The video game console market is always evolving. As a seller trying to profit from trading gaming systems, it helps to understand which consoles are currently in high demand from buyers. Some older systems are collectible and can sell for premium prices to nostalgic gamers. Meanwhile, the latest consoles offer cutting-edge graphics and performance that create excitement around new game releases. Sell game Console
Newest Generation of Consoles
PlayStation 5
The PlayStation 5 (PS5) is Sony’s newest console, released in 2020. With extremely high demand and low supply still persists, the PS5 remains difficult find in stock at retail and commands high resale values of $200 or more over the original $499 price. Key features driving interest in the PS5 include:
- Stunning graphics with 4K video output, up to 120 frames per second gameplay, hardware-accelerated ray tracing, and powerful GPU/CPU hardware
- Super-fast load times with its custom SSD storage
- Advanced haptic feedback and adaptive triggers on the DualSense controller
- Sequels to popular PlayStation exclusive franchises like Spider-Man, God of War, and Horizon
Selling a new PS5 isn’t easy due to supply constraints. But for motivated sellers able to source units, huge profit margins make PS5 consoles hugely lucrative to resell for impatient gamers eager to buy.
Xbox Series X/S
Microsoft’s latest consoles — the Xbox Series X and affordable Series S version — also remain in high demand after their 2020 launch. Similar to Sony, Microsoft struggles to meet demand as components like chips remain in short supply globally.
For resellers, the Xbox Series X/S offers similar advantages to the PS5:
- Cutting-edge components enable 4K gaming, quick resume of multiple games, and 120fps frame rates
- Backward compatibility to play older Xbox games
- Game Pass subscription with 100s of downloadable games
- Upcoming exclusives like Starfield and Redfall
The Xbox Series X can easily sell for $100+ over its $499 MSRP. Meanwhile the tiny, digital-only Xbox Series S is an easy sell at around $50 over its $299 MSRP for budget-focused gamers.
Last Generation of Consoles
PlayStation 4 Pro
Now in the tail-end of its lifecycle as Sony shifts focus to the PS5, the PlayStation 4 Pro still warrants consideration for resellers. Its 2016-era hardware lacks features of modern consoles, however it retains an immense library of over 4,000 game titles.
For cost-conscious buyers hesitant to pay inflated PS5 prices, a used PS4 Pro at around $200 is very appealing. Gamers know they can build a huge back-catalog of titles to keep them occupied for years while waiting for PS5 supply to improve.
Xbox One X
Microsoft similarly is moving on to promote its newest Xbox Series X/S devices. Yet the 2017-released Xbox One X still offers ample value for gaming buyers thanks to its forward-thinking 4K Blu-Ray drive and support for 60fps 4K gaming.
The Xbox Series S lacks an optical disc drive entirely, while the Series X matches the specs but costs $200 more. This leaves an opening for One X as an interim solution for cost-sensitive gamers invested in physical game collections. Expect to sell the One X for under $200 now.
Retro Consoles in Demand
Nintendo NES Classic
Nintendo’s NES Classic Edition flew off shelves after its 2016 release. Pre-loaded with 30 classic 1980s NES games like Super Mario Bros, Zelda, and Metroid, this mini console hit a sweet nostalgia spot for Nintendo fans.
Discontinued in 2017, limited supplies coupled with enduring popularity make the NES Classic still in-demand from retro gamers. Working units in good condition can fetch between $100 to $150. Defective consoles are also worth selling for parts.
SNK Neo Geo Mini
SNK’s 2018 Neo Geo Mini is modeled after the company’s 1990s arcade cabinet hardware. With 40 built-in fighting games and classic Neo Geo look, this unique mini console rides both nostalgic appeal and the enduring popularity of SNK fighters like King of Fighters, Metal Slug, and Samurai Shodown.
Initially slow sales resulted in price drops. However rising recognition among fighting game fans has increased demand. Expect to earn around $100 selling the Neo Geo Mini console, more if it includes bonues like extra controllers or arcade stick.
Conclusion
Evaluating which game consoles are most profitable to sell depends on several factors. But overall the newest PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch devices remain persistently in-demand from eager gaming fans. Leveraging short supplies around these consoles can allow resellers to earn substantial profits.
At the same time, certain retro nostalgia consoles like the NES Classic and Neo Geo Mini tap into their own niche markets where they generate strong demand despite being technically outdated. By understanding both current and retro gaming markets, resellers have multiple options to connect consoles with buyers and make sales.
