Offer gaming as an amenity, without worrying it walks out the door.
A PlayStation or Xbox in your Airbnb or vacation rental attracts more bookings, gets better reviews, and keeps families and long-term guests happy. But an unsecured console in a high-turnover Airbnb property is a real financial risk. Here’s how to offer the amenity safely, and what it costs to protect it versus replace it.
Why Airbnb hosts are adding gaming consoles
Short-term rental guests increasingly filter and choose listings based on amenities, and gaming consoles have become one of the more effective differentiators, especially for families, groups, and longer stays. A well-known console (PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch) signals a thoughtful host, entertains children so parents can relax, and gives guests something to do on a rainy day. Properties listing a gaming console consistently report higher booking rates and improved review scores for the “amenities” category.
The catch is that vacation rental properties see constant guest turnover, which means constant handling, and occasionally a controller or entire console that doesn’t make it to checkout. The solution isn’t to remove the console; it’s to secure it so it stays where it belongs.
The real risks of an unsecured console
A PS5 or Xbox Series X costs $500 or more to replace. Even “accidental” removal by a guest means you’re buying a new one.
Controllers are $70–$80 each, easy to slip into a bag, and often not noticed until the next guests complain they can’t play.
Guests who log into their own accounts can leave billing info exposed, access your linked accounts, or download content that runs up charges.
Will a locked console bother my guests?
This is the question most hosts ask first, and the answer is no, because securing a console doesn’t change how it works. Our CAGE™ security cases lock the console to a surface but leave every port, button, disc slot, and ventilation opening fully accessible. Guests turn it on, play, and turn it off exactly as they normally would. The case is transparent, so it’s unobtrusive. There’s no key for guests to manage and nothing blocking gameplay.
The same applies to controller tethers. Each controller is secured with a bracket and a 10ft USB cable that keeps it charged continuously, so guests have full freedom of movement while playing. The tether is long enough that it never gets in the way of gameplay on a couch. Controllers stay charged, stay put, and guests don’t need to think about them.
Common host questions
Do I need to do anything between guests?
No. Once the case and tethers are installed, your cleaning crew handles it the same as any other appliance. No unlocking, no repositioning. The console is always ready for the next guest.
What if a guest wants to use their own account?
They can log in on the console the same as always. The security case doesn’t interact with the software side at all. We recommend adding a note in your house manual to log out before checkout, just as you’d remind them to lock the door.
Will it damage my furniture or walls?
The case mounts with four standard wood screws, which you’d anchor to a shelf, TV stand, or wall-mounted media unit. The footprint is small, and it can be removed cleanly if you sell the property. Many hosts mount to an existing entertainment center shelf so there’s no visible wall damage.
Does it overheat the console?
No. Every CAGE™ case is precision-engineered with ventilation openings that match the console’s own ventilation pattern. Heat dissipation is tested as part of every product’s development. We’ve been doing this for over 15 years and have never had a case overheat a console.
What to get for your rental
For most Airbnb and vacation rental properties, we recommend a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series S, paired with a controller tether. PlayStation is the most universally recognized console and works well for families and casual players. Xbox Series S is compact, quieter, and with Game Pass gives you a huge game library without buying individual titles. Nintendo Switch is a good addition for family-heavy Airbnb listings. Here are the right products for each setup:
The most recognizable console for guests of all ages. Secure the console and keep controllers charged and in place.
Compact and quiet with access to hundreds of Game Pass titles. The Series S fits neatly in any media cabinet.
Ideal for family-friendly rentals. Mario Kart and party games keep all ages entertained. Best used docked and secured.
Already providing Apple TV for streaming? Keep it locked in place so guests can use it without taking it.
A unique selling point for family rentals. The Nex Playground uses body-movement games via phone cameras, great for kids and groups. Secure the unit so it stays with the property.
The cost of not securing it
A stolen or missing console doesn’t just cost you the hardware. It costs you the next booking while you wait for a replacement, a potential bad review if the next guests arrive to find it gone, and the time spent dealing with it. Here’s the math on a single PS5 station:
Replacement costs based on typical 2026 retail pricing. Product prices as listed on our store. Confirm current prices before purchase.
How to set it up
Use our console security lookup tool to confirm the right case for your specific console model. Cases ship within 2–3 business days.
Install the CAGE™ case with four standard Phillips-head wood screws onto a shelf or media unit. No special tools needed. See our installation guides for each model.
The controller bracket installs with a tamper-resistant screw (included bit provided). Route the 10ft cable neatly behind the unit and plug into the console for continuous charging.
We also help with
Questions about a specific setup? We’re happy to help. Individual orders ship fast; bulk orders for multiple properties are welcome too.