What an Old PlayStation Can Still Do: Media, Parts, Resale and Recycling

Engadget has published a practical guide to getting more use out of an aging PlayStation rather than discarding it. The article is advice, not a review or a claim that every old console remains useful in every situation. Its options range from media playback and parts reuse to resale, donation and responsible recycling.

For media, Engadget describes three routes. The first is streaming apps, though support depends on the model. Many major streaming services have stopped supporting the PlayStation 3, according to the report, so that route is limited for that console. The second is physical discs: the PS2 can play DVDs, while the PS3 and PS4 can handle DVDs and Blu-rays. The third is USB storage. The drive must be formatted as exFAT, or FAT32 for the PS3, if it is currently NTFS; media files go into folders. On PS4, users need to install the Media Player app first.

Parts can also be reused. Engadget notes that controllers, cables and hard drives may still be valuable. The DualShock 4 works with phones, tablets, PCs and some newer consoles, and can be paired with an Amazon Fire TV Stick for cloud gaming or as a remote. The DualShock 3 offers similar functions but works with fewer devices and is harder to connect. The hard drive is user-replaceable, per the source, and can be turned into external storage with a USB enclosure and a reformat. HDMI and power cables can be kept as well; the remainder should be recycled responsibly.

For owners who want cash, Engadget lists three selling paths. Retail trade-in programs at Best Buy, Amazon and GameStop are the most convenient, but the report says offers tend to be lower and often come as store credit. Buyback services such as Back Market Trade-in pay cash and typically value old consoles higher than big-box retailers, but involve shipping risk and a slower payout. Marketplaces such as Swappa and eBay may produce the best return, though they require more effort and time. The practical interpretation is a trade-off between convenience and price, not a single best route.

The guide also suggests handing a console down to a younger person or donating it. It names Gamers Outreach as an example of a charity that collects certain donated consoles for children in hospitals, while cautioning donors to check an organization's profile and reviews because scammers can pose as charities. If a console is too damaged for use, Engadget recommends local e-waste recycling, retailer programs from Best Buy and Staples, or Earth911 to find local recyclers. The article notes that old electronics can contain hazardous substances such as lead.

Before selling, donating or giving away a console, Engadget advises backing up data and resetting it. On PS4, saved data can be copied to a USB drive formatted as FAT32 or exFAT, or uploaded to PlayStation Plus cloud storage for subscribers. On PS3, a FAT32 drive can be used with the Backup Utility, and PlayStation Plus members can upload saves. PS4 owners should also deactivate the console as their primary system. A full initialization then returns the software to a fresh state.

The overall argument, as reported by Engadget, is that an unused console can still be an asset. The best option depends on whether the owner values continued use, cash, convenience or passing the hardware on.