The PS4 is almost 13 years old, and a used PS4 Slim now costs less than two new games. That makes it one of the cheapest ways into console gaming, and the wrong console for anyone waiting on GTA VI. This guide covers what a used PS4 costs on Swappa today, which model to buy, what it can no longer play, and when a used PS5 is the better buy.
Quick Answer
Yes, for the right buyer. A used PS4 Slim sells for about $114 to $139 on Swappa and plays a library of more than 4,000 games, which makes it a strong first console, kids’ console, or second system. It is the wrong buy if you want GTA VI (November 19, 2026) or new Sony exclusives, which are PS5 only. For those, a used PS5 at about $430 to $500 is the better value.
Where the PS4 Stands in 2026
Sony launched the PS4 in November 2013 and has moved almost all of its attention to the PS5. The console still works the way it always has: PlayStation Network, the PlayStation Store, and online play all run on PS4, and your disc and digital games still play. What has changed is how much new software it gets.
- Sony’s own new games are PS5 only. Ghost of Yotei (2025) and Marvel’s Wolverine (September 15, 2026) never came to PS4.
- GTA VI skips the PS4. Grand Theft Auto VI launches November 19, 2026 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Sony’s store page says plainly that it will not be available for PS4.
- Some yearly games still come to PS4, but not all. EA Sports FC 27, out in late September 2026, still has a PS4 version. Madden NFL 26 dropped it.
- PlayStation Plus has moved on. Since January 2026, Sony only occasionally adds PS4 games to PS Plus Monthly Games and the Game Catalog.
The practical read: a PS4 is now a back-catalog machine. Its library is huge, finished, and cheap, but most of the new releases people will talk about in 2026 are going to PS5.
Used PS4 Prices on Swappa
Here is what each PS4 model sells for on Swappa, based on Swappa’s own sale data.
| Model | Released | Launch Price | Avg. Sale Price on Swappa |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS4 (original), 500GB | 2013 | $399.99 | $133 |
| PS4 Slim, 500GB | 2016 | $299.99 | $114 |
| PS4 Slim, 1TB | 2017 | $299.99 | $139 |
| PS4 Pro, 1TB | 2016 | $399.99 | $180 |
Swappa average sale prices as of September 23, 2026. Prices vary with condition, storage, and what comes in the box, so check the live PS4, PS4 Slim, and PS4 Pro price pages before you buy.
Two things stand out. First, the original PS4 currently sells for about the same as a Slim, or more, even though the Slim is the better console. Second, the PS4 Pro costs only about $40 to $65 more than a Slim, which is a small premium if you own a 4K TV.
Will PS4 prices drop further? Not by much. These consoles are already near their floor. The bigger change to expect is supply: more PS4 owners are likely to list their consoles as they upgrade for GTA VI, which gives buyers more choice this fall.
PS4 vs. PS4 Slim vs. PS4 Pro: Which Model to Buy
All three play the same games. The differences are size, noise, Wi-Fi, and picture quality.
| Feature | PS4 (Original) | PS4 Slim | PS4 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model numbers | CUH-1000 to CUH-1200 | CUH-2000 series | CUH-7000 series |
| Video output | 1080p, HDR | 1080p, HDR | 4K (mostly upscaled), HDR |
| Wi-Fi | 2.4GHz only | 2.4GHz and 5GHz | 2.4GHz and 5GHz |
| USB ports | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Optical audio out | Yes | No | Yes |
| Storage | 500GB or 1TB | 500GB or 1TB | 1TB (some 2TB editions) |
- Buy the PS4 Slim if you play on a 1080p TV or want the cheapest option. It is the smallest and quietest PS4, and it supports 5GHz Wi-Fi for steadier online play.
- Buy the PS4 Pro if you have a 4K TV. Enhanced games look sharper and run more smoothly, and Boost Mode can help older games too. Expect more fan noise under load.
- Skip the original PS4 unless it is clearly the cheapest listing. It is bigger, often louder with age, and limited to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, and right now it does not save you money over a Slim.
To see every PS4 bundle and accessory in one place, browse used PlayStation 4 consoles and games on Swappa.
Used PS4 vs. Used PS5: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
The real question in 2026 is not PS4 vs. nothing. It is PS4 vs. a used PS5.
| Console | Avg. Sale Price on Swappa | Sony List Price New | Plays GTA VI | Plays PS4 Discs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS4 Slim | $114 to $139 | n/a | No | Yes |
| PS4 Pro | $180 | n/a | No | Yes |
| PS5 (original disc model) | $432 | n/a | Yes | Yes |
| PS5 Slim (disc) | $503 | $649.99 | Yes | Yes |
| PS5 Slim Digital | $454 to $476 | $599.99 | Yes | Only with an add-on disc drive |
Swappa average sale prices as of September 23, 2026. New prices are Sony’s US list prices since April 2, 2026.
A used PS5 costs roughly $300 to $390 more than a used PS4 Slim. In exchange, you get GTA VI, every new Sony release, much faster load times from the SSD, and the DualSense controller. You also give up almost nothing, because the PS5 plays the overwhelming majority of PS4 games. Sony’s April price increase also makes used the smart way to buy a PS5: a used disc model sells for about $150 to $220 less than a new one.
Choose the PS4 if your budget stops around $200, it is a second console, or the player mostly wants older games.
Choose a used PS5 if this is your main console, you plan to keep it for years, or GTA VI is on the list. Buy a disc model if you want to keep using PS4 discs. For help choosing between the PS5, PS5 Slim, and PS5 Pro, see the Used PlayStation Buyer’s Guide: PS5 vs. PS5 Pro vs. PS4.
Who Should Buy a Used PS4 in 2026
A used PS4 is a good fit for:
- A child’s first console. The price is low enough that a drop or a spill is not a disaster, and the back catalog covers years of family-friendly games.
- Catching up on the classics. God of War (2018), The Last of Us Part II, Marvel’s Spider-Man, Ghost of Tsushima, Bloodborne, and Red Dead Redemption 2 all play on a PS4, and used discs are cheap.
- A second console for a bedroom, dorm, or vacation home.
- Owners of the original PlayStation VR, which works on PS4. (PS VR2 requires a PS5.)
A used PS4 is a poor fit for:
- Anyone buying for GTA VI or Marvel’s Wolverine.
- A main console you want to keep for four or five more years.
- Players who care about fast load times or high frame rates.
Still deciding between consoles? Best Cheap Game Consoles and Accessories (2026) compares every budget option, and the Used Xbox Buyer’s Guide: Series X vs. Series S vs. One covers the Xbox One, the PS4’s direct rival. For the whole used console market, start with Used Game Consoles: The Complete Guide to Buying and Selling.
What to Check Before Buying a Used PS4
A PS4 on the market today is 7 to 13 years old, so condition matters more than model. Check these before you pay:
- The seller’s account is removed. The seller should deactivate the console as their primary PS4 and run a full initialization, so it boots to the setup screen.
- Fan noise and heat. Old consoles collect dust. A fan that roars on the home screen is a warning sign.
- Disc drive and HDMI port. Ask whether a disc was tested recently, and look for a loose or bent HDMI port in the photos.
- The controller. DualShock 4 batteries wear out and sticks can drift. Budget for a replacement controller if the included one is tired.
- Storage. A 500GB drive fills fast with modern game installs. The drive can be upgraded, but factor that into the price.
For a full walkthrough, see How to Inspect a Used Console Before You Buy, and Used Electronics Condition Grades, Explained for what each condition label means.
On Swappa, every listing is reviewed by staff before it goes live. Consoles must be fully paid off, free of account locks, and free of water damage. Payments run through PayPal with buyer protection, the 3% buyer fee is already included in the listing price, and human support is available 24/7/365 with typical responses in about 20 minutes.
Selling Your PS4 to Upgrade for GTA VI
If you are moving to a PS5, your PS4 is still worth money: about $114 to $180 on Swappa, depending on the model. Listing it before November 19 puts it on the market ahead of the PS4 owners who will upgrade at launch.
Before you ship it:
- Move your saves. Use the PS5’s data transfer tool, a USB drive, or PS Plus cloud storage so you do not lose progress.
- Deactivate and reset. Deactivate the PS4 as your primary console, then run a full initialization.
- Include the basics. A working controller, power cable, and HDMI cable make a listing easier to sell. The original box helps too.
Listing on Swappa is free. Sellers pay a 3% seller fee plus payment processing (PayPal is 3.49% + $0.49). For pricing and photo tips, see How to Sell a Used Console and Games for the Most Money, and How to Ship a Gaming Console Safely (and for the Best Price) for packing. When you are ready, sell your PS4 on Swappa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the PS4 still supported in 2026?
Yes, in the ways that matter to a used buyer. PlayStation Network, the PlayStation Store, and online play still work on PS4. What it no longer gets is Sony’s new games: recent Sony releases such as Marvel’s Wolverine are PS5 only, and since January 2026 PS4 games appear only occasionally in PlayStation Plus.
Can a PS4 play GTA 6?
No. Grand Theft Auto VI launches November 19, 2026 on PS5, PS5 Pro, and Xbox Series X|S only. Sony’s store page states that it will not be available for PS4. If GTA VI is the reason you are buying a console, get a used PS5.
How much is a used PS4 in 2026?
As of September 23, 2026, average sale prices on Swappa were about $133 for a 500GB original PS4, $114 to $139 for a PS4 Slim, and $180 for a 1TB PS4 Pro. Prices vary with condition, storage, and accessories, so check Swappa’s live price pages before you buy.
Should I buy a PS4 Slim or a PS4 Pro?
Buy the PS4 Slim if you play on a 1080p TV or want the cheapest, quietest option. Buy the PS4 Pro if you have a 4K TV, since it outputs a sharper 4K image and runs many games more smoothly. The Pro costs about $40 to $65 more on Swappa.
Will my PS4 games work on a PS5?
Almost all of them. Sony says the overwhelming majority of the more than 4,000 PS4 games play on PS5. Physical PS4 discs need a PS5 with a disc drive, and digital purchases carry over when you sign in with the same account.
Do you need PlayStation Plus to play online on a PS4?
For most paid games, yes. Online multiplayer on PS4 requires a PlayStation Plus Essential membership. Free-to-play games do not require PlayStation Plus for online play.
The Bottom Line
A used PS4 is still worth buying in 2026 if you want the cheapest way into a huge, finished game library. Get a PS4 Slim for most setups, or a PS4 Pro for a 4K TV. If GTA VI or new Sony exclusives are on your list, put the extra $300 or so toward a used PS5 disc model instead, which plays your PS4 games too. Already own a PS4 and upgrading? List it on Swappa before the GTA VI rush.
