Some PlayStation 5 owners have received notifications from Sony about a trade-in partnership with Back Market, a company that sells refurbished electronics. The offer gives eligible owners up to $400 for their console, provided it is in good condition and includes two controllers.
The offer arrives as PS5 prices have risen twice, while the Xbox-series-x-s/">Xbox Series X has seen three price increases in a year. The source report links the pressure on console prices to constraints in hardware supply, and says those conditions may limit Sony’s ability to sell the PS5 at prices customers consider affordable.
While Sony’s offer is described as more generous than what competitors such as GameStop provide, it may not appeal to every owner. The report notes that used and refurbished PS5s have been listed for between $600 and $1,300, making the trade-in amount potentially less attractive to people who could sell their console elsewhere. The deal may be more relevant to owners who were already planning to upgrade.
Microsoft has also encouraged Xbox owners to trade in their consoles during 2026, presenting the option as a way to get value from hardware that is not being used. The report says Xbox has also proposed expanding its refurbishment program.
The Sony and Microsoft initiatives come ahead of the holiday season and the expected release of major games, including Grand Theft Auto 6. The report adds that some PS5 owners may instead choose to keep their consoles, citing rumors about the PlayStation 6’s price and increased interest in the PS5 jailbreak.
Sources: Polygon.