You don’t need to spend a fortune to game. New consoles these days may be ridiculously expensive, but that’s not the case with trading in to buy game systems that have already been refurbished for you to enjoy. These preowned systems have been refurbished to a near-new quality and can provide countless hours of action-packed gaming just like their brand-new counterparts.
Savvy enough gamers are reaping the benefits of refurbished consoles, which can frequently be acquired with warranties and assurances of quality from respected sellers. If you’re a frugal parent seeking a first console for your kid or a seasoned pro looking to build out your collection, a refurbished gaming console offers a good compromise between paying full retail and visiting the secondhand market.
In this article, we’ve picked five of the best used gaming systems that still serve up stellar experiences along with libraries of games to last you for days on end. Whether you’re a wizard on the go or peerless couch caster, these machines show you don’t need super on the spec sheet to have a wonder-filled gaming experience.
Budget Gamers: PS4 Is The One!
The PS4 continues to be one of the most attractive refurbished console options on the market and finding one if you don’t already own one couldn’t be simpler. Despite being replaced by the PS5, the system still boasts a massive library of exclusive and third-party games that make it one of the strongest consoles around.
Why the PS4 Still Dominates
Sony’s latest console comes with 1080p gaming, and some of the greatest games you may have ever enjoyed on the previous generation of PlayStations. Thanks to a custom-made AMD processor and a dedicated graphics chip, this gaming console can handle every game in its library without breaking a sweat. The PS4 also has one of the best game libraries of any console.
Exclusive games like “The Last of Us Part II,” “God of War,” “Spider-Man” and “Horizon Zero Dawn” show the machine’s chops in rendering detailed worlds with complex mechanics. These are titles that the PlayStation Store themselves sells at a deep discount, and which give new meaning to the credo of being able to play more and pay less.
Performance Specifications That Matter
| Part | PlayStation 4 | PlayStation 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Jaguar 8-core | AMD Jaguar 8-core |
| GPU | AMD Radeon (1.84 TFLOPS) | AMD Radeon (4.2 TFLOPS) |
| Memory | 8GB GDDR5 | 8GB GDDR5 |
| Storage | 500GB/1TB HDD | 1TB HDD |
| Max Resolution | 1080p | 4K (select games) |
The base PS4 still works just fine with new games, while the Pro delivers 4K gaming and PSVR capability. Both models are compatible with the vast PlayStation Network services also, such as PS Plus, where you can play online with friends and receive free games every month.
What to Look for in Refurbished PS4 Consoles
Good refurbished PS4s will be fully tested and cleaned. Trusted sellers refurbish and replace all worn parts as well as update system software and verify if all ports and internet connect peripherals work, making them plug and play. Most refurbished units also include a 30-90 day warranty which is a nice buffer for your investment.
When you buy a refurbished PS4, consider buying from sellers that provide you with an original controller/bundle and required cables. There may also be popular games or extra accessories included in some packages, so you’re already getting a lot of bang for your buck. Depending on the model and included accessories, the savings over purchasing new can be between 30% and 50%.
Nintendo Switch: Portable Gaming Excellence
The Nintendo Switch was a gamechanger in the world of portable gaming, bringing the complete console gaming experience to the palm of your hand. Refurbished Switch consoles are a great way to experience Nintendo’s awesome first-party games at a fraction of the price, making them a fantastic choice for anyone looking to get in on the gaming action.
Versatility That Sets It Apart
Switch between TV, handheld, and table modes on a slim gaming console which you can easily take on the go. This versatility allows you to play games on your living room TV with the console seated in its dock, then seamlessly take that same game on-the-go wherever you like, much like the Wii U. You can even connect multiple Switch systems together for some fun, multiplayer face-to-face action.
Nintendo’s system-seller games are designed to show off what the console can do. Games including “Super Mario Odyssey,” “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” and “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” show that the console has the capability to become a fun experience whether for casual or hardcore players. The intuitive control system is family friendly for multiple players to enjoy.
Technical Capabilities and Game Library
The Switch’s custom NVIDIA Tegra processor offers all the power you need to enjoy Nintendo’s carefully curated games, but enough flexibility that you can eke out a few hours’ play away from the mains thanks to the reasonable battery life. Although it doesn’t quite boast the same processing guts as other gaming machines, Nintendo’s software optimization ensures games run well and look beautiful on its 6.2-inch touchscreen.
The game library for the console is growing by the day — first-party Nintendo games as well as popular third-party games keep things interesting. Most games are updated with patches and/or DLC, with some being crammed with downloadable content after their original release. The Nintendo eShop has sales on digital titles all the time, making it great for anyone who loves scored deals.
Advantages of Used Switch Systems
Secondhand Nintendo Switch consoles typically sell at significantly less than their retail equivalents, especially when fresh stock runs dry. These will usually come with the main console unit, Joy-Con controllers, dock and the power and HDMI accessories required to play as soon as possible.
Note that good refurbishment procedures address the common Switch issues – Joy-Con drift – and this means worn analog sticks will be changed and all buttons will function as expected. Most sellers inspect battery life and screen performance to ensure the on-the-go gaming experience meets expectations. Another benefit of buying a refurbished package is that it may come with a screen protector and carrying cases.
Xbox One: Microsoft’s Multimedia Marvel
Microsoft’s Xbox One revolutionized gaming consoles by adding the features of an entertainment center to the console, providing gaming, streaming, and multimedia features all in one product. Refurbished Xbox One consoles are a fantastic option for anyone eager to start playing Microsoft’s exclusive games or who want access to the massive Xbox Game Pass library.
Gaming Performance and Exclusive Titles
The Xbox One provides strong 1080p gaming output and the X model offers 4K gaming, giving you powerful visual enhancements. The system’s AMD processor and graphics unit deliver fast, smooth play, while the compact design allows access to more top titles than any other gaming system.
First-party or exclusive franchises such as “Halo,” “Gears of War” and “Forza” prove the console’s metal and can keep gamers entertained for hundreds of hours. Xbox Game Pass offers a fantastic value, not only providing unlimited access to a hundred-plus games for a low monthly fee but also day-one access to a number of Microsoft’s biggest titles.
Entertainment Beyond Gaming
The Xbox One also doubles as a full-on entertainment center, allowing you to access all your favorite streaming services (including Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu). The console’s 4K Blu-ray support, on Xbox One S and X models, also makes it an appealing media player for your home theater system.
It is also capable of voice command with Kinect (not available in all regions, or with all games and media). Hands-free with Kinect or using a headset (not included). The ability to snap apps next to games means you can watch streams or listen to music while playing for an improved experience overall.
Refurbished Xbox One Value Proposition
| Model | Original Price | Average Refurb Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox One S | $299 | $150-200 | 4K video, HDR gaming |
| Xbox One X | $499 | $250-300 | Pure 4K gaming, noticeable performance boost |
Recertified Xbox One units come with controllers and essential cords and cables, while some bundles offer some of the best games or Xbox Live Gold subscriptions. The substantial saving makes these consoles very tempting entry points to the Xbox ecosystem – particularly when paired with the Game Pass subscriptions that open up access to hundreds of games.
PlayStation 3: The Backwards Compatible Monster
The PS3 is a stellar deal in the used console world, especially the backward-compatible first models. This feature alone makes some PS3 models highly prized among retrogamers and collectors.
Unique Gaming Capabilities
The Cell processor architecture Sony developed for the PS3 provided it with some unique features that some games took advantage of to give experiences that were not possible on other platforms. Exclusive games like The Last of Us, the Uncharted series and Demon’s Souls showed what the system could do when developers were designing specifically for the hardware’s atypical setup.
The console’s support of Blu-ray at launch was breakthrough, offering very high-definition film playback as well as gaming. There were a lot of PS3 games that got remastered or director’s cuts which contained add-ons, they were great bang for buck for those patient gamers that like exploring older libraries.
Backwards Compatibility Advantages
Early PlayStation 3 models (20 GB and 60 GB) can play some PS2 games thanks to backward compatibility, a feature that was removed from later consoles but left intact within these units. As a result, you can play any of your previous PS2 games using one system, giving access to more than 3100 games from your favorite old disc releases.
PS1 games run on all PS3 models through software emulation, letting you enjoy some of gaming’s finest from the formative 3D age. This is what makes the PS3 perfect for gamers who want thorough knowledge of the PlayStation lineage all at once.
What Makes Refurbished PS3s Special
Refurbished backwards compatible PS3 models can be pretty hard to find, because their rarity makes them in shorter and shorter supply. By the same token, though, even the most basic PS3s have access to a huge catalog of exclusives for ultra cheap prices. There are so many PS3 games under 10 dollars, solid physical copies because you can make a neat little gaming collection for a reasonable price.
When PS3 systems are refurbished, it is a frequent practice for thermal paste to be replaced and the fan to be cleaned to resolve heat-related problems associated with older systems. Good sellers test backwards compatibility and optical drives to ensure they can read both game discs and Blu-ray movies.
Nintendo 3DS: Handheld Gaming Perfection
The Nintendo 3DS system combines next-generation portable gaming with super-stable 3D technology and added control features. The complete Nintendo DS library is available on the refurbished 3DS systems.
Double the Innovation, Double the Fun
Two screens mean twice the power, twice the puzzles and twice the potential. With one screen dedicated to the main action, and the other displaying the menus or maps, both screens can be given a great amount of detail.
The DS’s dual screen technology alone could lead to unique gameplay mechanics that would be impossible on other single-screen gaming systems. Games like “The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds” make special use of both screens to create an immersive world, with maps, menus or other in-game items displayed on the bottom screen.
The stereoscopic 3D feature lets you experience games in exciting 3D format without needing special glasses (3D gameplay may require additional accessories, sold separately). Not all games make as good use of the feature as those actually designed for 3DS, but it’s really clear how the effect makes 3DS-developed software more immersive and easier to play.
Massive Game Library Spanning Generations
With a massive library of hundreds of exclusive games, there is a game for everyone. The 3DS library is unmatched with millions of fans and growing. Flagship series like “Pokémon,” “Fire Emblem,” “Animal Crossing” and “Super Mario” got stellar games on the platform, several of them seen as highlights of their respective franchises.
Compatible with all DS games, the 3DS is ideal for existing DS players, but works just as well for those who are new to the dual screens. An abundance of DS games can be found dirt cheap so collections can grow rapidly and relatively inexpensively.
Region Exclusives and Special Editions
The 3DS has a lot of region exclusive games and special edition consoles that increases the collector value of certain units. Previously Japan-only imports and European-only exclusives are playable now for North American Nintendo fans for the first time.
Special themed and uniquely designed consoles for popular games can fetch a higher price even in pre-owned condition. Systems like that do tend to hold their value, and are a cool-looking option in addition to general gaming.
Shopping Advice for Refurbished Consoles
Research Seller Reputation and Warranties
Always buy refurbished consoles from good stores with warranty and return policy. Larger retailers, certified refurbishers, and established online marketplaces tend to offer better customer service and quality control than individual sellers.
Seek out sellers who specify the work they’ve done to refurbish each system and how they’ve tested it. A reputable refurbisher will tell you what parts they replace, how they clean systems, and what quality they adhere to (if they don’t, that’s a bad sign). Avoid those that offer vague descriptions or are evasive about answering detailed questions regarding their procedure.
See What You Get With Your Purchase
Check what accessories and cables are in the box with your refurbished console. Must-haves are AC adapters, AV cables and if you have a game in mind at least one controller. A few sellers also toss in extra games, accessories or subscriptions that can really sweeten the deal.
Inquire as to the condition of the controller and the battery life of the wireless controllers. Controllers can wear out and get pretty costly to replace, so you want to maintain them so your investment doesn’t fall by the wayside. Some refurbishers also have controllers on either warranties or a return package.
Compare Prices Across Multiple Sources
Refurbished console costs can also drastically differ from seller to seller and platform option. Make sure to compare costs from various sources including the cost of shipping, taxes and coverage for warranties. Occasionally those extra few bucks can also get you a better warranty, or things like extra accessories that add value beyond the initial price.
Take seasonal sales and promotional periods into account when looking at refurbished console prices, which usually fall. This is especially true during holiday and back-to-school events and when a new console’s release is imminent, although the best refurbished discount you’re likely to secure on a used gaming system will always be from a retailer clearing inventory.
Maximizing Your Refurbished Console Experience
Building Your Game Library Affordably
Use digital sales, second-hand trading, or cheap games in bundles to make bigger libraries for less money. Lots of older games are already sold at a discount on digital storefronts, and physical copies of older games are often available at a fraction of their original cost.
Think of subscription services like PlayStation Plus, Xbox Game Pass, or Nintendo Switch Online, which offer large libraries for a monthly fee. Many of these services are less expensive than buying games individually, while providing access to titles you might not otherwise try.
Proper Console Maintenance and Care
Take care of your console. Keep your refurbished console running smoothly with proper care and maintenance. Keep systems free of dust and dirt, and allow for sufficient ventilation during use and storage. Do not expose to extreme temperatures or humidity.
Regularly update the system software to be able to use new features and avoid any issues with security and game compatibility and improve the entertainment functionality of the system. A lot of those refurbished units won’t be running the latest firmware and updating it when you get it will be a performance-related bonus.
Conclusion
Refurbished gaming consoles are like new games for customers who don’t want to pay top dollar. From the five systems covered in this guide, the PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, and Nintendo 3DS, there are unique benefits and deep libraries that offer enough content to play through hundreds of hours of gaming.
Wherever your interests or proclivities lie on the gaming spectrum, refurbished consoles offer an affordable stepping stone into a variety of gaming ecosystems. Your console savings can be applied to game libraries, accessories, or subscription services to elevate your gaming experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are refurbished gaming consoles vs new gaming consoles reliable?
Good, trustworthy sources for refurbished units are usually pretty reliable. Professionally restored to working order with testing, inspection, and reconditioning. A lot of the refurbished consoles have some warranty coverage as well, to protect you like when purchasing new. But it varies from seller to seller — so do some research into the refurbisher’s reputation and warranty policy before you buy.
What to consider before purchasing a refurbished console?
Search for detailed descriptions of what the refurbishment process entails, what originally came with the device, what kind of warranty and warranty options are provided, as well as details on the return policy. Make sure vital accessories like power cords, controllers and video cables are included. Be sure to check seller ratings and reviews by previous buyers. Make sure the system has any proprietary cables or adapters you might need, they can be pricey little buggers to buy individually.
Should you consider refurbished console warranty coverage?
Yes, refurbished consoles have warranty protections, which can be very good for your investment. Try to find one with a 30-90-day guarantee, some sellers will offer protection plans as well. Read the terms of the warranty carefully to see what’s covered (for example, are parts, labor and shipping being covered?) Warranties show a seller has faith in the refurbishment that was carried out and can also come in handy if you need to go back to the seller if there are issues.
Am I still able to access the online services and download games on an older refurbished console?
Refurbished consoles generally retain full access to their respective online services, digital stores, and multiplayer options. But just check that it has working networking and you can login to your accounts. Some older systems may have limited online service support, so be sure to see what online features are available for your system while shopping.
How much money can I realistically save buying a refurbished instead of a new one?
Discounts from refurbished consoles vary by system: 20-60% off may be expected versus new pricing at retail, depending on its age, condition, and how much the market is seeking them.
The older the system like the PS3 or 3DS, the bigger the percentage of savings, and newer consoles like the PS4 or Switch have modest, but not insignificant, discounts. Take into account the price of games, which is generally far cheaper for old systems, to optimize your total savings.
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