Refurbished Video game consoles

Yes, refurbished consoles are worth buying. They're professionally tested and inspected before sale, and they deliver the same gaming experience as new (same software, same online features) at significantly lower prices. A refurbished PS4 starts from £109 on Back Market, a Nintendo Switch from £140, and a Nintendo Switch Lite from £110. Every console comes with a commercial warranty, and the condition grading system (Excellent, Good, Fair) lets you choose the quality level that suits your budget.

Yes, refurbished game consoles on Back Market are safe. Every console is refurbished by a vetted professional seller, put through an up to 100-point inspection, and factory reset before sale so the previous owner's data is completely wiped. Listings are clearly graded (Premium, Excellent, Good, Fair), which reflect the cosmetic state only, and seller ratings are visible before you buy. That's a significant step above picking up an unverified second-hand console with no checks and no comeback.

A refurbished console has been professionally inspected, tested, repaired where needed, cleaned, and factory reset. A second-hand console is typically sold as-is: no inspection, no guaranteed condition, and no warranty required. On Back Market, every seller is a vetted professional refurbisher and every console comes with a 12-month commercial warranty. Refurbished is a meaningful step above second-hand in quality assurance. For a full breakdown, read our guide on used vs refurbished.

Yes, refurbished consoles are fully functional for online gaming. A refurbished PS4 or PS5 connects to PlayStation Network, a refurbished Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S works on the Xbox network, and a refurbished Nintendo Switch runs on Nintendo Switch Online (a subscription may be required depending on the game). Every console is factory reset before sale, so the previous owner's account is completely wiped. All online features are available, exactly as on a new console.

Every refurbished console purchased through Back Market in the UK comes with:

• A 1-year commercial warranty covering defects and malfunctions

• 30-day returns, so you can change your mind for any reason

• An Express Replacement service for issues within the first 6 months, so you're never left without a device

• Coverage across all major brands: PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo

This commercial warranty is provided by the seller and sits on top of your statutory rights under UK law.

What's included varies by seller and condition grade, so it's worth checking the listing before you buy. Each listing on Back Market clearly states what's included: some come with original accessories, others may not. You can filter and compare listings to find the bundle that works for you.

The best value on Back Market depends on your gaming style:

• PS4 from £109: massive game library, ideal for story-driven and solo gaming

• Nintendo Switch Lite from £110: the top pick for portable-only gaming

• Nintendo Switch from £140: the most versatile all-rounder for home and handheld play

• Nintendo Switch OLED from £198: portable and home play with a vibrant OLED screen

• Xbox One: budget Xbox entry point with Game Pass support

• Xbox Series S from £215: current-gen performance, digital-only, Game Pass ready

Yes, buying a refurbished console is better for the environment. Producing a single PS4 emits approximately 89 kg of CO2e (lifecycle assessment data): buying refurbished avoids that manufacturing footprint entirely. It also reduces e-waste and cuts demand for raw material extraction. Since 2014, Back Market has helped avoid over 2.2 million tonnes of CO2e through refurbished tech purchases. Every refurbished console bought is one fewer device built from scratch. Read more about the environmental impact of refurbished tech.