Is the best time to buy a PS4 during Black Friday?

Find the best PS4 Black Friday deals

Games consoles are often discounted during Black Friday sales, especially where a new release means retailers are looking for more shelf space. Electronics is the second-most popular spending category for Black Friday, behind only clothing and accessories, with around 53% of shoppers looking for deals on tech, and the same volume on toys and hobbies. 

This does not necessarily mean that Black Friday is the best time to buy, especially when looking at consoles that are not the latest release. For example, PS4 prices on Back Market are consistently around 40% to 50% less than the price of buying new, with those prices available year-round. In comparison, the average Black Friday discount on tech is estimated at 34%, and for one day only.

*Prices last updated 28/11/24 – prices subject to change

Are PS4 Black Friday deals the best of the year?

In short, the answer to this is “not likely”. Although PS4 Black Friday discounts can be good, most retailers have better offers available at other times during the year. And, if you’re truly looking for the best bargains, then refurbished tech is usually the best option. Not only do you get the same great hardware and software for a far better price, you also get to help protect the environment.

One study found that only 2% of Black Friday deals were actually the cheapest prices for the year, after analysing 66,000 prices in the six months before and after the 2022 Black Friday sales.

Should I look for a PS4 deal on Black Friday?

If you’re looking to buy a PS4 on Black Friday or around that time of year, then it is certainly worth waiting until the day to see where the best discounts can be found. Some retailers may offer great PS4 Black Friday deals that outstrip other offers. However, just because it is Black Friday does not mean you will be getting the biggest bargain. Online retailers such as Back Market, who offer refurbished products with a guarantee, are often the best choice when it comes to securing a bargain.

For the environmentally conscious, this is also the most responsible choice. Refurbished second-hand products that come with a warranty provide the best of both worlds – you get the product you want at a good price and with a guarantee, while no raw materials are used to make new products. If you trade in your own console, you can also get a higher discount and save another device from landfill.

Back Market's PlayStation 4 Black Friday recommendation

The best PS4 deal on Back Market as of October 2024 is the PS4 slim 500GB console in black, which can be purchased for as little as £139.99. This compares to £259.99 at Argos, and £232.74 at Amazon. The PS4 Pro starts at £179.00, with advanced features for a more immersive gaming experience.

The PS4 comes in three models - base, Slim and Pro - and in two colour choices of black or white. Pro is the enhanced model, with various additional features that make it a popular choice for serious gamers.

The bottom line on Black Friday PS4 deals

Black Friday has certainly saved people money on technology purchases over the past few years. But are those savings the best you can expect? And is the experience worth it? Panic-buying, overspending, and buying things that aren’t really needed are all typical Black Friday shopper traits. With Back Market available all year round offering discounts that are the same, and often even better than, PS4 Black Friday prices, perhaps spending a little more time before the big sale weekend researching prices could help you see where the best deals really are.

Some retailers have been known to increase prices on games consoles and other products earlier in the year, so the Black Friday discounts look more appealing. Be aware, as many fall into the trap of thinking they’ve bagged a bargain when, really, the same product was just as cheap three months ago. With a PS4 or other purchase from Back Market, you can enjoy a minimum 1-year warranty, a no-quibble return policy for up to 30 days after purchase, and great discounts all year round. Plus, you get to feel good about not contributing to additional environmental waste – buying refurbished means saving the planet and your cash at the same time.