Consoles are an interesting case: they get used a lot, but they're usually well looked after (they don't travel in your pocket like a phone). That's why the refurbished market is full of consoles in very good condition, at prices well below new.
Why it makes sense
- Savings: especially on current-generation consoles.
- A professional check and a warranty, compared with buying from a private seller. We explain the difference in refurbished vs second-hand.
- Sustainability: a console has a lot of electronics inside; extending its life avoids making another one.
Nintendo Switch (OLED model)
A 7" OLED screen, 64 GB expandable with microSD and the versatility of playing on the TV, handheld or on the table.
- ✅ Ideal for family gaming and playing on the go
- ✅ Huge library
- ⚠️ Check the Joy-Con: drift (the joystick moves on its own) is a known fault
Since 2025 there's also the Nintendo Switch 2, which plays most Switch games. If you play demanding titles or want Nintendo's latest releases, weigh up the price difference; if you want a Switch for family gaming, a refurbished OLED is still a great buy.
PlayStation 5 (standard edition)
An ultra-fast SSD, 4K graphics and the DualSense controller with haptic feedback. Plays most PS4 games.
- ✅ For the latest releases on the TV
- ✅ The standard edition has a disc drive (pre-owned physical games = more savings)
- ⚠️ Check the fan noise and that the SSD has the expected space
What to check when the console arrives
- Controllers: test every button, the triggers and the joysticks at rest (they shouldn't move the cursor on their own).
- Noise and temperature: play for 20–30 minutes; very loud noise or shutdowns are grounds for a claim.
- Disc drive (standard PS5): try a physical game.
- Connections: HDMI, USB, controller charging and Wi-Fi.
- Account: the console should arrive reset, without the previous owner's account.
Switch or PS5?
| If… | Choose |
|---|---|
| You play as a family or with kids | Switch OLED |
| You want to play away from home | Switch OLED |
| You love big releases with top graphics | PS5 |
| You already own PS4 games | PS5 |
Verdict
A refurbished console is worth it, especially if you buy from a well-rated seller and check the controllers and noise during the first few days.