Last month, Sony announced that it would be raising the price of its PlayStation 5 console by $100 / £90, increasing its cost to $649.99 / £569.99 up from $549.99 / £479.99.
It should come as little surprise that this news has prompted a huge increase in demand for second-hand consoles as shoppers flock to resale platforms in search of cheaper alternatives.
Online marketplace Gumtree reported a massive 93% rise in year-on-year enquiries for pre-owned consoles in the UK. This came alongside a recent 30% jump in demand compared to March's weekly average, making it clear that the price hike is having an effect.
Gumtree CEO Andy Harper observed that the "price increase has triggered an immediate reaction from buyers" with demand spiking "in a matter of days."
The company is seeing even bigger spikes in big cities. In London, for example, demand shot up up 129% after the price increase came into effect on April 2, 2026. Manchester, another major UK city, similarly saw demand up 91%.
Harper argues that "buying second-hand is no longer a compromise" but rather "a smarter way to shop." If you're currently one of the many looking to score a discount on a used console, here are three tips to help you avoid common pitfalls.
1. Buy refurbished if possible
Online marketplaces like eBay can help you score brilliant deals, but they do come with their own risks. For added peace of mind, I'd always recommend buying a refurbished (or renewed) system from a big retailer instead.
Sony sells its own certified refurbished PS5s, which it says are subject to a "rigorous recertification process" and numerous tests to bring them up to the same standard as a new console. US shoppers can also consider refurbished options at GameStop and Best Buy, which are subject to similar checks.
In the UK, third-party storefronts like CEX and Back Market are good bets. Amazon also lists plenty of renewed or refurbished consoles in both regions, though prices and condition does tend to vary depending on what's in stock at the time of your purchase.
The exact meaning of refurbished can vary depending on the store, so always make sure to carefully research what it means in your specific instance. While Sony will provide a new box for a used PS5, a renewed console from Amazon, for example, might come without any of its original packaging.
2. Look for a generous warranty
Warranty coverage is also a must, as sometimes faults can slip through the retailer's checks. I would aim for a minimum of 12 months, as that should see you through that initial teething period where issues are most likely to arise.
It might seem boring, but actually taking the time to read the exact warranty policy is very worthwhile. It will give you a good idea of what to expect if the worst does happen, and lets know the kind of faults that would be covered.
A certified refurbished PS5 from Sony, for example, comes with the same 12-month warranty as a brand new console, which alone could justify spending more to get one direct than going elsewhere.
3. Test the system right away
This might seem like a no-brainer, but when you first unbox your used PS5, you should start by testing everything to make sure it's working as it should.
Try every USB port, test the disc reader if one is included, and make sure that the HDMI port functions properly with a couple of displays.
You should pay special attention to the controller that comes with your system, too, as they commonly develop faults with prolonged use.
Head to the Test Input Devices page in the console's settings menu (found by clicking accessories, and then controllers) to make sure that there is no thumbstick drift or button input issues.
