A games console is a computer device used to play video or virtual games, on a screen. Some connect to a TV or monitor. Other devices are portable and handheld with screens.

Research says revenue in the Irish games consoles market will amount to approx. $124.80m in 2022. The market is expected to grow annually by 1.66% between 2022-2026. (Source: Statista) In April 2022 We PC reported, that the PlayStation 2 was the best-selling console of all time with 157.68 million units sold.

Playstation reported in 2021 that gamers have spent more than 4.6 billion hours of gameplay on the PS5 since it was released.

As of 2021, there have been nine console generations, with the current leading providers being Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo with the Xbox and Playstation and Nintendo Switch used to play games like FIFA 22, Farming Simulator 22 and Minecraft. You can also watch Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney Plus on your games console.

Games are either downloaded directly onto the device via the internet online store or inserted into the device as a disc or card.

Many games consoles and games are aimed at children There is no official or recommended age for a child to have or use a games console. Video games are given age ratings similar to movies.

In general, using a games console with your children is fun. Adults can refamiliarise themselves with gaming, how new games work and how children are likely to use them. This can be a great way to show responsible and positive use of technology and show your child you are interested in what they do!

Reuse and Repair

After many years of fun, your games console may need to be updated with new software or hardware (if possible) or if damaged it can be repaired for reuse. There are a number of repair options available and they should be considered before saying goodbye to your console.

Saying goodbye isn’t always easy. After all, you likely spent many in-game hours together playing a starring role for your favourite sports team. Your console has likely brought you, family and friends, many moments of joy and frustration.

However, the time will come to move on to a new console. With new console releases never far away you might consider a replacement. But before you do that, there are some important things that you need to do to stay cyber safe (and keep your information and payment details safe).

Here are some steps to take before you sell, donate, or recycle your old console:

Today many consoles are backwards compatible. This means that some, or most of the games from your old consoles should work with the new device To save your old games you can back your data up by:

• Saving your data to an external hard drive.
• Transferring your data from the old console to the new console by linking via a network.
• Saving your data to a cloud service for your system.

Your gaming console can have personal information stored. Anything from email addresses to multiple credit card numbers to social media and cloud streaming accounts. If in the wrong hands this can cause you lots of problems.

You can remove all your accounts from your console. In the setting menu, you can usually delete your credit card information, email addresses, social media links, or linked accounts. For purchased apps, you can sign out and manage your account information in your app settings.

A further option involves resetting the console back to when you first removed it from the box as new. Doing this reset will also make all of the information that was saved inaccessible through the user interface. You can usually do a reset in the setting menu.

Safe Recycling

Now that you have backed up your files and reset your console back to factory settings you may wish to dispose of the device in the waste or recycling bin. Please Don’t

Proper disposal including disposal of cables and chargers is important particularly if you didn’t try the above. Remember is also bad for the environment if you don’t recycle carefully

Try the following

• Reuse your console by gifting it to someone you know.
• Donate your console to a local youth or community organisation,
• Resell your device after wiping or destroying the hard disk drive / returning to factory settings.
• Recycle your console instead of throwing it into the bin.
• Recycle your console cables and related equipment at the same time!

Because electronics contain many damaging chemicals and reusable parts you should recycle safely at a dedicated e-recycling centre like Recycle IT. If you can’t or don’t wish to wipe the hard disk drive within the console before recycling, Recycle IT can help.

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT, is an award-winning social enterprise offering electrical, electronic and metal recycling services through drop off and collection. Recycling services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland and South Dublin County Council.

Recycle IT is supported by Pobal and Dormant Accounts and authorised by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across the east midlands waste region.

Our goal is to create training and employment opportunities through the provision of waste management services. Surplus earned income is reinvested in operational, and employment-related costs.

For more information on Recycle IT please call 01 4578321, email info@recycleit.ie or visit our website www.recycleit.ie