Sony has started selling refurbished PS5 consoles | VGC

Sony has begun selling refurbished PlayStation 5 consoles via its online store PlayStation Direct.

The refurbished consoles are pre-owned hardware which has been returned to the company for a variety of reasons, and which are being resold at a discounted price.

The hardware may have been returned because it was faulty, or simply because the user opened the box before changing their mind and sending it back for a refund, meaning it can no longer be sold as new.

“As good as new,” Sony says of the refurbished consoles, which have been “extensively” cleaned and tested and come with a 12-month manufacturer’s warranty.

The refurbished consoles available are the PS5 launch model rather than the newer Slim one.

In the US, a refurbished PS5 with a disc drive costs $399.99, while the Digital Edition costs $349.99. In the UK, currently only the PS5 with a disc drive is available refurbished, priced at £389.99.

Sony says buyers can save up to $100 / $90 buying refurbished, when comparing prices to PS5 Slim, which costs $499.99 / £479.99 full price.

However, it’s worth noting that PS5 Slim consoles are currently discounted by $50 / £50 until early next week.

Sony is gearing up to launch PS5 Pro in November. The more powerful console is priced at $699.99 / £699.99.