Sony unexpectedly urged PS5 owners to sell their consoles. The company is offering up to $400

Sony has started urging some PS5 owners to sell their consoles, offering up to $400 for an unused device through a special trade-in program.

 Sony is sending out messages to users who have been inactive on PS5 for a long time. In an email titled “Trade in your PS5 and get up to $400”, PlayStation offers to quickly appraise the console and receive cash after its sale.

Sony itself does not buy back hardware, but instead redirects interested users to Back Market, a platform for selling used and refurbished electronics. Microsoft previously launched a similar initiative, offering Xbox owners to sell their consoles.

The main offer is the opportunity to get up to $400. Sony promises a simple process without complicated formalities. Users just need to check the estimated value of the device, agree to the terms, and complete the deal. The funds will be transferred directly to the specified bank account.

The initiative comes amid high electronics prices and issues with the availability of certain components. The pre-owned device market is becoming increasingly important, and returning unused PS5s to circulation will allow other gamers to purchase a console.

For Sony, this is quite an unusual step: manufacturers are usually interested in selling new devices rather than having customers part with their old ones. However, the maximum $400 is only available under certain conditions.