Now more than ever, you need to know how to prepare a PS4 for sale. Use this breakdown to learn how to get the most out of your old game console.
Don’t panic, Sony isn’t releasing the PS5 yet. That being said, the PS4 Pro is reason enough to sell your old console. It was released in 2016 and out of the many exclusive games coming in the new year, the only way to get the best graphics is to buy one. If you want 4K graphics Spider-Man PS4, Detroit Become Human and God of War, The only way to get it is to buy a PS4.
Properly preparing your PS4 for sale will allow you to upgrade to PS4 Pro for much less than it would otherwise cost. Best Buy, Amazon and Game Stop will give you store credit that you can apply to your new console purchase. GameStop also gives cash for console trades. If you ever sell your console, expect a huge discount on the regular $399 price of the PS4 Pro.
Here’s how to get a PS4 ready for sale.
Step 1: Prepare for Your Sale
Start preparing your PS4 for sale by gathering all the information buyers and stores will need. For this, take a paper and a pen.
Figure Out Which PS4 You Have
PS4 Slim.
First, you need to find the PS4 you own. Since the console’s launch in 2013, Sony has released a single major design update for the standard PS4, called the PS4 Slim. This is important because a PS4 Slim will sell much more than a standard PS4 will.
If your console has a removable side plate and a power indicator in the middle of its faceplate, it’s the original PS4. The PS4 Slim has a matte finish and a PS4 logo in the middle of its top face. Write down the model you have on paper. Also pay attention to whether your console has a custom print design or paint job. You can get extra cash or credit for rare design models.
Understand How Much Storage Your Console Has
Original PS4.
Next, it’s time to find out how much storage your console has. Look for the total storage capacity of your console in the label at the bottom. The box your console came in also lists how much storage it has. Remember to put the original driver back on your console if you changed the original driver to your console before selling it, as the PS4 allows you to easily upgrade the storage inside.
Note the amount of storage your PS4 has. The more games it can hold, the more you usually get by selling it.
Decide What You’re Selling With Your Console
You may want to add accessories and any physical games you own to your PS4 sale to really increase your sales potential. On places like eBay and Craigslist this will add value to your listing and attract buyers who are willing to pay more for a system that comes with a few games and accessories. GameStop, Best Buy, and other stores will give you more credits for every item you sell. Write down the extras you plan to sell.
Step 2: Back Up Your Games
If you’re upgrading to PS4 Slim or PS4 Pro, it’s best to back up games on your current PS4. That way, you won’t get stuck downloading your saved files, apps and digital games again. Note that some game downloads are large and may take a day to fully install.
Unless you’re planning to buy another PS4 or if all your games are on discs, continue to the next step.
Move Your Games To A Hard Drive
The easiest way to back up your PS4 games is to connect a USB 3.0 hard drive to your console. PS4 treats external hard drives as additional storage for games and applications. For the best experience, make sure the hard drive you’re moving your games to has as much storage space as your PS4. Nothing else should be on this hard drive.
- Connect your USB 3.0 hard drive to your console via one of the front-side USB ports.
- Select at the bottom of your screen.
- Choose from the menu.
- Choose .
- Select your external hard drive from the menu.
- Choose now.
- Select when the format is complete.
Now that the hard drive is properly formatted.
- turn back
- Choose from the menu.
- Press the button on your controller.
- Select all the games you want to back up.
- Choose .
Step 3: Check Disk Drive for Games
With all your games and apps migrated, make sure none of your games stay inside your PS4. Since it has a slot loading driver, it is very easy to miss that there is still a game in it.
Press the eject button. If you only hear a chime and no disc is sliding out, the drive is empty.
Step 4: Delete Your PlayStation Network Account and Reset Your Console
Wherever you sell your PS4, be sure to reset it. GameStop and other vendors will do this for you in-store, but resetting before you get there will save you time.
- Sign in to your console.
- Select at the bottom of your screen
- Choose from the menu.
- Choose .
- Choose from the menu.
- Select at the bottom of your screen.
- Choose .
- Wait for your PS4 to finish booting. Unplug your system only when it has completely reset itself.
Step 5: Disconnect Your Accessories and Clean Your Console
Unplug your PS4 from your entertainment setup. Start with the HDMI cable connecting the console to your television, and then unplug the power cord from the console and the electrical outlet. Put these cables with your console because you need them to resell your system. For example, Game Stop won’t buy your console without them.
Be mindful of the accessories you plan to trade in. Retailers and buyers will expect a controller to come free with the system. Also, keep in mind that any extra games, controllers, or other accessories you trade will increase your cash or store credit. If you’re selling on Craigslist or eBay, be sure to write these extras on the same piece of paper that shows your console’s storage size and model. Adjust your selling price to account for these items.
Now, use a dry cloth to wipe your system. For most buyers, a clean, flawless system is worth more than a dirty, dirty system. Retail stores generally don’t care about a console’s condition unless the system is booted and there is a lot of physical damage to its chassis.
Step 6: Selling Your PS4
Finally, it’s time to sell your console.
If you are selling your console in a marketplace – Craigslist or eBay, now build your list. Use the information you write down to let buyers know exactly what they’re getting for their money. Also, don’t forget to add great pictures to your list. People like to see what they buy.
Selling your console to Game Stop, Best Buy and Amazon is easy. Amazon Swap gives you an estimate of how much you can expect to earn and gives you a shipping label. You get store credit from them. best buy it also gives store credit, but you must take your console to a participating store for sale.
Finally, there is Game Pause. There you get store credit or cash for your console. Use this online tool to find out the value of your console. Note that Game Stop requires an HDMI cable with your system, so be sure to pack it in your product bag to swap in before you leave the house.
