Sony Offers Up to $400 for Your Old PS5 Before GTA 6: How the Back Market Trade-In Works

Sony is offering some US PlayStation owners up to $400 cash for their old PS5, paid through the refurbished-tech store Back Market. The offer arrived as a notification in the PlayStation app, just weeks before GTA 6 launches on November 19. Here's what you can really get, and the small print.

Related: Black Friday 2026 Console Deals: PS5, Xbox and Switch 2 Prices Before November 27 · GTA 6 Launch Checklist: Everything You Need Before November 19

Sony's PS5 trade-in at a glance

Will you really get $400?

Probably not the full amount. Sony's fine print says $400 is the average promised quote for a standard PS5 in "Grade 0" (flawless) condition with two or more controllers, based on trade-ins from August 23 to September 22, 2026. It's a ceiling, not a promise. Back Market inspects the console when it arrives, and scratches, a missing controller or a worn disc drive will lower the price.

The PS5 Pro isn't part of the $400 headline, but reports say a flawless Pro can be quoted much higher on Back Market, around $750.

How it works

1. Open the offer from the PlayStation app notification, or go to Back Market's trade-in page.
2. Pick your model and condition and get a quote.
3. Back up and transfer your data, then reset the console.
4. Ship it for free within 21 days.
5. Back Market checks it and sends the money to your bank account.

We may earn a commission from links on this page.

Is it a good deal?

For a console that's a few years old, it's a strong offer. GameStop pays up to about $275, and that's in store credit, not cash. Selling privately on Facebook Marketplace or eBay might get you a similar amount, but you deal with buyers, scams and shipping yourself. Get the Back Market quote first, compare it with local prices, then decide.

Like this kind of news? Get the WIZY weekly: one email every Sunday, no spam.

Why now?

Sony hasn't said. The timing points at GTA 6 (November 19) and the holiday season: Back Market resells refurbished consoles, and demand for cheaper PS5s will be huge when GTA 6 drops. Microsoft ran a similar trade-in push for Xbox shortly before.

Trading in to upgrade? A PS5 Pro is the obvious move, and see our Black Friday console deals before you buy.

FAQ

Is Sony really paying $400 for a used PS5?

Up to $400, through Back Market, for a standard PS5 in flawless condition with two controllers. Most consoles will get less.

Is it cash or store credit?

Cash, sent to your bank account by Back Market.

Can everyone use it?

The app notification went to selected US owners. Anyone in the US can still get a quote on Back Market, but the price depends on model and condition.

Is there a deadline?

No end date was given for Sony's notification. Back Market's trade-in program reportedly runs to December 31, 2026.