Selling your video game console. Those words strike fear into gamers on a daily basis. Over the years, we develop relationships with our video game consoles. Before the console is even turned on, there is a beautiful dance with positioning the box exactly where you want it. Vertical or horizontal? We spend hours researching the preferred method of standing vs lying down, making sure that our babies get enough openings for the vents to clear properly. From that point on, our systems draw us into their world with spectacular graphics, enthralling moments of sheer joy, frustrating periods of pain, and everything else in between. After a long day of work, firing up your console and losing yourself helps to relieve the stresses of the day. Inviting friends over for a Smash Brothers marathon brings a smile to your face just thinking about it.
Unfortunately, a point arrives in time where we face a harsh decision: is it time to move on? Like a relationship that has been too painful to maintain, we must make the call on moving on. After months of deliberation, I unloaded my Wii U today to someone who will hopefully get more joy out of it. Hopefully the tips below will help make your decision easier.
#1: The system is collecting dust. Personally, this one is the easiest decision. Your return on investment started out strong at the beginning but faded quickly. You decided to move onto other systems or activities and will play once every couple months. When this happens, sell quickly while you can still earn money.
#2: Life got in the way. It’s true, we all get older. Families, careers, moving, it all happens. When you find yourself wanting to play, but have simply decided that video games aren’t part of your daily agenda anymore, sell and earn money for those important things like diapers and baby food.
#3: Next generation is on the horizon. If you plan on being an early adopter to the next generation of consoles, sell your current console while there is still some value. When the next wave hits, your older console will quickly lose a lot of values. Try selling an XBOX 360 or PS3 today, you won’t get more than 100 bucks. Sell while there is still maximum value.
#4: Gaming does not bring you joy anymore. This is less of an issue regarding the console and more about you in your life. Many of us have a moment in time when video games do not give us the pure joy they used to. I used to play a ton of RPGs from start to finish, lapping up all the content. Today, if you asked me to play a 50 plus hour game, I’ll likely put it aside. I waited months for the Witcher 3 to come on, and then upon the start, the game was just too daunting. Consider other people who still love to play games and make their lives easier by selling your console to them.
These are just a few scenarios to consider when thinking about moving on from your console. Did I miss any? Let me know.
