How to Sell Video Games and Consoles Online in 2026

How to price it right

For games, pricecharting.com is the standard reference — check the 'loose,' 'complete in box,' and 'new' prices for your exact title. For consoles, filter eBay 'sold' for the last 30 days in your exact configuration (disc vs digital, storage). Do not price against the eBay 'active listings' — those are aspirational.

Ranges based on eBay sold listings and pricecharting.com as of early 2026.

The 5 best photos to take

1. 1.

   Console powered on with the home screen visible

   Why: Proves it works. Non-working consoles sell for 40–70% less.

2. 2.

   Everything included, laid out flat (console, controller(s), cables, stand)

   Why: Buyers need to see the whole bundle. Missing HDMI cable = $20 knock.

3. 3.

   The serial number sticker on the console

   Why: Verifies not stolen. Blur the last few digits, but show it.

4. 4.

   Games (if included) with cases stacked or fanned out

   Why: Bundled games add real value. Show them clearly with titles readable.

5. 5.

   Any damage, dust, or wear — honest close-up

   Why: Yellowed plastic, controller stick wear, disc scratches. Show them, price accordingly.

How to write the listing description

For a console, list exact model, storage, controllers included, and whether it is factory reset. For individual games, note if the case, manual, and disc are all present (this is 'CIB' — complete in box).

PS5 Disc Edition — 825GB, 2 controllers, 4 games, excellent condition

Model: PS5 Disc (CFI-1215A)
Storage: 825GB internal
Includes:
- Console (factory reset before pickup)
- 2 DualSense controllers (one white, one midnight black)
- HDMI cable, power cable, stand
- 4 games: Spider-Man 2 (disc + case), Elden Ring (disc + case), FIFA 24 (disc only), Ratchet & Clank (CIB)
Condition: Excellent — kept in a well-ventilated space, dust-free. Both controllers have no stick drift.

Located in [Your Town]. Cash or Zelle at pickup — no shipping.

$[price] firm — priced against eBay sold comps.

Best platforms to list on

1. #1

   eBay

   Best prices for games. Sold listings give you exact market value. Ship in a bubble mailer with tracking.

2. #2

   Facebook Marketplace

   Best for consoles — local cash, no shipping risk, buyer sees it work.

3. #3

   Mercari

   Great for individual games. Ships easy, buyer pool is national.

4. #4

   OfferUp

   Cross-post consoles for volume.

5. #5

   GameStop trade-in

   Instant offer, roughly 40–60% of what you'd get selling. Use only for last-resort convenience.

How long it takes to sell

Consoles priced right go in 1–5 days on Marketplace. Individual games on eBay: 3–10 days at a fair Buy It Now. Rare retro can move in hours if pricecharting.com says it is undervalued.

Common scams to avoid

• PayPal Goods & Services chargebacks on shipped consoles — buyer claims "not received" or "broken." Ship with signature required, film packing.
• Meet-up scams where the buyer wants to "test the console" at their house — no. Test at your driveway or a police lobby.
• Box-swap returns on eBay — buyer returns a broken unit in your box. Photograph serial numbers before shipping.
• Fake Zelle screenshots at pickup. Wait for the money to actually appear in your app.
• Kids at a public meet-up trying to grab and run. Bring an adult, meet in a well-trafficked spot.

What to do if it doesn't sell

• Check pricecharting.com for your exact title — you may be overpricing.
• Include the controller and cables in the listing photo — completeness matters.
• Add "factory reset" to the console description — a common buyer question.
• Drop 5–10% and re-post.
• Move games from Marketplace to eBay — the national buyer pool is bigger for games.

FAQ