Confidence in used systems?

[NoahsMyBro]

I have no faith or confidence in a used videogame system. As a result I've only ever bought one used system, and that was an original XBox from fellow DP'er and shop owner Drexel923. (Hmm 923 - Is your BDay coming up?)

The X Box has performed perfectly fine over the 18 moths or so I've had it, people here and elsewhere buy and sell used systems frequently, and I'm wondering if my doubts are completely unfounded.

My newest console is a Gamecube. I still don't want to spend the necessary cash to get a Wii/360/PS3. Obviously I could get one of those used for less, but I haven't pursued that because I suspect I'd see problems with the optical drive. I would have never had any doubts like these for a cartridge-based system, but those days are long gone.

And this doesn't even factor in the infamous unreliability of the 360. For the time-being I don't even trust a new 360, so it's completely out of the picture.

I guess I'm wondering if (1) any of you have the same concerns, and (2) for those of you that do buy used systems, have you noticed any problems that you suspect were more likely due to the system being used, rather than new?

[Shadow Kisuragi]

I've actually had worse luck with new systems than used in terms of functionality. If, after a year or 2, I find the system still functioning, it probably won't have any issues. This logic doesn't follow for the x360, unfortunately, but most systems will show their flaws within 2 years. The only console that I've had die on me is my x360, but then again I abuse it like nuts.

[otoko]

I don't know about that. Most of my systems are used and I've only had one the new ones die on me also. My PS3 is a used 40 gig from gamecrazy and it's had no trouble like apparently most 40 gigs.

[duffmanth]

The only systems that I've ever bought used are systems that I had years ago and got rid of that are long out of production like the NES and SNES. These are the only systems I will buy used for $20, $30, $40, whatever they go for? I would NEVER buy a current gen system used. Especially something like the 360 where even the new ones crap out all of the time. The other thing you have to consider is most used systems probably only carry a 30-90 day warranty on them, as where new systems carry at least a year.

I suppose it's different if you're buying a used console from a friend or someone you know who takes great care of their consoles and games, but you have to be careful what you buy from game retailers sometimes. I say this because I used to work for one and some of the used systems that we had come in were in awful shape and some were in great shape. But at the end of the day, a lot of the time you don't know who owned that system previously, whether they took care of it, played it 24/7, dropped it, left it sitting on the floor or rug to collect dust and hair, etc? Obviously with consoles that are long out of production, you don't have a choice but to buy used, just keep an eye out for a clean looking system I guess? However, for current gen consoles, I would only buy new.

[Oobgarm]

I always consider a warranty with a used machine. That should cover you against typical problems. Sold plenty of last-gen used machines during my GameStop tenure and not many came back with issues.

[Kid Ice]

Most systems I've had were used.

Bought used (refurb from game store or bought or traded from friends):

a dozen or so 2600s
two 7800s
Astrocade
Vectrex X 2
NES
SNES
PSOne
PS2
Xbox
Genesis
Nomad
Saturn
360 (two of them)
PS3 (60 gig that I later traded)
NDS
PSP
Wii

Of all of these I only had problems with...guess...the Xbox and the 1st 360.

Bought new:

3DO
N64
Dreamcast (launch)
GBA (launch)
GameCube (launch)
PS3 (80 gig)

[pwpcody]

I work in a used game shop. The store should have no problems hooking up the system you want to buy so you can inspect it. If they want to make the sale, they will do it. If not, buy elsewhere. Look the system over for markings, or anything odd. Smell the system. I mean it, if it smells like smoke or smells like it was in a smoking home, ask for a different one. But overall buying used is not a bad thing. I bought my 60 gb Ps3 used and have had zero problems with it.

[otaku]

I had a 40gig ps3 used it was fine. Only system I wouldn't buy used is a 360 (or a jaguar-mine bought used is a busted pos in need of repair hehe)

otherwise its a good way to go saves ya money most of the time and some times at least for the retro stuff its hard to find new

[PapaStu]

Almost everything I own has been a 'new' purchase. Only my Dreamcast, 2600 (both bought from gameshops, with the 2600 getting a cleaning/resto) and my PlayStation Debuggers & Net Yaroze have come to me 'used'. I'd be more resistant to buying used systems that are known to have problems. DC's (burned out controller ports/drives), Xbox's (Drives), 360's (laundry list of problems), Early PlayStations (Drives), older PS2's (Drives).

If I was to walk into a gamestore today, the only thing i'd not buy used w/o thinking is a 360 (and i'd just not buy a used 360 at all honestly, just too risky).

Of all my 'optical' drived systems, i've had 1 XBox drive die (Xbox was new and it was the Thompson drive, by far the most 'faulty' of the 3 drives), 2 360 drives die (One new, one refurb) and a PlayStation debugger

[garagesaleking!!]

there is absolutely nothing wrong with buying used systems. I have bought hundreds over the years and only had maybe 5 or 6 broken. Three of those were ps2s. One snes did not work once, and something else. But in general used systems are fine. Vintage gaming systems were made to last forever, unlike todays systems.

[Cornelius]

I buy used. In fact, now that I think about it, everything I have was bought used except the Wii. Focusing on the Wii and PS3, I wouldn't have problems buying either used, as long as you can see them hooked up and working, and maybe put 5-10 minutes on them. They both have decent track records, and most aren't likely to have enough age and usage time to be worn out. I've actually had several of each used, and put some time on them without problems before selling them

I'm pretty leery of PS2s. Gamecubes are one of the only optical systems that I'd generally trust, but they aren't worth anything nowadays. The Sega systems have their share of problems, so I wouldn't count on one working, but generally when I see them they are dirt cheap with games, so it is still worth it. PS1s are almost always broken it seems, but again with games they can be worth it.

I'd never buy a used 360 unless they do a revision that is reliable at some point (I don't know if they have, just not that interested).

[chrisbid]

dont think of it as a trust issue with the hardware, think of it as a trust issue with the seller/retailer.

[aclbandit]

Less than half of my systems were bought new when they came out (SNES, N64, GCN, Wii, XBox), the other ones were used (PS3, 360, Genesis, SMS, Dreamcast, 7800, NES, Saturn, Famicom).

All of them run as good as or better than they did when I purchased them (for examples of "better," see the SMS with a working controller port 1, which was not functional on purchase).

So in short, I have no preference either way. I buy them as the come along.

[Shadow Kisuragi]

To be honest...I see everyone complaining about buying Xbox 360s new/used. It'll have the same failure rate new or used if you buy one with a faulty chipset. You just need to ensure that you're using a late-model Xbox 360 with the Jasper chipset and you have a very good chance of having a decent console.

Inspect the console, ensure that the person who had it previously took care of it, and ask if it's still under warranty. That will resolve most of the problems.

...also, it's not like the Xbox 360 has the worst failure rate for consoles. Blame Jaguar CD for being a role model.

[Therealqtip]

I'd buy use systems but not used xboxes yeah they're not considered systems to me.

[nebrazca78]

...also, it's not like the Xbox 360 has the worst failure rate for consoles. Blame Jaguar CD for being a role model.

Are you sure about that? What console has more than the 360's 60% rate of failure? I've had to send mine in for repair already and I only know one person (know in real life that is) that hasn't had to repair their 360 at least once.

[Rickstilwell1]

Well with Jaguar CD, there weren't even a million units produced. Of these units, it is very hard to find one that works right due to its fragile mechanism. I think my third one was the only one that worked.

At one point James Rolfe tried to get one that worked and he gave up trying after two failures. I don't know if he ever tried to go for a third one but with the small number if games it's not worth way too much effort. It's one of the things that's cool to have as a collectible but isn't really that great for gaming.

It's hard to find parts to repair the Jaguar CD drive with but it can be done.

Xbox 360 obviosly has more failures in the long run though, as many more units were produced.

My friend had problems with launch Nintendo 64s. His first 3 systems were all taken back to the store due to AC Adapters frying as soon as he turned the systems on.

[Enigmus]

I don't trust them. I got a used fat Playstation 2 from GameStop (a.k.a. GameHell) and I played it, and guess what? No DVD, PSX, or CD playing capability! And it fried later that night! I opened it up, and hello secret dust bunny hideout! Seven giant ones in all. So, basically, eBay's the way to go for WORKING systems.

[Breetai]

I have no problem buying used systems at all. Things are almost always in good condition where I am and are guaranteed to work. If they're not in top condition, then they are not guaranteed and are stupidly cheap (like, $3 for a Saturn/Dreamcast).

[PSony]

Bought used that I currently own:

sega genesis model 1
sega genesis model 2 x2
sega cd model 2
sega 32x x2
sega nomad
sega game gear
sega saturn x2
sega dreamcast x2
playstation
playstation 2 fat
playstation 2 slim (Japanese SCPH-90000)
playstation 3 60GB
xbox x2

Bought new that I currently own:
psp 2000
ds lite

...and all are working perfectly. I used to have systems like SNES, N64, gamecube, gb pocket, gb color, gba, gba sp, ds, psp 1000, ngpc that I bought used and they were also working perfectly.

[NoahsMyBro]

Wow.

Then I guess, based on this admittedly unscientific survey, my concerns are baseless. I figured the non-cartridge systems would be less durable, but it looks like I was wrong. Glad to hear it though.

Thanks all.

[Ed Oscuro]

Never have had a cartridge system die on me, with the exception of the sound dying on a Game Boy Color I dropped. Have seen both generations of Xbox have trouble - first Xbox has a dying Thompson drive and as I was sick of it scratching my discs I've not spent any more time with it for years.

NESes have been flaky with the cartridge port but have never flat-out refused to work with me. Handhelds are another issue though - PC Engine GTs (Turbo Express) and Nomads aren't always great for instance, while a Game Boy Pocket seems to eat up the tiny AAA batteries too quickly to believe.

[megasdkirby]

I've purchased used consoles, and for now I've had little problems.

One console I get used alot is the Xbox, which I use to softmod and use XBMC. I get plenty of these, as backups.

I would not buy a X360 used, though.

[lazyhoboguy]

I try to buy new disc based systems, but bought a used gamecube from gamecrazy last summer. I havent had any problems with it so far, but I do not play the system that often.
I have bought tons of used cartridge based systems though. I have a used n64, used nes, used snes, which all work fine.

[Icarus Moonsight]

Used cartridge systems carry reliability with them. No problems there for me. Used disk systems though, I don't like to get used unless I know they came from a reputable source. Like, many folks here for instance. Never online or from a trade in shop though. I'll pick up a disk system at a thrift if it's priced right for parts. And if the system actually works when I get it home, I consider that a bonus. :)

I've only bought an Xbox used outside of this. Got the warranty from GS though, just in case.

[The 1 2 P]

The only system to ever die on me was my original Nes and that was bought new. I would never buy a used original Nes(first gen) because theres a good chance that it won't play the carts properly, if at all.

[Baloo]

Just about all my current and previous systems are used:

First NES (hand-me-down)
Second NES (hand-me-down)
Third NES (shopgoodwill)
First Saturn (flea market)
Extra Saturn (flea Market)
Second Playstation (flea market)
Nomad (Hand-me-down)
Super Nintendo (bought from a friend with a bunch of games used)
Game Boy (flea market)
Nintendo DS (Gamestop used)
Model II Genesis (flea market)
Tiger R-Zone (thrift store)
GBA SP (trade)

New:
Gamecube
Wii
PSOne (traded in)
Nintendo 64 (first, launch one that seemed to keep overheating)
Nintendo 64 (second)
First Nintendo DS (lost)
Game Boy Color
Game Boy Advanced

Of the stuff I've gotten new, the first NES broke somehow (can't remember how), and the second NES I replaced the 72-pin connector and it didn't want to work after that, but once I put the old on eback in years later, it seemed to have worked. I traded it off, and then it seems supposedly it wouldn't work for the person I traded it off to. So I don't really know what happened to it.

AS for new stuff, only my launch Nintendo 64 broke, it kept seemingly overheating, we even took it to the Nintendo repair shop and they couldn't find anything wrong with it, so we just returned it.

I've had great experiences with used stuff, it's cheaper and just as reliable as new stuff.

[sebastiankirchoff]

For old systems, I don't really have much of a choice, but I always buy them used, especially cartridge based systems. I have also purchased plenty of optical based used systems (PS1's, Dreamcasts, Xbox) that worked perfectly. I would agree with many people that I would not buy a current gen system used, especially 360's. At least with older systems, you can get them for cheap and if they don't work, you didn't spend much on them anyways but with new systems, you still spend a lot and could get a faulty system.

[betamax001]

Every console I bought were used except my Gameboys, DS, PSP and PS2.

[aclbandit]

To be honest...I see everyone complaining about buying Xbox 360s new/used. It'll have the same failure rate new or used if you buy one with a faulty chipset. You just need to ensure that you're using a late-model Xbox 360 with the Jasper chipset and you have a very good chance of having a decent console.

Inspect the console, ensure that the person who had it previously took care of it, and ask if it's still under warranty. That will resolve most of the problems.

...also, it's not like the Xbox 360 has the worst failure rate for consoles. Blame Jaguar CD for being a role model.

I have a launch 360 I bought used from a friend that's still going. Even I don't understand why, and it's mine. *shrug*

Numbers, however, don't lie. No matter whose they are (Microsoft's or Game Informer's), the failure rate is still kinda sad.

[Lerxstnj]

New or used - never had any problems, but I never buy a launch system.
I think that is the key to success!

[duffmanth]

Used cartridge systems carry reliability with them. No problems there for me. Used disk systems though, I don't like to get used unless I know they came from a reputable source. Like, many folks here for instance. Never online or from a trade in shop though. I'll pick up a disk system at a thrift if it's priced right for parts. And if the system actually works when I get it home, I consider that a bonus. :)

I've only bought an Xbox used outside of this. Got the warranty from GS though, just in case.

This is what I should have said before. I've found used cartridge systems to be much more reliable than disc based systems. I have a used NES that I bought about 7 years ago after my original NES finally crapped out after about 15 years of loyal service, and a SNES that I bought about a year ago, and they've both been pretty solid. I've never bought a used disc based system though, as I've seen too many friends and customers have problems with them.

[BetaWolf47]

Companies are being too reckless with newer systems I think. Instead of aiming for durability, they're focusing on making powerful or flashy systems that can't withstand a 2 ft. drop. Gamecube and Wii are really the only exceptions. Granted, moving parts come with a risk, but have you seen that video of those goofballs who dragged a Gamecube on the street with a rope tied to the back of their car, and it still worked? And that G4 video where Morgan Webb tested all 3 last-gen systems by dropping them a full story, and the Gamecube still functioned despite the system having batterings and cracks all over?

A good indication of whether a system will work or not is what system it is you're looking at. NES? You'll probably need to pop in a new 72-pinner. PS2? Align the laser. N64? Clean the cart slot. Sega Dreamcast? No problems here.

Out of the 4 disc-based systems I own, only my Sega CD model 2 has given me problems. And I got it for $7.99 loose, which is a deal and a half either way you look at it, so maintenance is to be expected.

If you're looking to play systems that are decades old, maintenance is part of the experience :P

[Robocop2]

To be honest, I prefer new for disc based systems, as most cart based systems are save the DS 1. not really available new anymore and 2. from past experience more reliable than disc systems.The only two systems I ever had fail on me were my PS1 that I got from a friend for 50.00 (optical went out) and 4 of the 5 360's I've had. The vast majority of used last/current gen systems out there that I have seen looked like they went through a dust storm and a demolition derby and given how I like to keep things nice I don't have alot of confidence in joe public to do the same as a general rule.

[TheDomesticInstitution]

The only system I ever had die on me was my original Xbox. The optical drive gave out, even though it was the Samsung. Most of my systems are used ones and I am completely comfortable buying a used system if it's cheap enough. The only system I'd never ever buy used is a 360.

[Breetai]

Consoles I've bought used:

Playstation
Playstation 2
PC Engine
PC Engine Duo
Famicom
AV Famicom
Gameboy
Super Famicom
SNES
N64
Sega SG-1000
Sega Mark III
Sega Mega Drive (model 1)
Sega Mega CD (model 1)
Game Gear
Saturn
Dreamcast
Wonderswan Color
Neo Geo AES
Neo Geo CD (model 1)
Neo Geo Pocket Color
3DO(FZ-10)
MSX

Out of all these systems, I've only ever had trouble with the Famicom, Super Famicom Neo Geo AES and PC Engine Duo systems. The FC and SFC just needed a good cleaning in the cartridge slots, and the Neo Geo and PCE Duo needed a few connections re-tightened inside. All work fine now.

To be honest, the only consoles I'd ever be weary about buying used is the Famicom Disk System (belts are often toast), PC Engine CD-ROM2 add-on/Turbografx-16 CD (gears can be worn), the PC Engine Duo/Turboduo (sound often goes on it), the Game Gear (sound often goes), the PC Engine GT/Turbo Express handheld (pixels on screen are sometimes dead), the Jaguar CD and the X-Box 360 (RRoD. I've heard more bad things about the 360 reliability than ANY other system except maybe the Jaguar CD. Pretty sad.). All in all, you're pretty safe buying a used console.

[geezuzkhrist119]

95% of the time big name game stores check the traded in system
but be careful buying from thrift stores or pawn shop

i no value village doesnt check game systems if they work or not
i saw a gameboy color with a smashed screen for 10 bucks, the majority of the ps1 they have got broken lasers or the N64s r missing the jump pak in the system so that goes to show u