Used Game Consoles Buyer Beware

If gamers had access to classic video games, there would be little reason for any gamer to buy a used game console. However, such classic games are not available, and gamers do go in search of used game consoles.

Gamers usually advertise in classified publications with punch lines like "old Nintendo for sale".

How to find used game consoles

Used game consoles can be purchased from several different websites. Gamers usually visit these websites to search for a used Xbox or to look for a wholesale video game console. Some of them also includes audio features wherein the viewers will come across some recorded statements like "buy used Play station." The websites that sell used game consoles also buy and sell used video games. That fact is significant. While the purchase and sale of used game consoles does not stir much controversy, the sale of used video games does.

Online auctions
Ebay.com, best-price.com and videogamecentral.com all sell old video games and old game consoles. One of those three websites, ebay.com, also buys old video games.
Online gaming sites / discussion groups
Many gaming sites as well as google and Yahoo discussion groups provide th option for selling their old video games. A website Nintari.net helps gamers to sell their old video games.
Game stores
Game stores are also a very popular option where users sell off their old consoles. Also they can list their old consoles for sale in the stores.
Game conventions
Gaming conventions held in particular areas enable users to sell and buy used consoles.

The Controversy Surrounding the Sale of Used Video Games

The creators of video games, and game developers, do not raise a strong objection to the sale of used video games on small, websites. They do, if the major retailer offers it to the general public.

Best Buy, Inc. had recently announced their decision to enter into this segment. Since they have a big stake in the market the game developers strongly objected to this move. They pointed-out that the game developers had not been consulted about the fairness of such a move. The game developers would not profit from such a large-scale marketing of used video games.

How do you know the price is fair?
Most of the users do not consider a pricing system while buying or selling used consoles. But there are also various systems which some of them follow. Some of them heavily rely on the usage of the console while some rely on any damages. The other concerns are the other parts, packaging, documentation etc.
If the system for sale is relatively new, why is the seller getting rid of it?
When the system is usually new the buyer has to take extreme care and find out the proper reasons as to why the system is being sold. Usually it is found that the new consoles are sold due to some unknown and major problems in the console. Generally such problems do not show up immediately.
Can the seller provide proof that the game console works?
It is extremely important that the buyer can try out and check the console. This verifies that he is not getting cheated.
Is the buyer getting all the necessary things?
The buyer should check whether he is getting all the cables, accessories as well as the documentation. It should also be checked whether the buyer is getting the original packaging or not.
Are there any games included? Do they come with documentation?
The buyer should not neglect the games which come along with the consoles. He should properly check for the games and note whether they have any documentation along with them.
How can you decide what value the games add to the overall package for sale?
The value of the games can be decided by many factors like the current quality of the console, the missing parts if any, the proper working of accessories etc. The buyer can negotiate the price with the seller in most of the cases.
If you are buying / selling online, what shipping costs are involved?
The packaging and the shipping costs are not to be neglected. The improper packaging can lead to the damage of the console. Thus it is important to check the packaging properly.
Is there a mechanism for returns / refunds?
The buyer should consider whether the seller is providing any returns / refunds and the conditions attached to it. It is usually preferable that the buyer buy a console with some sort of returns / refunds.