Brand new game consoles are a lot more expensive nowadays. Since almost everyone is staying inside their homes playing video games, the shortages in consoles resulted in the price increase of all game devices around the world!
Yes, there are still many who are willing to pay regardless of the price; however, not everyone has the same luck when it comes to their finances. For those with that dilemma, second-hand variants became the next in-demand item for both the young and young at heart. These variants are both refurbished and sold at a lower price.
With all of that being said, the Nintendo Switch is one of the many that saw a complete revival amongst this “refurbished race.” Being a relatively young console with just four years up its sleeves, it’s still one of the trendiest game devices in the market today—so much so that people are flocking to it, whether brand new or second-hand. It may seem tempting to jump in with the bandwagon and buy one yourself; however, there are certain indicators that you should look out for in selecting a used Nintendo Switch. Taking note of these would assure you a good buy in the long run.
1) The Joy-Con Controllers Should Be Complete
There are two of these, with each one attached to the sides of the main screen. The controllers should be in great shape, as well as the sliding brackets on the side. You should be able to attach each of them smoothly without any hassle.
Observe them closely and try to look for scratches or cracks on the plastic surfaces as well.
2) The Main Screen Should Have No Cracks or Pixelations
You should be able to see the games clearly on-screen. There should be no cracks or dead pixels on it!
Try to look for any hairline cracks as well; no one wants a Switch with so many scratches! If you’re buying a refurbished variant, ask the seller if there was an issue before related to the screen. If it is, you may want to look for another option!
3) The Main Console Should Have No Problems Sliding in the Dock
You should be able to slide the whole console into the charging dock. After doing that, turn on the Switch and check if the game would show towards the TV screen. If it doesn’t, check if the wires were plugged accordingly. The main wire from the dock should go straight to the TV’s HDMI socket.
4) The Main Console Should Have No Problems with Sound
Any game that you’d play should have no glitch or bugs when it comes to its audio. The sound should be crisp and clear, and you should be able to distinguish the background music from the sound effects and character voices.
5) The Console Should Have Complete Accessories as Well
This can be optional, as not all Switch resellers offer a package deal with all the accessories included. However, if you were to encounter such an offer, be sure not to miss out and check that the whole set is complete.
Conclusion
Buying a second-hand Nintendo Switch can be a bit risky if you don’t know what to look out for. Luckily, many obvious indicators would reveal whether or not you’re going to get your money’s worth.
Do your own research, read an online brochure, and pick the best option in the market today. Then, choose wisely and enjoy your weekend game time with a console that’s almost as good as new.
If you’re on the hunt for a used Nintendo Switch, look no further than Gamer Tech. We are based in York, UK, with years of experience in console and laptop repairs, among others. Contact us for more information about our services!