In this time of economic uncertainty, an item’s price can become the major determining factor in a final purchase. In the realm of video games, we see this with individual games all the time, but not so with video game consoles. With the cost of components not coming down, the price of the base products from all three console makers have remained relatively the same. Most likely, if you want to find a deal on a PlayStation 5 you’d have to go to a used game shop. However, this is no longer the case, as Sony themselves have opened their own direct avenue to buy a PlayStation 5 for less.
Originally found through PlayStation website listings about a month ago, Sony began promoting certified refurbished versions of the launch edition PlayStation 5 consoles. Now, both the digital and standard edition PS5’s are available to purchase on PS Direct for $349.99 and 399.99 respectively. Each comes with a 1-year limited warranty and promises that a refurbished PS5 is “as good as new.”
You will receive a product that works like new with genuine PlayStation replacement parts (as needed) that has been thoroughly cleaned, inspected and tested. All Certified Refurbished products will come with the necessary accessories, cables and manuals. All PlayStation Certified Refurbished products are packaged in its own branded Certified Refurbished packaging
Sony is also doing the same for its controllers as well. A certified refurbished DualSense can be purchased between the prices of $59.99-64.99 depending on chosen color scheme. For example the regular White DualSense is $59.99, while the Pink DualSense is $64.99. Considering these controllers just went up to a retail price of $74.99-$79.99 respectively, refurbished does provide a modicum of savings.
It will be interesting to see if this becomes another revenue source for Sony, as they seem rather determined to cut out the usual retail avenues by even providing a PS4 trade-in option on the website as well.
With the PlayStation 5 Pro launch less than a month away, and its price of $699.99 being a major point of contention. Perhaps those lower refurbished prices get some PS4 owners to make the upgrade Sony’s been hoping for.
