Gaming Consoles Flipping Guide: Make Money Reselling PS5, Xbox & Switch in 2026

Gaming consoles have been one of the most reliable flipping categories for years, and 2026 is shaping up to be one of the best windows yet. Between the Nintendo Switch 2 launch frenzy, a maturing retro collector market, and steady demand for current-gen systems, there is serious money sitting on shelves at thrift stores, in pawn shop display cases, and buried in garage sale bins right now.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know to flip gaming consoles profitably — from the PS5 Pro sitting in someone’s closet to the dusty Nintendo 64 at a Saturday morning estate sale. We’ll cover sourcing, testing, pricing, bundling, platform selection, and the mistakes that cost new flippers hundreds of dollars every month.

Quick Stats: Gaming Console Flipping at a Glance

Before we dive in, here’s a snapshot of what the gaming console market looks like for resellers in 2026:

Those retro margins are not typos. A GameCube you pick up for $40 at a garage sale can sell for $180+ on eBay in good condition. Limited edition consoles are even more dramatic — a Halo Infinite Edition Xbox Series X that retailed for $549 now sells for $900 to $1,200 routinely.

Always run your numbers through an eBay fee calculator before committing to a purchase so you know your actual take-home after fees and shipping.

Current Generation Consoles: What’s Moving in 2026

The current-gen market is competitive but consistent. These consoles move fast, and while margins are tighter than retro, the volume and speed make up for it.

PlayStation 5 / PS5 Pro

The standard PS5 (disc and digital editions) has been on shelves since late 2020, and while retail availability is no longer an issue, there’s still a healthy secondary market. The PS5 Slim disc edition retails around $449 and the digital around $399. Used units in good condition sell for $320–$400 depending on included accessories and games.

The PS5 Pro, launched in November 2024 at $699, is where the real opportunities are. It’s still somewhat supply-constrained in certain markets, and the higher price point means more people sell theirs when they need cash. A used PS5 Pro in excellent condition with box and controller sells for $580–$650. If you can source one locally for $450–$500 from someone who needs a quick sale, that’s a clean $80–$150 profit after fees.

What to look for: PS5 Pro units with the disc drive attachment (sold separately for $79) command a noticeable premium. A PS5 Pro with disc drive, two controllers, and a few AAA games can sell for $750+ as a bundle.

Xbox Series X / Series S

Microsoft’s consoles are the value play in the current-gen space. The Xbox Series S retails at $299 and the Series X at $499. The Series S is everywhere on the secondary market, and margins are thin unless you find one well under $150. The Series X is the better flip — used units sell for $350–$420, and you can often source them locally for $250–$300.

The Xbox Series X 1TB Digital Edition (the all-white cylindrical model from 2024) is a sleeper pick. It launched at $449 and is less common on the used market than the original black Series X. Used prices hold around $350–$400.

Pro tip: Xbox consoles bundled with Game Pass subscriptions (especially if there’s remaining time on the subscription) are worth more to buyers. Always mention remaining Game Pass time in your listings.

Nintendo Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch 2 launched in mid-2025 and has been the hottest console in the reselling world ever since. Initial supply shortages created a frenzy reminiscent of the PS5 launch, and while availability has improved heading into 2026, demand still outpaces supply in many markets.

The Switch 2 retails at $449 and secondary market prices currently sit at $500–$600 for a standard unit. Special edition bundles — like the Mario Kart World Tour Edition — sell for $650–$800+. Even the original OLED Switch has held its value well at $230–$280 used, partly because of the massive existing game library.

If you’re flipping Switch 2 consoles, the bundle is everything. A Switch 2 with Mario Kart World Tour, a Pro Controller, and a carrying case can push past $700. The individual items together cost less to source than what the bundle commands.

Steam Deck OLED

Valve’s handheld has carved out a unique niche. The Steam Deck OLED (512GB) retails at $549 and the 1TB at $649. These hold value remarkably well on the secondary market — used units sell for $450–$580 depending on storage and condition.

The original LCD Steam Deck (64GB and 256GB models) is the better flip target. They’re being sold off by people upgrading to the OLED version, and you can pick them up for $200–$280. They sell for $280–$380 depending on storage, accessories, and whether the seller has installed an upgraded SSD.

Retro Gaming: Where the Real Money Lives

If current-gen consoles are your bread and butter, retro gaming is the filet mignon. The collector market has exploded over the past five years, and prices on clean, working retro consoles continue to climb. Nostalgia is a powerful purchasing motivator, and millennials now have the disposable income to buy back their childhood.

Nintendo 64

The N64 is one of the most flippable retro consoles in 2026. A working N64 with matching controller sells for $80–$200 depending on condition, color variant, and included games. The standard charcoal gray unit with one controller and no games goes for $80–$110. Add a copy of GoldenEye 007, Super Mario 64, and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and you’re looking at $200–$280 for the bundle.

Color variants are gold (sometimes literally). The Funtastic Series — those translucent colored N64s from the late '90s — command serious premiums:

• Fire Orange: $150–$220
• Grape Purple: $130–$200
• Ice Blue: $160–$250
• Jungle Green: $140–$210
• Watermelon Red: $180–$280 (the rarest of the standard colors)
• Smoke Gray: $200–$320

If you find a Funtastic N64 at a thrift store for $20–$40, buy it immediately. That’s a guaranteed triple-up minimum.

Nintendo GameCube

The GameCube has seen some of the most dramatic price appreciation in the retro market. A standard indigo GameCube in good working condition with controller sells for $120–$250. The key factor is whether it includes the original power supply, AV cables, and at least one OEM controller.

What really drives GameCube prices is the game library. Certain titles have become absurdly valuable:

• Pokémon Box: Ruby & Sapphire: $800–$1,200 CIB (complete in box)
• Cubivore: $350–$500 CIB
• Gotcha Force: $300–$450 CIB
• Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance: $200–$350 CIB
• Pokémon Colosseum Bonus Disc: $150–$250 CIB

Even common games like Super Smash Bros. Melee ($50–$70) and Mario Kart: Double Dash ($60–$80) add meaningful value to a console bundle. Always check inside the disc tray — sometimes previous owners leave games in the console.

Game Boy / Game Boy Advance

Handheld Nintendo consoles are incredibly flippable because they’re small, easy to ship, and deeply nostalgic. Pricing in 2026:

• Original Game Boy (DMG-01): $60–$100 working, $120–$180 with box
• Game Boy Color: $70–$120, color-dependent (Atomic Purple and Teal command premiums)
• Game Boy Advance: $80–$130
• Game Boy Advance SP (AGS-001, frontlit): $90–$140
• Game Boy Advance SP (AGS-101, backlit): $130–$220 (the backlit screen makes this the most desirable model)

The AGS-101 SP is the single best Game Boy flip. Many sellers don’t know the difference between the 001 and 101. The 101 has a noticeably brighter, better screen. Check the model number on the sticker behind the battery cover. If you find an AGS-101 at a yard sale for $15–$30, you’re looking at $100+ profit.

SEGA Genesis / Dreamcast

SEGA consoles have a dedicated collector base that keeps prices strong:

• SEGA Genesis (Model 1): $60–$100 (the original “high definition graphics” model is preferred by collectors)
• SEGA Genesis (Model 2): $40–$70
• SEGA Dreamcast: $80–$160 working with controller
• SEGA Saturn: $120–$250 (lower production numbers make this harder to find but more valuable)
• SEGA Game Gear: $50–$90 working (many have capacitor issues — test thoroughly)

The Dreamcast is a personal favorite for flipping. It has a cult following, the games are increasingly collectible (Shenmue, Power Stone 2, Skies of Arcadia), and many sellers price them at $30–$50 at garage sales because they assume nobody wants them.

PlayStation 1 / PlayStation 2

Sony’s older consoles remain highly flippable:

• PS1 (original gray): $50–$90 with controller and cables
• PS1 (PSone slim): $60–$100 (the slim with LCD screen attachment can hit $200+)
• PS2 Fat: $60–$100
• PS2 Slim: $70–$120

The PS2 is the best-selling console of all time with over 155 million units sold, which means they’re everywhere — but that also means buyers are everywhere too. The key to PS2 flipping is the game library. Rare PS2 games like Rule of Rose ($300–$500), Kuon ($250–$400), and Haunting Ground ($200–$350) can be worth more than the console itself. Always check what games come with a PS2 lot.

Original Xbox

The OG Xbox is the hidden gem of retro flipping in 2026. For years it was undervalued, but collector interest is growing:

• Original Xbox (working): $50–$90 with controller
• Xbox Crystal (transparent): $100–$200
• Xbox with modchip: $80–$150 (surprisingly in demand for the homebrew community)

Certain OG Xbox games have shot up in value too — Steel Battalion with the controller is a $300–$500 item. The controller alone goes for $150–$250.

Limited Edition Consoles: The Premium Flip

Limited edition and special variant consoles are where flipping margins get truly impressive. These command 2–5x premiums over standard models, and the right unit can be a single flip that pays your rent.

Current Gen Limited Editions to Watch

• PS5 Spider-Man 2 Limited Edition: $700–$900 (retailed $599)
• PS5 Final Fantasy XVI Limited Edition: $600–$800
• Xbox Series X Halo Infinite Edition: $900–$1,200 (retailed $549)
• Xbox Series X Forza Horizon 5 Edition: $650–$850
• Nintendo Switch OLED Splatoon 3 Edition: $400–$550
• Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Edition bundles: $700–$900+
• Steam Deck OLED Limited Edition (white): $700–$900

Retro Limited Editions That Command Top Dollar

• Nintendo 64 Pikachu Edition (blue/yellow): $300–$500
• GameCube Panasonic Q (Japan-only DVD/GameCube hybrid): $800–$1,500
• PS2 Ocean Blue: $200–$350
• PS1 Net Yaroze (black development kit): $500–$1,000
• Game Boy Micro (any color): $200–$400 (many people don’t even know this exists)

The rule with limited editions is simple: if the box, all inserts, and all accessories are present and in good condition, the value can jump 50–100% over a loose unit. Always ask if they have the original box.

How to Test Consoles Before Buying

Never buy a console without testing it — or at least knowing what to look for if you can’t test on the spot. A dead console wipes out your profit and then some. Here’s your testing checklist:

The Essential Console Testing Checklist

1. Power On Test: Does it boot to the home screen or BIOS without freezing? Watch for unusual artifacts, lines on screen, or immediate shutdowns.

2. Disc Drive Test: Insert a disc and confirm it reads. Listen for grinding, clicking, or excessive noise. For retro consoles, bring a known-good game disc or cartridge to test with. Non-functional disc drives cut value by 30–50% on most consoles.

3. HDMI / Video Output: Test on a known-good TV or monitor. Check for flickering, discoloration, dead pixels in the output, or intermittent signal drops. For retro consoles using composite or component cables, bring an adapter or test setup.

4. Controller Pairing and Drift: Pair a controller wirelessly (current gen) and test all buttons and both analog sticks. Joystick drift is rampant on Joy-Cons, DualSense controllers, and Xbox controllers. Slight drift is manageable — severe drift means you’ll need a replacement controller, which eats into profit.

5. Storage Health: For current-gen consoles, check the storage in system settings. A 1TB PS5 should show roughly 667GB usable. If storage shows errors, bad sectors, or significantly less space than expected, walk away.

6. Overheating Check: Let the console run for 10–15 minutes. If it’s excessively hot to the touch, the fans are screaming, or it shuts down unexpectedly, the thermal paste likely needs replacing or there’s a deeper hardware issue.

7. Network Connectivity: Connect to Wi-Fi and confirm it can reach online services. Banned consoles (more on this below) will show errors when trying to sign in to PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, or Nintendo Online.

8. Port Inspection: Check all USB ports, the charging port (handhelds), the HDMI port, and the power connector for bent pins, corrosion, or physical damage.

For retro consoles, add:

• Cartridge slot test: Wiggle the cartridge gently during gameplay — if the game glitches or freezes, the pin connector is dirty or failing.
• Battery check (handhelds): Ensure the battery holds a charge for at least 2–3 hours. Replacement batteries are $10–$15 but buyers prefer working originals.

Bundle Strategies That Increase Value

One of the biggest profit multipliers in console flipping is strategic bundling. The psychology is simple: buyers want a “ready to play” experience. A console by itself is okay. A console with everything they need to sit down and play tonight is worth significantly more.

The Ideal Bundle Formula

Console + 2–3 popular games + extra controller + all cables = 20–40% higher total sale price

Here’s how this looks in practice:

• PS5 Slim (disc) alone: $340–$380
• PS5 Slim + Spider-Man 2 + God of War Ragnarök + extra DualSense: $480–$540

That’s roughly $100–$160 more for items that might cost you $40–$60 to source separately at thrift stores or garage sales. Games and controllers are everywhere at low prices — PS5 games regularly show up at pawn shops for $10–$15.

Bundle Tips by Console Type

Current Gen: Focus on AAA exclusives. For PS5, include God of War, Spider-Man, Horizon, or The Last of Us. For Xbox, include Halo, Forza, and Starfield. For Switch 2, include Zelda, Mario, or Pokémon titles. Everyone wants these games.

Retro: Complete bundles are king. An N64 with two controllers, an expansion pak, and 5–8 popular games (Mario 64, Mario Kart, GoldenEye, Smash Bros, Zelda) can sell for $350–$500 as a lot. Individually those items might total $250–$350. The convenience premium is real.

Handhelds: Include a carrying case, charging cable, and 3–5 games. For Game Boy/GBA, a lot of Pokémon games (Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver, Ruby, Sapphire) alongside the console is the ultimate nostalgia bundle.

Where to Source Gaming Consoles

Sourcing is everything in the flipping game. The best margins come from buying where sellers don’t know (or don’t care about) current market value.

Top Sourcing Channels (Ranked by Profit Potential)

1. Garage Sales and Yard Sales: The undisputed king. Parents selling their kids’ old consoles for $10–$30 is a weekly occurrence during spring and summer. Get there early — other flippers know this too.

2. Estate Sales: Older estates increasingly include gaming consoles from the '90s and 2000s. Estate sale companies often price electronics low because they don’t specialize in them. N64s, PS2s, and original Xboxes regularly show up at estate sales for $10–$25.

3. Thrift Stores (Goodwill, Salvation Army, Value Village): Hit or miss, but the hits make up for the misses. Goodwill’s electronics section can have GameCubes for $15, PS3s for $20, or Game Boys for $8. The key is going frequently — new inventory appears daily.

4. Pawn Shops: Pawn shops often price consoles below market because they want fast turnover. Build relationships with local pawn shop employees — some will let you know when gaming inventory comes in. Expect to pay 40–60% of market value.

5. Facebook Marketplace: The largest local selling platform. Set up alerts for “Nintendo,” “PlayStation,” “Xbox,” and “gaming console.” Respond fast — good deals go within minutes. The best finds are people moving or decluttering who list a bin of gaming stuff for one low price.

6. OfferUp / Craigslist: Similar to Marketplace but with less competition in many areas. People selling here tend to be less price-savvy than eBay sellers.

7. Flea Markets: Weekend flea markets often have vendors who don’t know retro gaming values. They’re pricing based on “it’s old electronics” rather than “this is a collector item.”

Always use Underpriced to quickly check comparable sold prices before making an offer. Knowing the exact market value in real time is the difference between a profitable flip and an expensive mistake.

Pricing Your Console Flips

Pricing gaming consoles correctly is straightforward if you follow one rule: always check eBay sold comps. Not active listings — sold listings. What people are actually paying, not what optimistic sellers are hoping to get.

Pricing Checklist

1. Search eBay sold listings for your exact console model and condition. Filter by “sold items” and look at the last 30–60 days.

2. Account for included accessories. A PS5 with two controllers is worth $40–$60 more than one with a single controller. An N64 with an Expansion Pak is worth $30–$40 more. Don’t ignore what’s in the box.

3. Condition matters enormously for retro. A clean, non-yellowed SNES with original labels intact sells for 50–100% more than a yellowed, scratched unit. Take the time to clean consoles thoroughly before listing.

4. Check for included games separately. Sometimes the games included with a console lot are worth more than the console itself. Look up each game individually — you might find a hidden gem worth $50–$200.

5. Factor in all fees. eBay takes roughly 13–15% (final value fee + payment processing). Mercari takes about 10%. Use the eBay fee calculator to get exact numbers. Shipping heavy current-gen consoles costs $15–$25 depending on distance.

6. Price competitively, not greedily. Pricing 5–10% below the lowest comparable sold listing gets your item sold fast. Time is money — a console sitting unsold for weeks is capital you can’t reinvest.

Where to Sell: Platform Recommendations

Not all platforms are equal for every type of console. Here’s where to list based on what you’re selling:

eBay — Best for Retro and Limited Editions

eBay is the dominant platform for retro gaming sales. The buyer base skews toward collectors who understand value and are willing to pay fair prices. Global reach means rare items find their audience. eBay’s authentication and buyer protection make high-dollar transactions smoother.

Best for: N64, GameCube, SEGA, Game Boy, PS1/PS2, limited editions, rare games, CIB (complete in box) items.

Facebook Marketplace / Local — Best for Current Gen

Current-gen consoles are heavy, fragile, and expensive to ship. Selling locally eliminates shipping costs (save $15–$25), eliminates shipping damage risk (a dropped PS5 is a nightmare claim), and eliminates marketplace fees. You also get paid instantly in cash.

Best for: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, Steam Deck, and any bulky console + game bundle.

Mercari — Good All-Around Option

Mercari’s 10% fee is lower than eBay’s, and the platform has a strong gaming community. Shipping is straightforward with prepaid labels. It’s a solid secondary platform if you want to diversify beyond eBay and local sales.

Best for: Mid-range items ($50–$300), handhelds, controllers, and game lots.

Specialized Options

• PriceCharting / GameValueNow: Great for pricing reference but also have marketplace features for game collectors.
• Reddit (r/GameSale, r/hardwareswap): Lower fees, knowledgeable buyer community, but requires reputation building.
• Local game shops: Will buy inventory from you at 40–60% of market. Lower margins but instant payment and no listing hassle.

Seasonal Patterns: When to Buy and Sell

Timing your buys and sells around seasonal patterns can boost margins by 15–25%.

Best Times to BUY (Prices Drop)

• January–February: Post-holiday sell-off. People who got new consoles sell their old ones. Great time to scoop up last-gen and current-gen at bargain prices.
• Late Spring (May–June): Garage sale season begins. The single best sourcing period of the year for retro consoles.
• Late Summer (August): Back-to-school means parents push kids to sell gaming stuff. Also when people sell consoles to fund new purchases.

Best Times to SELL (Prices Peak)

• October–December: Holiday shopping season. Console prices peak from late October through mid-December. This is when you unload your inventory. Prices on popular consoles can jump 20–35% compared to summer.
• New Release Weeks: When a major exclusive drops (new Zelda, new GTA, new Halo), demand for the corresponding console spikes. Monitor release calendars.
• Back-to-School (August–September): College students furnishing dorm rooms buy consoles. Mid-tier bundles ($200–$400) move especially well during this window.
• Tax Refund Season (February–April): A secondary demand spike as people spend refund money on entertainment.

The ideal cycle: buy in January and spring, sell in October through December. If you have the capital and storage space to sit on inventory for a few months, seasonal arbitrage alone can add thousands in annual profit.

Banned and Stolen Console Risks

This is the section that could save you from a costly mistake. Buying a banned or stolen console is one of the biggest risks in console flipping.

Banned Consoles

A console can be permanently banned from online services by Sony, Microsoft, or Nintendo for various reasons (cheating, chargebacks, piracy). A banned PS5 or Xbox can’t access the PlayStation Store, Xbox Live, or download updates. This dramatically reduces value — often by 40–60%.

How to check:

• Before buying: Ask to see the console signed into its online service. If the seller claims they “don’t have internet” or “don’t remember the password,” be cautious.
• PS5/PS4: Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > check if PSN works normally. Try accessing the PlayStation Store.
• Xbox: Go to Settings > Account > try signing in. Banned consoles will display a specific enforcement message.
• Switch: Try opening the Nintendo eShop. Banned consoles can’t connect.

Stolen Consoles

Buying stolen property — even unknowingly — is a legal liability. If a console is reported stolen and recovered by police, you lose the console and your money.

Red flags:

• Price seems too good to be true (PS5 Pro for $200)
• Seller is in a rush and won’t negotiate up, only down
• No power cable or accessories (grabbed and ran)
• Seller can’t answer basic questions about the console
• Meeting in unusual locations, refusing to meet at a police station
• Serial number has been scratched off or tampered with

How to verify:

• Ask for the serial number and check it against stolen property databases (local police non-emergency lines can sometimes verify)
• Buy from established Facebook Marketplace profiles with history, not fresh accounts
• Meet at police station exchange zones (most stations have designated areas for this)
• Trust your instincts — if something feels off, walk away

Pro Tips From Experienced Console Flippers

After thousands of console flips, here’s what separates profitable flippers from break-even hobbyists:

• Clean everything thoroughly. A $5 can of compressed air and some isopropyl alcohol can add $20–$50 to a console’s perceived value. Remove dust, clean controller grime, and wipe down cables.

• Take great photos. Natural lighting, clean background, multiple angles. Show every port, every surface, and every included item. For retro consoles, photograph the label and serial number clearly.

• Include everything in the photo and description. “What you see is what you get” builds buyer confidence. Lay out every cable, controller, game, and accessory in one flat-lay photo.

• Test games before bundling. A scratched disc that doesn’t work will get you a return and a negative review. Test every disc on the actual console before listing.

• Ship properly. Double-box current-gen consoles. Wrap retro consoles in bubble wrap and pack tightly. A broken console in transit comes out of your pocket.

• Track your numbers. Know your cost basis, your fees, your shipping costs, and your actual profit on every flip. Use a spreadsheet or an app like Underpriced to monitor your deals and keep sourcing sharp.

• Build a reputation. Whether it’s your eBay feedback score, your Mercari ratings, or your Facebook Marketplace reviews — a strong seller reputation means faster sales and higher prices over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is flipping gaming consoles still profitable in 2026?

Absolutely. The gaming market continues to grow, and the retro collector segment is expanding year over year. Current-gen consoles provide consistent, lower-margin flips, while retro consoles offer higher margins for those willing to hunt for inventory. The key is buying at the right price — if you source well, 20–50% margins on most flips are very achievable.

How much money do I need to start flipping consoles?

You can start with as little as $50–$100. A single Game Boy Advance SP purchased at a yard sale for $15 and sold on eBay for $120 generates enough capital to fund your next several buys. Many successful flippers started with a single thrift store find. Scale up as your capital and experience grow.

What’s the single most profitable console to flip?

There’s no single answer, but the Nintendo GameCube consistently delivers outstanding ROI in 2026. Source prices remain low at thrift stores and garage sales ($20–$50), while sell prices have climbed significantly ($120–$250+ depending on condition and included items). Limited edition variants like the Platinum or Spice Orange command even more.

Should I flip current gen or retro consoles?

Both, ideally. Current-gen gives you fast turnover and predictable margins. Retro gives you higher margins but requires more knowledge and patience. Most profitable flippers run a mix — selling current-gen to keep cash flowing while hunting for retro scores that deliver big paydays.

How do I ship a gaming console safely?

For current-gen consoles, use the original box if available. If not, use a box that’s at least 2 inches larger than the console in every dimension and fill with bubble wrap or packing peanuts. Consider double-boxing high-value items (put the packed console box inside a second, larger box with additional padding). Always buy shipping insurance for items over $100. For handhelds and retro consoles, a padded mailer works for smaller items, but a box with bubble wrap is preferred for anything over $50 in value.

What’s the best way to price a console I’ve never sold before?

Go to eBay, search for the exact model, click “Sold Items” in the filters, and look at the last 30–90 days of completed sales. Average the middle 50% of results (ignore the highest and lowest outliers). That’s your target sell price. Then subtract your buy cost, estimated fees (use the eBay fee calculator), and shipping costs. If there’s at least $30–$50 profit remaining, it’s a buy.

How do I deal with returns on gaming consoles?

Returns are part of the game when selling on platforms like eBay. Minimize them by testing thoroughly, describing accurately (especially cosmetic flaws), and photographing everything. If a buyer claims an item is “not as described,” eBay almost always sides with the buyer. The best defense is honest, detailed listings that leave no room for misunderstanding. Some sellers add a short video of the console working and include the link in the description.

Are there tax implications for flipping consoles?

Yes. In the United States, reselling income is taxable regardless of the platform you use. eBay, Mercari, and other platforms report your sales to the IRS on Form 1099-K if you exceed 200 transactions or $5,000 in gross sales (adjusted threshold in 2026). Keep detailed records of your purchase prices, selling prices, fees, and shipping costs. Your taxable income is your profit (sell price minus cost of goods and expenses), not your gross sales. Consult a tax professional if you’re generating significant reselling income.

Can I flip gaming consoles as a side hustle while working full-time?

This is one of the best side hustles for people with limited time. Sourcing can happen on weekend mornings (garage sales, thrift stores) or during lunch breaks (checking Facebook Marketplace). Listing takes 10–15 minutes per item once you have a system. Shipping is a quick post-office trip. Many part-time flippers earn $500–$2,000 per month spending 5–10 hours per week.

What should I avoid when starting out?

Avoid buying untested consoles in bulk lots without inspecting them. Avoid overpaying because you’re excited about a find — always check comps first. Avoid shipping without insurance on items over $100. Avoid consoles with obvious physical damage (cracked cases, missing ports, burn marks) unless you have repair skills. And avoid getting emotionally attached to inventory — if something sits unsold for 30+ days, lower the price and move on. Dead inventory is dead capital.

Start Flipping Consoles Today

Gaming consoles are one of the most accessible, profitable, and enjoyable categories in reselling. Whether you’re picking up a $15 Game Boy at a Saturday yard sale or flipping a Switch 2 bundle for $700, the fundamentals are the same: buy below market, verify condition, present it well, and sell where your buyers are.

Your first step? Check out Underpriced to start analyzing deals and tracking your flips. Set up your sourcing routine, learn your local market, and make your first console flip this week. A $50 investment today could be the start of a four-figure monthly side income.

Game on — and happy flipping.