Many lucky gamers have finally gotten their hands on the recently released Xbox Series X/S or the PlayStation 5. Released on November 12, 2020, the new generation consoles all sold out very quickly at most retailers, but many were still lucky enough to nab one for themselves. With both consoles offering varying amounts of backward compatibility, many fans may now be wondering what to do with older, outdated systems that no longer serve a purpose.
Keep It
These last-generation consoles aren't completely out-of-date just yet; most new games will be coming out for both the new and old consoles for a long time coming. It will give players an additional system to play games on that they don't get own for the new system. For those who have a massive collection of PS4 games on physical disks and own the PS5 digital edition, they may just want to keep the old ones, since they can no longer use disks on their new system.
Most modern TVs have multiple HDMI docks, so players should be able to keep both hooked up without needing a whole lot of effort to switch back and forth between them. The PlayStation 5 also comes with its own HDMI cable, so players can have dedicated cables for each system easily too.
Make a Media Center
For those lucky enough to have multiple TVs in their homes, PS4s and Xbox Ones make for great media storage. Not only can most of these systems play DVDs, but they also have in-app movies and TV shows for purchase. Most streaming services have a console version of their applications, so PS4s and Xbox Ones can easily be transformed into the Netflix or Hulu machine. In spite of Netflix's recent price spike, it's still has about 160 million subscribers, and most consoles owners most likely have Netflix or a similar streaming service that can breathe new life into their old machines. Gamers can also start making a gaming or arcade room with all of their older systems for having gaming parties.
Trade It In
If an old console is just going to sit around collecting dust, trade it in. Amazon, GameStop, as well as local used gaming shops will happily take complete, working older systems for store credit or cash. Some store credit just in time for GameStop's Black Friday deals would be a big deal for most gamers; a traded in Xbox One or PS4 will likely get them a handful of games for their new console.
Sell It
There are tons of families around the US that don't have the money for the latest and greatest, but may be looking for some gently used and working consoles for their kids for the holidays. For many, the PS4 is still one of the best designed PlayStation consoles, and both it and the Xbox One have a lot of life left in them. Selling on resell sites or apps like Craigslist, eBay, and LetGo can make some kid extremely happy for the holidays, while netting the seller some cash in exchange. Selling on these sites can be a little risky, however, so make sure to follow all safety tips and COVID procedures to ensure that the trade is as safe as possible.
Donate It
Local charities can always use some working consoles if gamers can afford to donate them. Local churches, Boys and Girls Clubs, children's hospitals, and even places like Goodwill will take consoles to help out their organizations. It could make the future a little brighter for someone who really needs the boost, so consider donating to someone in need. Gamers are known for their generosity; the online-only Summer Games Done Quick raised $3 million this year for Doctor's Without Borders, even with the pandemic in full swing.
Give It Away
Know a kid who would love a video game system? Used systems still make great gifts, and that will be one gift checked off on a holiday shopping list.
Sell Parts
There are millions of gamers still holding onto their old consoles that may need spare parts. Stripping the PS4 or Xbox One of its parts, especially if the consoles doesn't work so well anymore as a whole, can be a lucrative way of getting rid of a system that no longer functions properly. The Nintendo Switch's stick drift problem isn't the only part of consoles that can go bad, so check out the market and see what parts might sell for on resell sites or shops nearby.
Recycle It
If gamers aren't handy themselves, a non-working system is about as good as a paperweight. An old busted PS4 or Xbox One that's barely hanging onto life shouldn't be thrown away though. Both Nintendo and Best Buy offer free recycling for consoles, cell phones, computers, batteries, and other electronics. Don't let it fester in a landfill for the next million years: let the experts reuse as many parts as possible. Although they won't have any of the new generation consoles in-store until next year, Best Buy will have PS5 stations that players can try out new games on at least.
The Xbox Series X/S and the PlayStation 5 are now available.