UK Gamers Can Cash In Up to £160 by Recycling Old Consoles

As households across the United Kingdom seek ways to manage their budgets, a new opportunity has emerged for gamers to earn cash from unused video game consoles. Research from Virgin Media O2 reveals that approximately 49 million consoles are lying idle in homes, collectively valued at an impressive £4.14 billion. This presents a potential solution for those feeling the financial strain as the end of January approaches.

With many consumers upgrading to the latest gaming systems during the festive season, older models often end up stored away rather than sold or recycled. Fortunately, O2 offers a straightforward recycling scheme that allows users to trade in their old gaming hardware for cash. The service can be accessed on O2’s website, where users can search for the console they wish to recycle.

Modern consoles tend to fetch the highest prices. For instance, a well-maintained PlayStation 5 can yield around £180, while a Switch OLED in its original packaging may bring in £108 at CEX. In contrast, older models like the Wii U and Xbox 360 have significantly lower trade-in values, at just £8 and £4 respectively. While these amounts may not seem substantial, they offer a way to monetize devices that would otherwise take up space.

Dana Haidan, Chief Sustainability Officer at O2, emphasized the importance of their recycling initiative. “With millions of new consoles taking pride of place in gamers’ homes this January, we know it can be overwhelming for Brits to know what to do with their unwanted gaming gadgets,” she stated. Haidan highlighted that O2 Recycle aims to extend the life of gaming equipment, whether through refurbishment and resale or responsible recycling when reuse is not feasible.

Beyond O2, several other options exist for trading in technology. It’s advisable for gamers to compare offers from various retailers to maximize their returns. The condition of the console plays a crucial role in determining its value; well-cared-for devices are likely to command a premium price compared to those that have seen rougher use.

As consumers navigate their financial priorities in January, selling or recycling unused gaming hardware presents a practical way to ease budgetary pressures. With the potential to earn substantial amounts from old consoles, gamers have an opportunity to not only declutter their homes but also contribute to sustainability efforts in the tech industry.