So, you are in the market to buy a new games console. After looking at all the ones on the market and the types of games you can play you will likely have narrowed it down to one particular system. Now the tough part is having enough cash to buy the console you have set your heart on. In recent years the cost of many game consoles has fallen to much more affordable prices. If you shop wisely there are some fantastic deals with many retailers offering big discounts.
Even so, some models or systems can still be beyond your pocket. There is a viable solution to this and that is to buy a refurbished machine. It can be a money saver but are they good value and what are the pitfalls? The immediate plus about buying a refurbished games console is obviously the huge savings to be had against purchasing a brand new one. Savings can easily be 50{d0f68332078ae50ae5cd49ede95b9d76bcf00fa473a5a7068cdab9d644705628} or even better.
Models may come from ex- store display which has been used and played by possibly hundreds of people and has most likely taken quite a bit of punishment. These models maybe checked, worn or damaged parts replaced, and sold off. Often though they are sold as seen with a limited warranty of a few months. A possible bargain but a risk too if it soon fails.
Lots of refurbished consoles are models returned under warranty after purchase due to faults and breakdowns. Even with rigorous checks during manufacture faulty products slip through to the suppliers shelves. Some minor faults like a broken or faulty part can easily be replaced thus making the machine brand new again. As it has been returned it cannot go back out as ‘brand new’ so has to be branded a refurb item. Providing the faulty part is replaced you’ve got your self a cut price bargain. A fault like a damaged solder joint can be an intermittent fault that is likely to plague that machine unless a good technician can find it and repair it. Again, it’s all down to chance.
There are still some good bargains to be had as refurbished games consoles because not all returns to manufactures are due to faulty machines. The outer casing of a console could be scratched, marked or dented in which case it could be repaired or sold ‘as is’ with the flaw clearly identified. In other similar situations perhaps just the outer packaging is damaged. Maybe the console packaging has been opened by a customer and returned but the machine itself is perfect in every way. The manufacturer must still classify this as a refurbished item which again is a real bargain for the canny shopper.
Without doubt you can go to a store and haggle about the price, cut a deal or find a great sale bargain. Huge saving though are best had buying refurbished games consoles. Be cautious though when choosing this route. Try to see the console and inspect it and ideally see it operating. Ensure there is a warranty in place and make sure there is a reliable returns policy if the machine breaks down.
