If you just upgraded to a Sony PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, or Xbox Series S, you may be wondering if your existing console will just to sit in a corner accumulating dust. Are you really going to go back to all of this? If the answer is probably no, you have a few different options when it comes to what to do with it.
One option is, of course, to just keep playing: you may have built a huge collection of titles and new releases will still appear for the latest generation of machines for a while. If you do not want move your games for your new console, so you can still take hours and hours of fun with the old one.
If you decide that you are going to make most or all of your games on your new console in the future, then there are really two main options for your old PS4 or Xbox One: or reuse it using the other applications available for the hardware, or say goodbye by putting it up for sale, donating it to a worthy cause or recycling it.
If you have more ideas on how to use your old console, we’d love to hear them – leave them in the comments below.
Turn it into a Media Center
If you’re not going to keep playing with your old PS4 or Xbox One, but still want to keep it, the obvious alternative is like a media center: Sony and Microsoft consoles support multiple videos and music apps that you can keep using while maintaining the game machine connected to a TV or monitor.
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Some of the movie apps and TV shows that you can install on any of these consoles include Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Disney Plus, and HBO Max. Even Apple TV has now made it to the PS4 and Xbox One, so you can queue up all the digital media you bought from Apple and the Apple TV Plus streaming service. On the music side, there are Spotify and Pandora on both consoles and SoundCloud on Xbox One.
Plex is another option, the versatile application that allows you to stream movies, TV shows, and music stored in digital form from a computer on your local network straight to your PS4 or Xbox One. If you have a ton of digital content stuck on a Windows or macOS machine somewhere in the house, you can use Plex to stream it to your old game console with minimal fuss.
All of these apps are simple and quick to install and can be accessed at the respective app stores on PlayStation 4 or Xbox One – subscription prices will be vary from app to app, but after logging in and setting up, you can start watching right away.
Don’t forget the PS4 and Xbox One’s ability to play discs – you can activate Blu-rays, DVDs and even CDs using the consoles, depending on the machine. The PS4 can play Blu-rays and DVDs, but not CDs; Xbox One consoles (with the obvious exception of Xbox One S All-Digital Edition) are capable of playing Blu-rays, DVDs, and CDs. Just insert the disc to get started.
There is an extra option if you have an Xbox One and a Windows computer elsewhere on the home network. Pick it Wireless display application installed on your Xbox console, and while you are on the same network, you should be able to use the console as a second wireless display for your PC: You can stream photos, websites, movies, games or whatever you want. In Windows, open Settings and go to Devices, Bluetooth and other devicesand Add Bluetooth or another device to make the connection.
Sell or donate
If you do not intend to continue playing on your old console or use it as a media center, you can choose to sell or donate it. Donating will leave you with a confused glow, but less money: you shouldn’t have to look long to find a niece, nephew, neighbor or a friend who will be happy to take your PS4 or Xbox One (and all associated games) out of your hands.
If you can’t find anyone, many charities and institutions (like hospitals and youth centers) will take an old PS4 or Xbox One out of your hands, including companies like Charity nerds and Gamers Outreach– but always contact them in advance to check. Most charities that accept donations must be open to donating.
You may want to keep your PS4 or Xbox controllers – they can be used with the newer consoles, or with your smartphone, or with a Windows computer. If you play anywhere else, it may be worth grabbing the controller and reusing it for use on a different device.
As for selling, changing your console is the most convenient option, although you will probably get less money for it. From retailers like GameStop for clothes online like BuyBackWorld, you have a few places to choose from – just be sure to refer to the instructions for completely resetting the console and cleaning it before separating it.
Direct selling sites like eBay or Craigslist require more effort, but usually return more money. If you’re new to selling relatively high-priced gadgets on these sites, Check out The help pages before you start: take lots of photos, be detailed on your lists and get help from a more experienced salesperson if possible.
Whatever you do, don’t just throw your console in the trash. Even broken devices will make money on eBay (they’ll probably be repaired or used when buying parts) and Best buy and Microsoft these are just two of the many options for recycling your PS4 or Xbox One. After responsibly disposing of your old hardware in the way you see fit, you can make the most of games on your new console.