Free Donation Pickups for Old Consoles, Video Games and Gaming Systems
DonateYourStuff.ca provides free scheduled donation pickup for qualifying video game consoles and gaming equipment across the GTA and select surrounding communities. We accept home consoles, handheld systems, physical video games, controllers, virtual reality equipment and gaming accessories.
Consoles and handheld systems should turn on and work properly. Games should be intact and usable, while consoles, controllers and gaming accessories should include the cords, chargers, receivers and other important parts needed to use them.
Submit a pickup request with your location, the approximate number of consoles, handheld systems, controllers, games and boxes of accessories and a general description of what you have. We will review your request and contact you by email about pickup availability.
Video Game & Console Donations We Accept
Video game donations can include home consoles, handheld systems, game discs and cartridges, controllers, virtual reality equipment and gaming accessories. Games can be checked on their own, while consoles, controllers and headsets may need power cords, chargers, docks, receivers or other matching accessories to work properly.
The sections below explain the types of video game equipment we accept and what to check before adding them to your pickup request.
Why Condition Matters
Video game equipment can only continue to be used when the system turns on, reads games properly and includes the essential accessories required for normal operation.
Consoles and handheld gaming systems should power on without overheating, producing unusual noises or shutting down unexpectedly.
Controllers should connect properly and should not have major stick drift, broken buttons, exposed wires or damaged battery compartments.
Video game discs and cartridges should be clean, intact and protected from damage.
We reserve the right to decline consoles, games and accessories at pickup if they are broken, unsafe, heavily damaged, contaminated, incomplete or improperly packed.
Video Game Consoles
We accept qualifying:
- Nintendo Entertainment System consoles
- Super Nintendo Entertainment System consoles
- Nintendo 64 consoles
- Nintendo GameCube consoles
- Nintendo Wii consoles
- Nintendo Wii U consoles
- Nintendo Switch consoles
- Nintendo Switch OLED consoles
- Sony PlayStation consoles
- Sony PlayStation 2 consoles
- Sony PlayStation 3 consoles
- Sony PlayStation 4 consoles
- Sony PlayStation 5 consoles
- Microsoft Xbox consoles
- Xbox 360 consoles
- Xbox One consoles
- Xbox Series S consoles
- Xbox Series X consoles
- Sega Master System consoles
- Sega Genesis consoles
- Sega Saturn consoles
- Sega Dreamcast consoles
- Atari 2600 consoles
- Atari 5200 consoles
- Atari 7800 consoles
- Atari Jaguar consoles
- Mini retro consoles
- Plug-and-play gaming systems
- Limited-edition consoles
- Special-edition consoles
- Console bundles
Older consoles, retro gaming systems and newer video game consoles may qualify, but they must turn on and operate properly.
Include the required power cord, power adapter, video cable and at least one compatible controller whenever available.
Keep proprietary power supplies, docking stations, sensor bars, wireless receivers and other essential components with the correct console.r special accessories inside the correct game box whenever available.
Handheld Gaming Systems
We accept qualifying:
- Nintendo Game Boy systems
- Nintendo Game Boy Pocket systems
- Nintendo Game Boy Color systems
- Nintendo Game Boy Advance systems
- Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP systems
- Nintendo DS systems
- Nintendo DS Lite systems
- Nintendo DSi systems
- Nintendo DSi XL systems
- Nintendo 2DS systems
- Nintendo New 2DS XL systems
- Nintendo 3DS systems
- Nintendo 3DS XL systems
- Nintendo New 3DS systems
- Nintendo New 3DS XL systems
- Nintendo Switch Lite systems
- Sony PlayStation Portable systems
- Sony PlayStation Vita systems
- Sega Game Gear systems
- Atari Lynx systems
- Other cartridge-based handheld consoles
- Other portable digital gaming systems
- Handheld console bundles
- Handheld docking stations
- Compatible chargers
- Protective handheld cases
- Detachable controllers
- Memory cards
- Styluses
Handheld gaming systems should turn on, charge properly and have functional screens, controls and charging ports.
Screens should be free from major cracks, leaking displays or severe damage. Include the required charger, battery cover, docking station and detachable controllers whenever available.
Remove personal accounts, payment details, photographs, messages and other stored personal information before donation.
Video Games
We accept qualifying games for:
- Nintendo Entertainment System
- Super Nintendo Entertainment System
- Nintendo 64
- Nintendo GameCube
- Nintendo Wii
- Nintendo Wii U
- Nintendo Switch
- Nintendo Game Boy
- Nintendo Game Boy Color
- Nintendo Game Boy Advance
- Nintendo DS
- Nintendo 2DS
- Nintendo 3DS
- Sony PlayStation
- Sony PlayStation 2
- Sony PlayStation 3
- Sony PlayStation 4
- Sony PlayStation 5
- Sony PlayStation Portable
- Sony PlayStation Vita
- Microsoft Xbox
- Xbox 360
- Xbox One
- Xbox Series S and Series X
- Sega Master System
- Sega Genesis
- Sega Saturn
- Sega Dreamcast
- Sega Game Gear
- Atari consoles
- Other qualifying video game systems
Accepted formats may include:
- Video game discs
- Retro game cartridges
- Modern game cartridges
- Handheld game cartridges
- Complete boxed games
- Loose cartridges in protective cases
- Collector-edition games
- Special-edition games
- Family video games
- Children’s video games
- Sports games
- Racing games
- Adventure games
- Strategy games
- Role-playing games
- Simulation games
- Music and rhythm games
- Educational video games
- Multiplayer games
Video game discs should be clean and free from cracks, severe scratches or damage around the centre ring.
Game cartridges should be intact and free from broken connectors, heavy corrosion or major physical damage.
Place discs inside their original cases or protective sleeves. Store loose cartridges in protective cases, small boxes or clearly labelled containers.
Video Game Console Controllers
We accept qualifying:
- Nintendo Entertainment System controllers
- Super Nintendo controllers
- Nintendo 64 controllers
- Nintendo GameCube controllers
- Nintendo Wii Remotes
- Nintendo Nunchuk controllers
- Nintendo Wii U GamePads
- Nintendo Wii U Pro Controllers
- Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers
- Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers
- PlayStation controllers
- PlayStation 2 controllers
- PlayStation 3 controllers
- PlayStation 4 DualShock controllers
- PlayStation 5 DualSense controllers
- Original Xbox controllers
- Xbox 360 controllers
- Xbox One controllers
- Xbox Series controllers
- Sega controllers
- Atari controllers
- Wired controllers
- Wireless controllers
- Motion controllers
- Arcade-style controllers
- Racing wheels
- Flight controllers
- Guitar-style game controllers
- Drum controllers
- Dance mats
Controllers should connect properly and respond to normal input.
Check buttons, directional pads, thumbsticks, triggers, motion sensors, charging ports and wireless connections before packing.
We cannot accept controllers with major stick drift, broken buttons, exposed wires, leaking batteries or heavily damaged housings.
Keep wireless receivers, detachable cables, wrist straps, charging cords and other required accessories with the correct controller.
Console Cords & Gaming Accessories
We accept qualifying:
- Console power cords
- Proprietary console power adapters
- HDMI cables
- AV cables
- Component cables
- Charging cables
- Controller cables
- Nintendo Switch docks
- Nintendo Switch power adapters
- Wii sensor bars
- PlayStation cameras
- Xbox Kinect sensors
- Wireless controller receivers
- Memory cards
- Console storage devices
- Console stands
- Controller charging docks
- Carrying cases
- Protective console cases
- Handheld gaming cases
- Video game storage cases
- Disc storage cases
- Cartridge storage cases
- Controller grips
- Controller covers
- Replacement styluses
- Cable organizers
Accessories should be functional, clean and clearly identified.
Place smaller cords, adapters, receivers and memory cards in labelled bags so they do not become separated from the console or controller they belong to.
Do not include unidentified electronic cables that cannot be matched to accepted gaming equipment.
Virtual Reality Gaming Equipment
We accept qualifying:
- PlayStation VR headsets
- PlayStation VR2 headsets
- Meta Quest headsets
- Oculus Quest headsets
- Oculus Rift headsets
- HTC Vive headsets
- Valve Index headsets
- VR controllers
- Tracking cameras
- Motion sensors
- Base stations
- Headset connection boxes
- VR power adapters
- VR charging cables
- VR carrying cases
- Headset stands
Virtual reality equipment must turn on and operate properly.
Lenses should be clean and free from major scratches. Head straps, removable padding, controllers, cameras, tracking equipment and connection cables should be intact.
Clean removable face padding according to the manufacturer’s care instructions.
Remove personal accounts, payment information, saved profiles and stored data before donation.
Gaming Headsets & Computer Gaming Accessories
We accept qualifying:
- Wired gaming headsets
- Wireless gaming headsets
- Console gaming headsets
- Gaming headphones
- Gaming microphones
- Headset charging docks
- USB audio adapters
- Wireless headset receivers
- Gaming keyboards
- Gaming mice
- Gaming mouse pads
- Small desktop speakers
- Controller adapters
- USB hubs used with gaming systems
Gaming headsets should produce clear sound and have a working microphone when one is included.
Ear cushions, headbands, cables and connectors should be clean and free from major damage.
Wireless headsets should include the required USB receiver, charging cable or docking station whenever available.
Gaming keyboards and mice should connect and function properly without broken keys, exposed wires or major physical damage.
Collectible Gaming Items
We accept qualifying:
- Limited-edition consoles
- Special-edition controllers
- Collector-edition video games
- Steel game cases
- Video game art books
- Video game soundtracks
- Figures included with collector editions
- Promotional gaming items
- Console display boxes
- Complete collector bundles
- Video game strategy guides
- Gaming magazines
- Game maps
- Instruction manuals
- Gaming memorabilia
Keep collector-edition components and matching accessories together whenever possible.
Original packaging is not required, but boxes and cases can help protect collectible consoles, games and accessories during transportation.
Collectible gaming items should be clean, dry and free from mould, pests and major damage.
Video Game & Console Donations We Cannot Accept
We cannot accept consoles, games or gaming accessories that are broken, unsafe, contaminated, heavily damaged or unusable.
Please do not donate:
- Consoles that do not turn on
- Consoles that repeatedly shut down
- Consoles that overheat during normal use
- Consoles that cannot read discs or cartridges
- Consoles with heavily damaged ports
- Consoles with missing essential proprietary power supplies
- Consoles with exposed internal wiring
- Consoles affected by liquid damage
- Consoles with heavy internal corrosion
- Handheld systems with badly cracked screens
- Handheld systems with leaking or damaged displays
- Handheld systems that do not charge
- Devices with swollen or damaged batteries
- Controllers with major stick drift
- Controllers with broken buttons
- Controllers with exposed wires
- Controllers with leaking batteries
- Controllers with heavily corroded battery compartments
- Controllers that cannot connect to a system
- Cracked video game discs
- Severely scratched game discs
- Discs damaged around the centre ring
- Broken game cartridges
- Cartridges with heavy corrosion
- Empty video game cases
- Unidentified loose electronic parts
- Cables with exposed wiring
- Damaged or unsafe power adapters
- Gaming headsets that do not work
- Heavily damaged headset padding
- Virtual reality headsets with badly scratched or damaged lenses
- Virtual reality equipment missing essential connection components
- Equipment affected by mould or mildew
- Equipment exposed to pests
- Electronics with strong smoke or pet odours
- Gaming equipment mixed with garbage
- Equipment packed in wet or collapsing boxes
- Boxes that are too heavy to lift safely
- Items that have not been tested or prepared for pickup
Items that do not meet our donation standards may be declined at pickup.
How Many Consoles and Video Game Are Needed for Pickup?
Our pickup service is intended for gaming donations large enough to reasonably justify sending a vehicle to your location.
One video game, one controller or one small accessory will usually not qualify for pickup on its own.
A donation is more likely to qualify when it includes:
- One or more consoles with controllers and games
- Several handheld gaming systems
- Multiple boxes of physical video games
- A larger retro gaming collection
- Consoles combined with games and accessories
- Gaming equipment combined with other accepted donation categories
Larger collections from families, retailers, businesses, gaming clubs, moving projects, downsizing or estate cleanouts may also qualify.
You do not need to count every cable or accessory. Provide your best estimate of the number of consoles, handheld systems, controllers, games and boxes.
The overall donation volume, condition, location and current pickup routes will determine whether pickup is available.
How to Prepare Video Games & Consoles for Donation Pickup
Please test, organize and prepare all video game systems, games and accessories before your scheduled pickup.
Test every console: Connect each gaming system to power and confirm that it turns on, remains on and responds normally.
Test game reading: Confirm that disc-based and cartridge-based systems can load games properly when possible.
Test handheld systems: Make sure handheld consoles charge, turn on and have functional screens, controls and charging ports.
Test controllers: Check the buttons, thumbsticks, directional pads, triggers, motion controls and wireless connection.
Remove unusable equipment: Separate consoles, games, controllers and accessories that are broken, unsafe, heavily damaged or affected by liquid damage.
Clean the equipment: Wipe consoles, controllers and accessories with an appropriate soft cloth. Remove heavy dust, food residue and sticky surface buildup.
Keep liquids away from electronics: Do not spray cleaning products directly onto consoles, controllers, screens, lenses or ports.
Remove discs before packing: Check every console and remove any game, movie or other disc left inside.
Remove personal accounts: Sign out of PlayStation Network, Xbox, Nintendo and other gaming accounts.
Remove payment information: Delete stored credit cards, payment methods and purchasing information.
Remove personal data: Delete saved photographs, messages, browsing history, names, passwords and other private information.
Factory reset systems when appropriate: Complete a factory reset after confirming that any information you want to keep has been backed up.
Remove external storage: Remove memory cards, USB drives and external hard drives containing personal information unless they are intentionally included and have been cleared.
Match cords to consoles: Keep each console with its power supply, video cable, charging cable, docking station and other required accessories.
Keep controllers together: Pack compatible controllers with the correct console whenever possible.
Label cables and accessories: Place cords, adapters, memory cards and smaller accessories inside labelled bags.
Protect discs: Place video game discs in original cases or protective sleeves.
Protect cartridges: Store loose game cartridges in protective cases, small boxes or labelled containers.
Protect screens and lenses: Wrap handheld systems and virtual reality headsets so their screens and lenses cannot be scratched.
Protect joysticks and buttons: Avoid packing heavy items directly on top of controllers.
Remove damaged batteries: Do not pack swollen, leaking or corroded batteries.
Secure battery compartments: Make sure battery covers are included and properly attached.
Group items by system: Keep Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox, Sega, Atari and other gaming equipment organized separately whenever practical.
Use strong containers: Pack gaming equipment in sturdy boxes or storage bins with enough padding to prevent movement.
Do not overpack: Use several manageable containers instead of one oversized or extremely heavy box.
Label every container: Use clear labels such as Video Game Consoles, Handheld Systems, Video Games, Controllers or Gaming Accessories.
Keep everything dry: Store packed electronics indoors, in a dry garage or in another protected location until pickup.
Separate unapproved electronics: Do not mix broken devices, unidentified components or unrelated electronic waste with the approved gaming equipment.
For complete instructions, review our how to prepare your donations page before pickup.
How Video Game Console Pickup Works
Step 1: Submit your pickup request: Complete the online form and provide your location and an approximate count of consoles, handheld systems, games, controllers and boxes of accessories. Mention whether the donation includes Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox, Sega, Atari, virtual reality equipment or other accepted donation categories.
Step 2: We review your donation: We review your location, estimated donation volume, equipment types, condition, included accessories, how everything is packed, available vehicle space and current route availability. We may request photos or additional information by email.
Step 3: Receive email confirmation: Your pickup is only scheduled after you receive confirmation by email. Preferred dates and times submitted through the form are requests and are not automatically secured.
Step 4: Prepare and stage the equipment: Test, clean, reset and securely pack the approved gaming equipment. Keep consoles with their cords and controllers and separate everything from items that should not be collected.
Step 5: We collect the approved donation: Once your pickup is confirmed, our team collects the approved consoles, games and accessories. Equipment that does not work, contains personal data, is heavily damaged, is improperly packed or is significantly different from what was described may be declined.
How Your Donations Help
Donating old consoles and video games does more than clear space from a gaming room, bedroom, basement or storage area.
It helps:
- Keep working gaming systems and physical video games in circulation
- Give old consoles and handheld systems another opportunity to be used
- Keep reusable gaming equipment out of landfills
- Reduce electronic waste from unwanted consoles and accessories
- Create local work connected to pickup, testing, sorting, preparation and distribution
- Support the continued expansion of the Thrift Society reuse network
- Help provide direct financial relief through our Family Relief Program
- Build a stronger culture of reuse in Canadian communities
Video Game Console Donation Pickup Areas
Schedule Your Free Game Console Pickup
Have old consoles, video games or a larger gaming collection ready to donate?
Submit a pickup request with your location, approximate number of consoles, games, controllers and boxes and a general description of the equipment.
Tell us if the donation includes Nintendo systems, PlayStation consoles, Xbox consoles, Sega or Atari systems, handheld gaming devices, physical games, controllers, gaming headsets, virtual reality equipment or other accepted donations.
We will review your request and contact you by email regarding availability.
Once approved, test the equipment, remove your personal information, match the consoles with their cords and controllers and pack everything securely. We handle the pickup so you do not have to transport the entire gaming collection to a donation centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I donate old consoles and video games near me?
DonateYourStuff.ca provides scheduled pickup for qualifying video game consoles, physical games, handheld systems, controllers and gaming accessories in select Ontario communities.
Check our donation pickup service areas page to confirm whether pickup is available in your city.
Do old video game consoles need to work?
Yes.
Consoles and handheld gaming systems must turn on and operate properly. We cannot accept broken systems, electronic waste or consoles intended only for parts.
Which video game consoles do you accept?
We accept qualifying Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox, Sega, Atari and other gaming systems.
Examples include Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, GameCube, Wii, Wii U, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 1 through PlayStation 5, original Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, Sega Genesis, Sega Saturn and Sega Dreamcast systems.
All consoles must be tested and working.
Do consoles need their cords and controllers?
Consoles should include the required power supply, video cable, docking station and other essential components whenever available.
Including at least one compatible controller is strongly preferred. A system missing a proprietary power supply or another component required for normal use may be declined.
Do you accept handheld gaming systems?
Yes.
We accept qualifying Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi, Nintendo 2DS, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch Lite, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Vita and other handheld systems.
Handheld consoles must turn on, charge properly and have working screens and controls.
Do you accept video game discs and cartridges?
Yes.
Discs must be free from cracks, severe scratches and damage around the centre ring.
Cartridges must be intact and free from broken connectors, heavy corrosion and major physical damage.
Loose games should be packed in protective cases, sleeves or labelled containers.
Do you accept controllers and gaming accessories?
Yes.
We accept working controllers, charging docks, console cords, power adapters, sensor bars, memory cards, carrying cases, gaming headsets and other compatible accessories.
Controllers with major stick drift, broken buttons, exposed wires or damaged battery compartments cannot be accepted.
Do I need to remove my personal information?
Yes.
Before donation, sign out of all gaming accounts and remove user profiles, passwords, payment methods, stored credit card information, photographs, messages and other personal information.
Complete a factory reset when the system supports one.
Can digital games remain installed on the console?
Digital game licences are usually connected to the original owner’s account and may not transfer to another user.
Remove your personal account and payment information rather than leaving account access on the console.
Do you accept damaged consoles for parts or recycling?
No.
We do not collect broken consoles for parts or electronic recycling. Systems must work properly and be suitable for continued use.
How many consoles or video games are needed for pickup?
One game, controller or small accessory will usually not qualify for pickup on its own.
A console with games and accessories, several gaming systems, multiple boxes of games or gaming equipment combined with other accepted donations is more likely to qualify.
Pickup approval depends on the total volume, condition, location and scheduled routes.
Can video game equipment be combined with other donations?
Yes.
Video game consoles and games can be combined with board games, kids toys, DVDs, books, electronics, clothing, household items and other accepted donation categories.
List each category and estimated quantity when submitting your pickup request.
Who We Are
DonateYourStuff.ca is the official donation pickup arm of Thrift Society, a Canadian social reuse initiative that keeps useful goods in circulation while creating local employment, supporting family relief and reducing waste.
Every qualifying video game donation helps:
- Keep consoles, handheld systems, games and gaming accessories in circulation
- Give working gaming equipment another opportunity to be used
- Create Canadian work connected to pickup, testing, sorting, preparation and distribution
- Reduce waste by keeping reusable gaming systems out of landfills
- Support the continued expansion of the Thrift Society reuse network
- Help provide direct financial relief through our Family Relief Program
A portion of the value created through donated items helps support the Family Relief Program and other work connected to the continued growth of the initiative.
Other Donations We Accept
- DVDs & Blu-rays
- VHS Tapes
- Cassette Tapes
- Vinyl Records
- Books & Learning Materials
- Household Items & Small Furniture
- Kitchen & Dining
- Clothing & Accessories
- Baby Items
- Arts, Crafts & Sewing
- Tools & Home Improvement
- Electronics
- Musical Instruments & Audio Gear
- Fitness & Exercise Equipment
- Sporting Goods
- Camping & The Outdoors
- Holiday, Costumes & Seasonal
- Mobility & Medical Aids
- Pet Supplies
- Office & School Supplies
- Jewelry & Accessories
- Collectibles & Memorabilia
- Wall Art & Home Décor
- Bedding, Linens & Textiles