Buying Gaming Consoles on Facebook Marketplace

Gaming consoles are some of the best deals on Marketplace. Last-gen systems go cheap, and even current-gen hardware sells significantly below retail. But consoles have hidden issues that only show up during gameplay. Here’s how to buy one that actually works.

The console ban problem

This is the most common issue buyers don’t think about until it’s too late.

What gets consoles banned:

• Chargebacks on digital purchases
• Cheating or modding for online games
• Harassment or severe terms of service violations
• Stolen console reported to manufacturer

What a banned console means:

• Cannot access online multiplayer
• Cannot download games from the store
• Cannot use cloud saves
• May have limited access to updates
• Essentially useless for modern gaming

The seller usually won’t tell you because they either don’t know or are hoping you won’t notice.

How to check: You need to test online functionality in person. There’s no way to check ban status remotely using a serial number.

Testing any console: The essentials

Regardless of which console you’re buying, run through this process:

1. Visual inspection

Before powering on:

• Check for physical damage (cracks, dents)
• Look at all ports (HDMI, USB, power)—are they damaged?
• Inspect vents for dust buildup (indicates poor maintenance)
• Check disc slot for obstructions (if applicable)
• Look at the power button and eject button—are they responsive?

2. Boot test

• Console should power on without issues
• Shouldn’t make unusual noises (clicking, grinding, loud fan immediately)
• Should reach home screen without errors
• Check that it’s been factory reset (no one else’s account)

3. Online connectivity test

This is the critical ban check:

• Connect to WiFi or your phone’s hotspot
• Attempt to sign into the online service (PSN, Xbox Live, Nintendo Online)
• Try to access the store
• If possible, try joining an online game

If online fails: Ask why. Legitimate issues (expired subscription) can be explained. Banned console = walk away.

4. Gameplay test

Play a demanding game for at least 15-20 minutes:

• Watch for crashes or freezing
• Listen for overheating (fan becomes extremely loud)
• Check for graphical glitches
• Monitor for unexpected shutdowns

Overheating issues often only appear after extended use. The quick “see, it turns on!” isn’t enough.

5. Controller check

Test every button and both joysticks:

• Joystick drift (moves without input)
• Button responsiveness (every button)
• Trigger function (full range of motion)
• Battery life if wireless (ask how long it holds charge)

Controller issues are common and replacements cost $50-70.

PlayStation 5

Digital vs Disc Edition

• Disc Edition: Has disc drive, can play physical games, larger resale value
• Digital Edition: No disc drive, digital games only, $100 cheaper

Consider: Digital-only means you can’t buy used disc games (which are often much cheaper).

PS5-specific checks

Disc drive (if applicable):

• Insert a disc—it should read quietly
• Grinding or clicking is bad news
• Test with an actual PS5 disc, not just a Blu-ray

SSD storage:

• Check Settings → Storage
• Verify capacity matches model (825GB base, may have expansion)
• How much space is actually free?

Controller (DualSense):

• Test haptic feedback (play Astro’s Playroom if installed)
• Test adaptive triggers—they should have variable resistance
• Stick drift is very common on DualSense

Database/system health:

• If the seller lets you, rebuild database (Safe Mode option 5)
• Check for error history in settings

PS5 pricing (early 2026)

Model	Good Condition	Fair Condition
PS5 Disc Edition	$375-425	$325-375
PS5 Digital Edition	$300-350	$250-300
PS5 Slim Disc	$400-450	$350-400
PS5 Slim Digital	$325-375	$275-325
Extra DualSense controller	$45-55	$30-45

Xbox Series X|S

Series X vs Series S

• Series X: Full power, disc drive, 1TB storage
• Series S: Smaller, no disc drive, 512GB storage, slightly lower performance

Consider: Series S storage fills up fast. Budget for expansion card ($100+).

Xbox-specific checks

Disc drive (Series X):

• Should read discs quietly
• Test with both Xbox and regular Blu-ray discs
• Grinding or failure to read = expensive repair

Quick Resume:

• Xbox should have games in Quick Resume (shows it’s been used normally)
• Test that Quick Resume works (switch between games)

Controller:

• Xbox controllers are generally more reliable than PlayStation
• Still check for stick drift and bumper issues (RB/LB can fail)
• Test headphone jack if you’ll use wired audio

Network:

• Sign into Xbox Live
• Download something small to verify account isn’t banned
• Check multiplayer works

Xbox pricing (early 2026)

Model	Good Condition	Fair Condition
Xbox Series X	$350-400	$300-350
Xbox Series S	$200-250	$150-200
Xbox Elite Controller	$100-130	$75-100
Standard controller	$35-45	$25-35

Nintendo Switch

Switch models

• Switch (Original/V2): Full hybrid, V2 has better battery
• Switch OLED: Better screen, enhanced kickstand
• Switch Lite: Handheld only, no TV output

V1 vs V2 Original Switch: Check serial number. V2 (red box) has significantly better battery life. Model number HAC-001(-01) is V2.

Switch-specific checks

Joy-Con drift: This is extremely common. Test thoroughly:

• Go to System Settings → Controllers → Calibrate Control Sticks
• Move each stick and watch the cursor
• Any movement when sticks are centered = drift

Docking (non-Lite):

• Test that it connects to TV properly
• Check dock ports aren’t damaged
• Verify display works docked

Screen:

• Check for dead pixels (use a solid color background)
• Verify touch screen works across entire surface
• Look for scratches (dock can scratch screens)

Battery health:

• Battery → Console Battery: Check current capacity
• Batteries degrade—older switches may only get 1-2 hours

Game card slot:

• Test with a physical game
• Slot should hold cartridge securely
• Should read game without issues

Kickstand (OLED especially):

• Should stay at multiple angles
• Shouldn’t fall down under light pressure

Switch pricing (early 2026)

Model	Good Condition	Fair Condition
Switch OLED	$275-325	$225-275
Switch V2	$200-250	$150-200
Switch Lite	$125-175	$100-125
Joy-Con pair	$50-60	$35-50
Pro Controller	$45-55	$35-45

Digital games: The catch

Sellers often try to include “digital games” as value-adds. Be careful.

The truth about digital games:

• Games are tied to accounts, not consoles
• You can’t transfer game ownership
• If their account gets removed, games disappear
• Buying an account violates terms of service (can be banned)

What they might mean:

• “My account stays on the console” — Their account, their games. They can remove them anytime.
• “I’ll give you my account” — Against TOS. Account can be recovered by original owner.
• “Games are installed” — Those games will prompt for disc or account verification.

Our recommendation: Value the console only. Digital games the seller mentions are worth $0 to you.

Bundle deals: What’s actually valuable

Good bundles can offer real value. Here’s what accessories are worth:

Worth paying extra for:

• Extra controllers in good condition ($40-60)
• Pro controllers (Switch, Xbox Elite) ($50-100)
• Charging stands and docks ($15-30)
• Quality headsets ($30-75)
• Memory cards/expansion storage (market price)
• Physical games you’ll actually play

Worth very little:

• No-name accessories and cables
• Basic charging cables (come with console)
• Game cases without games
• Physical games from 5+ years ago (often $5-10 at GameStop)

Red flags specific to consoles

Beyond the general Marketplace red flags:

• “Never used online” — Conveniently untestable. Why wouldn’t you use online?
• “Digital games included” — Usually means they want to keep their account on it.
• “Modded” — Can’t use online services, may void warranty, possible ban risk.
• “Just needs a cleaning” — Often means more serious issues.
• “Overheats sometimes” — Will only get worse. Repair cost isn’t worth it.
• Only selling console, not controllers — Controllers broke and they don’t want to replace them.

Your console buying checklist

Before meeting:

• Researched current market prices
• Know which model you’re buying (check serial number format)
• Have a game to test (or confirm seller has one)
• Bring phone for hotspot (online test)

At inspection:

• Physical condition (ports, vents, buttons)
• Console boots without issues
• Factory reset completed (no existing accounts)
• Online services work (critical ban check)
• Gameplay test (15+ minutes, watch for overheating)
• All controllers tested (stick drift, buttons)
• Disc drive works (if applicable)

After testing:

• Price matches condition and what’s included
• All included items accounted for (controllers, cables, games)
• Seller provides any original packaging (if claimed)

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