So, you're thinking, "it's time to sell my PS4"? Whether you're making space for a shiny new console or just want a bit of extra cash, you’ve come to the right place. We're here to help you get the best possible price for your PlayStation 4 without all the usual faff.
Your Guide to Selling a PS4 for the Best Price
Parting with a console can feel like a big deal, especially one that's given you hundreds of hours of fun. But whether you're funding an upgrade or just having a clear-out, turning that old tech into cash is a brilliant move.
This guide will walk you through everything, step-by-step. We'll cover getting your console ready, figuring out what it’s actually worth, and picking the best way to sell it. Our goal is to make this whole process as simple and pain-free as possible.
Understanding the Market
The great news is that the PS4 is still hugely popular. Back in late 2019, Sony reported there were around 6.8 million PS4 consoles in the UK alone. That massive install base means there’s always a steady stream of people looking to buy their first one, upgrade from an older model, or replace a broken machine. You can get a sense of the console's incredible journey from the PlayStation 4's history on Wikipedia.
This demand gives you options. Knowing which route to take is the key to getting a deal you’re happy with. Generally, you're looking at three main paths:
- Private Sales: Listing it yourself on places like Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree.
- High-Street Trade-ins: Popping into a physical shop like CEX or GAME for store credit.
- Specialist Buyers: Using a dedicated buyback service (like ours!) for a direct cash offer.
The best choice really boils down to what you value more: your time or the final payout. A quick trade-in is convenient, but a private sale could net you more cash if you’re willing to put in the effort.
Before we dive deeper, let's quickly weigh up the pros and cons.
PS4 Selling Options at a Glance
Here's a quick comparison of the most common ways to sell your PlayStation 4, helping you choose the best route for your needs.
As you can see, a specialist buyer often hits that sweet spot between getting a great price and not having to spend your weekend dealing with tyre-kickers and no-shows.
Why Selling Your PS4 Makes Sense
Beyond just getting a nice bit of cash in your pocket, selling your old console is a smart move. Is it just gathering dust under the TV? Have you already conquered all the games on your to-do list? Freeing up that space and giving the console a new home makes perfect sense.
And if you’re local to us in Redhill, or in nearby towns like Merstham and Reigate, the process is even simpler. We offer a friendly, local service designed to give you a fair price without any of the online marketplace headaches.
Ultimately, it’s about making your old tech work for you. You get to give your console a new lease of life with another gamer and reward yourself with some well-deserved money. Ready to see what yours is worth? Fill out our simple online sales form for a fast, no-obligation quote. Let’s turn that PS4 into cash.
Getting Your PS4 Ready for a New Owner
Before you turn your old console into cash, there are a few essential jobs to tick off the list. Putting in a bit of effort now not only makes the whole process smoother but also protects your personal data and can genuinely bump up the price you get. Think of it as a pre-sale MOT for your PlayStation.
Let’s start with the important stuff: your game saves. You’ve probably poured hundreds, maybe even thousands, of hours into your gaming library. Losing all that progress would be devastating, but thankfully, it’s easy to keep it safe.
Don't Lose Your Progress
You’ve got two main ways to back up your save files, and it's something you absolutely have to do before wiping the console.
- PlayStation Plus Cloud Storage: If you’re a PS Plus member, there’s a good chance your console has been automatically backing up your saves to the cloud. It’s always best to be sure, though. Just head to
Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in System Storage > Upload to Online Storageto check. - USB Stick: This is the go-to method for everyone else. Pop a USB stick into the front of your PS4, go to the same menu as above, but this time choose
Copy to USB Storage Device. Simple as that.
Once you’re sure your gaming legacy is secure, it’s time for the most critical step of all.
A full factory reset is non-negotiable. It’s the only way to be 100% certain that your personal information, from your PSN account to any saved payment details, is completely and permanently erased from the machine.
This isn't just about protecting yourself; it also gives the new owner that fresh, out-of-the-box experience when they boot it up for the first time. To kick it off, navigate to Settings > Initialisation > Initialise PS4 > Full. Just a heads-up, the ‘Full’ initialisation can take a couple of hours, but it’s absolutely worth the wait for your own peace of mind.
A Quick Clean Goes a Long Way
Finally, remember that presentation is everything. A clean, dust-free console just looks like it’s been well looked after, which is far more appealing to any buyer.
Grab a microfibre cloth and give the console casing, controllers, and cables a proper wipe-down. If you have a can of compressed air, give the vents a few short blasts to clear out any dust bunnies – you’ll be amazed at what can build up in there!
Taking these simple steps shows you cared for your kit and adds real, tangible value to your sale. It’s often the difference between a quick, hassle-free transaction and one that drags on.
If you’ve done all this and are ready to see what it's worth, just fill out our quick sales form for an instant, fair quote. We make the whole "selling my PS4" process easy, especially if you're local to us in Redhill or nearby towns like Horley.
How to Price Your PS4 Bundle Like a Pro
Getting the price right is half the battle when selling your PS4. Price it too high and you'll be met with silence; too low and you're practically giving it away. The secret isn't complicated—it's just about being honest and thorough about what you’ve got.
First things first, give your console a proper look. We're talking about a close inspection. Are there any scratches or scuffs on the casing? A bit of light wear and tear is totally normal for a pre-loved console, but any deep gouges or cracks will definitely knock the price down. It's always best to be upfront about these things from the get-go to build trust and avoid any dramas later.
Next, you need to put it through its paces. Power it up and just listen. Does the fan scream like a jet engine the moment you boot up a game? That's a classic sign of an older, well-used PS4 and something any clued-up buyer will be wary of. While you’re at it, pop a game disc in to check the drive, and if you can, try a Blu-ray movie too. A dodgy disc drive is a major red flag that you absolutely have to declare.
What's Actually in Your Bundle?
A complete set is always going to be more appealing and fetch a better price. Before you even think about a number, round up all the bits and bobs that came with it.
- The Original Box: You’d be surprised how much value the original packaging can add, especially if it's in decent nick.
- Official Controller: Give the DualShock 4 a proper test. Any sticky buttons? Is there any dreaded joystick drift? Be honest.
- All the Wires: This means the power cable, the HDMI lead, and the micro-USB cable for charging the controller.
A complete, boxed console just feels more premium and gives the impression it’s been well cared for. If you're missing a cable or the box is long gone, it's not the end of the world, but you will need to knock a bit off your asking price.
Do Your Homework on the Going Rate
Okay, so you know exactly what you've got and what condition it's in. Now it's time to play detective and see what similar bundles are actually selling for. Your best bet is to check the 'sold' listings on eBay, not just the active ones, and have a scroll through Facebook Marketplace to see what's shifting in your local area. This gives you a real-world baseline.
The second-hand console market is massive. With worldwide lifetime PS4 sales hitting around 117 million units by 2022, there's a huge pool of consoles out there. That means you have plenty of competition, so a fair price is what will make your listing stand out.
A simple rule of thumb: price the console you have, not the one you wish you had. A mint-condition, boxed PS4 Pro is in a completely different league to a scuffed, unboxed original model with a knock-off controller.
Good presentation can make a huge difference, just as much as the price itself. To make sure your PS4 looks its best and is priced competitively, you could even borrow some expert tips on valuation and staging that pros use for high-value goods.
If all that research sounds like a bit of a faff, there's a much easier route. For a fast, fair, and guaranteed offer on your PS4—no matter its condition—just pop your details into our simple sales form. We handle all the guesswork for you.
Choosing the Best Way to Sell Your Console
Alright, you’ve cleaned up your PS4, given it a factory reset, and figured out what it’s worth. Now for the big question: where do you actually sell it? The path you choose here can make a massive difference to how much cash you end up with, how fast you get it, and how much of a headache the whole process is.
You’ve basically got three main routes to go down. Each has its own ups and downs, so let’s get into the nitty-gritty of each one so you can pick the best fit for you.
Going It Alone with a Private Sale
If you want the absolute highest price for your PS4, selling it yourself is usually the way to go. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, or even eBay let you set your own price and, minus any fees, you pocket the full amount.
But, and it's a big but, this route demands the most from you. You’re in the driver's seat for everything.
- You'll need to take great photos and write a compelling description for your listing.
- Get ready to field questions from potential buyers – and trust me, there will be plenty.
- You’ll have to navigate the world of time-wasters, hagglers, and the classic "no-shows."
- Finally, you have to sort out a safe collection or deal with the faff of packaging and posting it.
It's a hands-on approach, for sure. If you have the time and patience, you'll be rewarded with more cash.
The Quick and Easy High-Street Trade-In
This is by far the fastest and simplest option. Walk into a high-street shop, pop your console on the counter, and walk out with a voucher a few minutes later. Job done. The convenience is undeniable, but it comes at a steep cost.
High-street trade-ins almost always give you the lowest value for your console. To make matters worse, they often pay in store credit, locking you into spending that money right back with them. It’s a good shout if you're in a massive rush and were already planning to buy something else from that specific shop.
The Specialist Buyer Sweet Spot
This is where services like ours slot in perfectly. As specialist tech buyers, we offer a happy medium. You get a competitive cash price that’s much better than a trade-in, but without all the hassle and risk of selling it privately.
Think of it this way: selling to a specialist is built for security and speed. You get a fair cash offer, a secure and professional transaction, and you don’t have to deal with strangers from the internet. It’s the ideal balance for most people.
And if you happen to be local to us in Redhill or nearby in Reigate or Merstham, it’s even easier. You can arrange a drop-off or a collection, making the whole "sell my PS4" experience completely painless.
This little flowchart should help you visualise what to expect based on your console's condition.
As you can see, having that original box and making sure everything works perfectly really does boost what you can get for it.
The PS4 was an absolute phenomenon in the UK, selling over 250,000 units in the first 48 hours alone back in 2013. That created a massive, long-lasting market. It means there are still plenty of people looking to buy, which keeps the demand for second-hand consoles strong. You can read more about the console's incredible UK launch here.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on what you value most. Want top dollar and don't mind the legwork? Go private. Need it gone yesterday and aren't fussed about the price? Head to the high street. But for a great cash price without the headache, a specialist buyer is your best bet.
Ready to see what your PS4 is worth with a fast, fair, and secure quote? Just fill out our simple sales form and find out today.
The Final Hurdle: Shipping Your PS4 and Getting Paid
You’ve found a buyer and agreed on a price – fantastic! Now for the most critical part: getting your console to its new home and the money safely into your bank account. Don't let your guard down now; this is where things can go wrong if you're not careful.
Packing it Up Like a Pro
If you're posting your PS4, proper packing is non-negotiable. Don't just find an old box and hope for the best, because couriers aren't known for being gentle.
Grab a sturdy cardboard box with a little extra space. Wrap the PS4 itself in a generous layer of bubble wrap, and do the same for every single accessory – controllers, cables, the lot.
Once everything is in the box, fill all the gaps with packing peanuts, scrunched-up newspaper, or more bubble wrap. You want it snug so nothing can slide around. Give it a gentle shake; if you hear movement, add more padding. Tape it up securely with strong packing tape, and it’s ready for its journey.
Remember: Until it's safely in the buyer's hands, that console is still your responsibility. Good packaging is your best defence against damage claims and disappointed buyers.
Handling an In-Person Collection
For local sales, especially if you're near us in Redhill or Merstham, arranging a collection can be a lot simpler. But your personal safety is paramount.
- Meet somewhere public. A busy supermarket car park or a coffee shop during the day is far safer than inviting a stranger to your home.
- Take someone with you. It’s always a good idea to have a friend along. There’s safety in numbers.
- Don’t be rushed. Let the buyer have a quick look at the console, but stay in control of the situation.
Securing Your Payment (and Avoiding Scams)
This is the moment of truth. My number one rule is simple: never post your console or hand it over until you have confirmed the payment has cleared in your account. No exceptions.
Bank transfers are a solid option, but always log into your own banking app to see the funds for yourself – don’t just trust a screenshot from the buyer. For online sales, PayPal's Goods & Services option provides a good layer of protection for both parties, but remember they take a small fee.
Steer clear of any unusual payment methods you’re not familiar with. If a buyer suggests something complex involving cryptocurrency, for instance, it can add a tricky extra step. While it's possible to safely convert cryptocurrency to cash, it's a hassle most sellers can do without.
Of course, the simplest way to get paid is to sell to a trusted business like us. When you sell to EXE, payment is guaranteed and fast. You can sidestep all the packing hassle, shipping risks, and payment scams entirely. Just fill in our straightforward sales form for a secure, instant quote, and we’ll handle everything else.
Your PS4 Questions Answered
When you’re thinking, “right, it’s time to sell my PS4,” a few common questions always seem to crop up. We've put together some straight-talking answers based on our day-to-day experience helping people from Redhill to the rest of the UK turn their old consoles into cash.
How Much Can I Actually Get for My PS4?
This is always the first question, and the honest answer is: it really depends. There's no single price, as the final offer hinges on a few key things.
- Which model is it? A PS4 Pro will naturally fetch more than a PS4 Slim or the original launch model.
- What's the condition like? A pristine console, especially one with its original box, is going to be worth a lot more than a scuffed-up, unboxed one. It pays to be honest about any wear and tear.
- Is everything included? Having the official controller, power lead, HDMI cable, and charging cable makes your console a complete package and boosts its value.
- How much storage has it got? Consoles with bigger hard drives, like the 1TB models, usually command a slightly better price.
To get a realistic idea, have a look at what similar consoles have recently sold for online. Even better, get an instant quote from us by filling out our sales form.
Can I Sell a Broken PS4?
Yes, you absolutely can! It’s a common misconception that a faulty console is basically a paperweight, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Specialist buyers like us are always on the lookout for broken tech.
Whether the disc drive has given up, the fan sounds like a jumbo jet, or it simply won’t power on at all, it still has value. The internal components can often be refurbished or salvaged for parts, so don't just shove it in a drawer to be forgotten. It’s always worth getting a quote.
Don't write off a non-working console. It can almost always be turned into cash, and you might be genuinely surprised by what a "broken" machine is actually worth.
Is It Better to Sell It with My Games?
This one often surprises people. Bundling in your games rarely adds much to the value, especially when you're selling to a specialist or trading it in. Most buyers are focused purely on the console itself, and the market is flooded with common PS4 games.
If you happen to have a few rare or highly sought-after titles, you'll almost certainly make more money selling them individually to collectors on a platform like eBay. For your standard collection of popular games, feel free to include them for convenience, but just don’t expect it to significantly bump up the offer.
Selling your old tech shouldn't be a chore. We're all about making the process as straightforward and fair as we can. From our base here in Redhill, we help people all over the country, including in local towns like Merstham, get a great price for their gear without any of the usual faff.
Ready for a fast, fair, and secure offer on your PS4? Get a free, no-obligation quote from EXE today by filling out our simple sales form.
