Best Used Gaming Console to Buy in 2026 (Value Rankings)
Used gaming consoles are one of the best deals in electronics right now. Last-gen consoles are dirt cheap, and even current-gen can be found at steep discounts. Here's our value ranking for 2026.
The Value Rankings
1. Nintendo Switch OLED — Best Overall Value
Used price: $180-220 | New price: $349 | Savings: 37-48%
The Switch library is massive (4,000+ games), the console is portable AND plays on your TV, and Nintendo games hold their value — meaning you can resell them later for nearly what you paid. The OLED model has a gorgeous screen and better kickstand. Best bang for your buck, period.
2. PlayStation 5 (Disc Edition) — Best for Serious Gamers
Used price: $320-380 | New price: $499 | Savings: 24-36%
The PS5 has the strongest exclusive game library: Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarok, Final Fantasy XVI, Horizon Forbidden West. The disc edition lets you buy used physical games ($10-30 vs $60-70 digital), which saves money long-term.
Skip the Digital Edition unless it's under $250. Without a disc drive, you're locked into PlayStation Store prices which are consistently higher than used physical games.
3. Xbox Series S — Best Budget Current-Gen
Used price: $150-200 | New price: $299 | Savings: 33-50%
Add Xbox Game Pass ($10-17/month) and you have access to hundreds of games including every Microsoft first-party title on launch day. The Series S is digital-only and only does 1440p (not 4K), but for the price it's incredible value.
4. PlayStation 4 Pro — Best Budget Option
Used price: $120-160 | Savings: Massive (discontinued)
The PS4 library has 4,000+ games and most of the best ones are $5-15 used. If you haven't played God of War, The Last of Us, Ghost of Tsushima, or Horizon Zero Dawn, you can play them all for under $200 total (console + games).
5. Xbox Series X — Best 4K Value
Used price: $300-360 | New price: $499 | Savings: 28-40%
The most powerful current-gen console with a disc drive and 1TB storage. Combined with Game Pass, it's a strong value — but the PS5 has better exclusives, which is why it ranks lower here.
What to Check Before Buying
- Controllers: Test every button and both analog sticks. Stick drift is common on all platforms
- Disc drive: Bring a disc and test it. A grinding or clicking drive means it's failing
- Fan noise: Turn it on and listen. Loud buzzing or grinding = internal fan issue ($20-50 repair)
- HDMI port: Bent or loose HDMI ports are common and cost $80-120 to repair professionally
- Account status: Make sure the previous owner has signed out and factory-reset the console
Where to Buy Used Consoles
- Facebook Marketplace: Best prices, but test in person. Meet in a public place
- eBay (Buy It Now): Wider selection, buyer protection. Stick to sellers with 99%+ feedback
- GameStop Refurbished: Pricier but includes a warranty
- Swappa: Verified condition ratings. Slightly higher prices but lower risk
Find the best console deals right now
Search real eBay listings sorted by total cost — see what used consoles are actually selling for.
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