best thing you can do to get a top-tier offer and make the whole process a breeze.
Think of it like selling a car. You wouldn't just hand over the keys without clearing out your personal stuff and giving it a quick clean, would you? The same principle applies here, and it all starts with securing your digital life.
First Things First: Save Your Game Data
Right, let's talk about your saved games. You've poured countless hours into those virtual worlds, and losing all that progress would be a tragedy. So, before you do anything else, back it all up.
Thankfully, modern consoles make this pretty straightforward. You've generally got two easy options for backing up your saved games and profiles:
- Cloud Storage: If you’re subscribed to services like PlayStation Plus or have an Xbox Game Pass subscription, you'll have access to cloud storage. This is probably the easiest method – your saves are uploaded online, ready to be downloaded onto your next machine.
- External Drive: The old-school way still works a treat. Just grab a USB stick or an external hard drive and copy your data over. It's a great choice if you don't have a cloud subscription or simply want a physical backup for extra peace of mind.
Once you’re confident your digital legacy is safe and sound, it’s time for the most crucial step.
The All-Important Factory Reset
This part is absolutely non-negotiable. A factory reset wipes the console completely, taking it back to the exact state it was in when you first unboxed it. It erases every last trace of your personal info – from account logins and saved payment details to your browser history.
Performing a factory reset is essential for protecting your data and staying on the right side of GDPR. It’s your shield against any potential misuse of your information and gives the new owner a fresh start. It’s a simple click of a button that delivers total peace of mind.
Remember, a console that's been properly wiped and is ready for its new owner is instantly more attractive. It tells a buyer you've looked after the device and are a trustworthy seller.
Presentation Matters More Than You Think
Finally, let’s talk about looks. A clean, complete console bundle will always fetch a better price than a dusty machine with bits missing. Take five minutes to give the console and its controllers a good wipe-down with a soft, dry cloth. Get rid of the dust and fingerprints.
Next, round up all the original accessories. A complete set makes your console a far more appealing package for any buyer. You'll want to find:
- The main power cable
- The HDMI cable
- Any controller charging leads
- The original controller(s) it came with
Having the full kit shows the console has been well-cared for. If you're based around Redhill, Merstham, or nearby and you’re ready to get a quote for your fully prepped console, just pop your details into our form. We’ll get a fast, fair price back to you at https://www.exe.co.uk/#form.
Right, let's get your console graded. This is probably the most important step for getting a price you’re happy with, and it’s all about being realistic. A bit of honesty here goes a long way and avoids any awkward re-quoting down the line.
Think of it this way: the price we offer is based entirely on the condition you select. If you get it right, the price we quote is the price you get paid. Simple as that.
At EXE, we've ditched confusing jargon and multiple tiers. We just have four straightforward grades that anyone can understand.
So, What's My Console's Condition?
Take a good look at your console in decent light and see which of these descriptions fits best.
- New: This one’s a doddle. The console is still in its original box, sealed from the factory, and has never seen the light of day.
- Good: Your console is in full working order and looks great. It might have a few tiny, faint marks from normal use, but you'd have to be looking pretty closely to spot them.
- Fair: It works perfectly, but it’s seen a bit of action. We’re talking about noticeable scuffs, scratches, or maybe even a small dent on the casing. None of it affects how the console plays, but it’s clearly not fresh out of the box.
- Broken: Don’t bin it! Even faulty consoles are worth something. This grade covers specific problems like a dodgy disc drive that won't read games, Wi-Fi that keeps dropping, or if it simply won't power on anymore.
Quick tip: Never assume a faulty console is worthless. Many "broken" machines can either be repaired by our techs or stripped for valuable parts. That old console gathering dust could still be a nice little earner.
A Quick Guide to Grading Your Console
To make it even clearer, here's a little cheat sheet. Just find the grade that best matches your console to ensure the quote you get is spot on.
Getting the grade right from the start just makes everything quicker and smoother for everyone involved.
Why Being Straight Up Pays Off
When you grade your console accurately, it means the instant quote we give you is solid. There are no disappointing emails later saying we have to adjust the price.
For instance, let's say your PlayStation 5 works perfectly but has a big scuff on one of the side plates from being moved around. If you grade it as 'Fair', we'll give you a quote based on that. When we collect it from your home here in Redhill or you drop it off, the valuation holds firm. The money is then in your account without any fuss.
This honest, transparent approach is just better. It saves time, builds trust, and makes sure you walk away feeling good about the deal.
Ready to see what your console is worth? It takes less than 60 seconds to get a free, no-obligation quote. Just head over to our sales form, find your console, and select its condition to see your price instantly at https://www.exe.co.uk/#form.
Choosing the Smartest Place to Sell Your Console
Alright, so your console is wiped, polished, and ready for a new life. Now for the most important part: where do you actually sell it to get the best deal? You’ve got a few paths you can go down, but believe me, they are not all created equal. Picking the right one is the difference between a quick, profitable sale and a whole lot of faff.
The first port of call for many is an online marketplace. It's tempting, for sure—the audience is massive. But it comes with a bucketload of hidden work. You're in charge of creating a compelling listing, taking decent photos, answering a flood of (often silly) questions, and then dealing with seller fees that chip away at your profit. That’s before you even get to the joys of packaging it securely and the risk of dealing with time-wasters or scammers.
High Street Chains vs Specialist Buyers
Another well-trodden path is taking your second hand game console to a high-street trade-in shop. It feels simple, right? Just walk in and get paid. The reality is that the offers are often shockingly low. Big chains have enormous overheads to cover – we're talking rent, staff wages, and national marketing campaigns. Those costs have to come from somewhere, and it's usually from the prices they offer you.
This is where a specialist buyer, like us here at EXE, really comes into its own. Our entire business is focused on buying electronics, so our operation is lean and efficient. We don't have the same eye-watering expenses as the big retail giants, which means we can pass that value back to you with a much better price. Think of it as cutting out the middleman. It's simply a smarter, more direct way to sell.
To get a fair price anywhere, you first need to be honest about the state of your console. This decision tree is a great way to visualise where your machine fits in.
Running through these quick checks helps you categorise your console accurately, which is the key to getting a quote you can trust from the get-go.
The Local Advantage
For us, being a local business is a massive plus. We're based right here in Redhill, and that allows us to offer a personal, convenient service that the faceless online-only companies just can't compete with.
We offer a free and convenient home collection service for our neighbours in the surrounding towns. If you're in Merstham, Reigate, or Horley, we can come directly to you, inspect the console, and pay you instantly.
This approach takes all the stress out of the equation. No worrying about postage, no waiting days for your money to clear. You get a professional, face-to-face transaction without even leaving the house. We’ll do a secure bank transfer right there on your doorstep, so the cash is often in your account before our team has even driven off. It’s the safest, fastest, and most profitable way to turn your old tech into cash.
Ready for a top price without the hassle? Get your free, no-obligation quote by filling out our simple form at https://www.exe.co.uk/#form.
From Quote to Cash: How Our Simple Selling Process Works
So, you're curious about how selling your second hand game console to us actually works? We’ve stripped out all the usual faff to make it as quick and straightforward as possible. Forget confusing forms and long waits for a valuation – our whole aim is to get cash into your bank account with zero fuss.
It all kicks off on our website. You won’t need to create an account or jump through endless hoops. Just find your console, be honest about its condition, and we’ll give you a price right there on the spot.
Get Your Free, No-Strings-Attached Quote
First things first, let's see what your console is worth. Nobody likes a guessing game when it comes to money, so we've made this bit incredibly simple.
- Pop Your Details in the Form: Head over to our super-quick sales form at https://www.exe.co.uk/#form. Honestly, it takes less than a minute.
- See Your Instant Price: Based on what you’ve told us, we’ll generate a free, no-obligation quote. This is the price you can expect to get, with no hidden fees or nasty surprises later on.
- Think It Over: There’s absolutely no pressure. Mull it over and decide in your own time.
Happy with the number? Fantastic! Now let's get that console over to us. We’ve got a few different ways to make that happen.
Collection That Fits Around You
We get it – everyone’s schedule is different. That’s why we offer a few flexible ways to get your console to us, especially if you’re local to our base in Redhill.
For our neighbours in nearby towns like Merstham, Reigate, or Horley, we offer a completely free home collection service. One of our friendly team can pop over to your home or office and pick it up at a time that suits you.
Selling your tech shouldn’t be a chore. Whether we come to you, you drop it off at our Redhill shop, or you post it, we make sure the whole thing is secure and fits around your life.
If you’re further afield, no problem. You can always post your console to us using a secure, tracked service. Whichever route you choose, we’ll keep you in the loop every step of the way so you know exactly what’s happening.
Quick Checks and Even Quicker Payment
Once we have your console, the final part is the quickest of all. Our technicians will give it a quick, transparent check to make sure the condition matches what you told us. If you’re dropping it off in-store, we can do this right there in front of you.
The moment everything is confirmed, we process an immediate bank transfer. We’ve had cash land in people's accounts before our collection driver has even left their driveway! It’s genuinely the fastest and safest way to turn that old tech into cash.
Getting Your Console Packed Up and Ready to Go
Right, so you've agreed on a price and you're ready to send your console on its way. The last hurdle is packing it up properly. This part is crucial for making sure it arrives in one piece, whether we're collecting it from your doorstep in Redhill or you're sending it in from further away.
Your number one priority is to stop it from getting bashed about in transit. The best method I've found is to wrap the console and each individual accessory—controllers, cables, the lot—in a good layer of bubble wrap. This simple step stops them from clattering into each other and causing scratches.
Building a Bomb-Proof Parcel
Once everything's wrapped up, grab a sturdy cardboard box that’s just a little bigger than the console. Pop everything inside, then stuff any gaps with crumpled newspaper, more bubble wrap, or those little air pillows if you have them. The aim is to make everything snug.
Before taping it shut, give the box a gentle shake. If you feel anything shifting or hear rattling, you need to add more padding. When it feels solid, seal it up well with strong packing tape, making sure to cover all the seams.
Peace of mind is everything when you're selling your tech. For us, that starts with your data. While we perform our own professional, GDPR-compliant data wipe on every single device that comes through our doors, we always tell people to do their own factory reset first. It’s just good practice.
One Last Security Check
Speaking of security, there’s one final thing to do before you seal that box for good. Just take a moment to double-check you've signed out of all your accounts, like the PlayStation Network or Xbox Live.
Doing both the sign-out and the factory reset is the best way to guarantee a completely secure and worry-free sale.
Ready to get a quote? If you're local to Merstham or the surrounding areas, we can even arrange a collection. Just fill out your details on our secure form to get started: https://www.exe.co.uk/#form.
Got Questions About Selling Your Console? We've Got Answers
If you're thinking about selling your old games console, a few questions have probably popped into your head. It's totally normal. We get asked the same things all the time, so here’s a quick rundown of the most common queries we see.
What If My Console is Broken or Missing Bits?
Don't worry, you absolutely can! We buy consoles in pretty much any condition you can imagine. Whether it's got a dodgy power supply, a disc drive that’s given up the ghost, or it’s just seen better days, it still has some value.
Naturally, a console that’s in mint condition with all its original cables and controllers will fetch the highest price. But you can still get a good payout for the console on its own. The key is just to be honest about its condition when you're getting your quote so we can give you an accurate price from the get-go. Head to https://www.exe.co.uk/#form to see for yourself.
How Can I Be Sure I’m Getting a Good Deal?
This is a really important one. We’ve staked our reputation on offering fairer, more competitive prices than the big high-street names or online giants. Our offers are based on the real-time market value of your console, not on paying for massive shopfronts or expensive TV ads.
The best part? Our quotes are completely free and you’re under no obligation to accept. You see exactly what we’ll pay before you have to make any decisions. We're proud of our hundreds of 5-star Google reviews from happy customers in Redhill, Merstham, and all over the area—they speak for themselves!
How Long Does It Take to Get My Money?
We pay you right there and then. Simple as that.
As soon as we’ve collected your console and given it a quick, transparent once-over, the money is sent straight to your bank account. If you’re local to us in the Redhill area, the payment will often land in your account before our collection team has even driven off your street. It’s genuinely the fastest and safest way to get cash for your old tech.
Ready to turn that dusty console into instant cash, completely hassle-free? At EXE, we've made the whole process as simple and profitable as possible.
You can get a free, no-obligation quote in less than 60 seconds. Just fill out our secure sales form at https://www.exe.co.uk/#form to get started.
