Sony is sending notifications to PS5 players in the US, encouraging them to trade in their console for cash if they aren’t using it.
The program – which works through a third party called Back Market – promises up to $400 for a base PS5 console with two DualSense controllers, depending on their overall condition.
Microsoft recently sent a similar email to Xbox Series X|S customers, encouraging them to get rid of any consoles they aren’t currently playing.
Here’s a look at Sony’s message, courtesy of ResetEra:
So why is this happening?
Well, we live in unprecedented times and the price of new consoles has skyrocketed.
Additionally, the memory crisis has significantly reduced inventory – it’s quite difficult to get a hold of a PS5 Pro these days, even though standard systems are still readily available.
But the real reason is that there is no money in an idle device.
If someone buys a used console, there’s a good chance they’ll buy GTA 6 through the PS Store and a PS Plus subscription – that’s potential money in Sony’s pocket that it wouldn’t have made if the console had been sitting in a storage unit gathering dust.
It’s really strange to see console makers promoting trade-ins like this, and of course they’d rather you use your system every day and make purchases within their ecosystem.
But if not, it seems like the companies want you to unload your console so someone else can pick it up and hopefully spend some money.
Gn tech
