: A strong alternative for certified, 100% functional consoles that come with a 12-month warranty, with prices starting as low as $60 for older hardware.
: Remains a staple for new hardware and limited-edition collectibles, often featuring weekly sales and trade-in programs that can drastically lower the cost of an upgrade. 2. Certified Refurbished & Open-Box (15–30% Savings)
: These are often the primary sources for new units like the PlayStation 5 Slim or the Xbox Series X . They frequently offer seasonal sales and "buy now" options for popular family systems like the Nintendo Switch 2 . cheapest place to buy consoles
Due to recent price hikes (e.g., PS5 increasing to $649.99 in April 2026), demand for used consoles has surged by over 93%.
: These retailers often have "Open-Box" sections where you can find nearly new consoles like the Xbox Series S at a discount. 3. The Resale & Secondary Market : A strong alternative for certified, 100% functional
: Offers high-quality refurbished options for older generations like the PlayStation 4 (starting at ~$174) and Xbox One S (~$179), as well as current-gen consoles.
Buying certified pre-owned stock is arguably the best way to save money while retaining a warranty in 2026. Certified Refurbished & Open-Box (15–30% Savings) : These
: These remain the easiest places to find a high volume of listings, though they require more diligence to avoid scams or poor-quality hardware. How to Get a PS5 or PS5 PRO for CHEAP in 2026