Do you buy second hand games/consoles?

Blackjack_Davy

ITonyI wrote: »

I'd really like to know. Personally, I stopped doing so after I received a couple of dodgy discs, but that was about 8 years or so ago. Have the standards generally improved, or is it still a bit of a lottery?

I know you can save money buying (and selling) second hand games, but do they start to fail after a little while? I know I could probably find out for myself with a small investment, but I'd like to know your collective experiences, good and bad. Thanks!

Yes of course if I can get used games in good condition then I'll buy them. If they don't work then return them and get your money back! Amazon and eBay make it straightforward to get your money back.

I've sold plenty of used games too. They don't deteriorate apart from discs getting scratched. The other thing to watch out for is that games often come with a unique serial number that will be already registered if its pre-used.

First PS3 was bought used from Game, second one was new. Neither has been any trouble (well until the first one died, but that was 3-4 years later)

heartbreak_star

I've never bought a second-hand console but have bought plenty of second-hand games. If I do buy second-hand it's from shops so I can return it if need be.

I did just pick up the Devil May Cry HD editions for £12 to keep me busy while OH is on Total War II...

...and I'm trying to resist downloading FFVII, FFVIII, Alundra and SH1 to play after I finish DMC...

HBS x

urban_chaos

I never buy second hand consoles but I used to buy second hand games until (similar to OP) I received a couple of unplayable discs and the shop refused to swop them. Now I stick to new games only

The_One_Who

I have had a pre-owned console, but it was bought for me. If I had my choice it'd always be new. With games I almost always buy new, unless it is one that I can only find second-hand.

DCFC79

To date I havent bought a second hand console, id rather buy new so I can be sure it is new and not been tampered with etc. Second hand games on the other hand are a different kettle of fish and haven't had an issue with any game ive bought SH from Game. You can get some decent bargains buying SH. I did use to buy alot of games brand new as soon as released or soon after and I ended up with alot of games I hadn't touched so I sold them and now will only buy maybe 1 or 2 brand new games a year and if I see 1 thats got good reviews then ill get it second hand.

jungleted_2

When I used to regularly buy games, I'd generally either get a great 'supermarket price war day of release deal - sadly almost non-existant' or wait for prices to come down. I've never had a problem buying second hand though - especially from ebay and high street stores. I find high street stores sometimes have an advantage as you can check the disc at the till and get them to repair if necessary.

I'd never consider a second hand console however.

RichL74

Gordon_Hose wrote: »

I don't like CEX, they always smell funny.

Yeah they do!!

Takeaway_Addict

ITonyI wrote: »

I'd really like to know. Personally, I stopped doing so after I received a couple of dodgy discs, but that was about 8 years or so ago. Have the standards generally improved, or is it still a bit of a lottery?

I know you can save money buying (and selling) second hand games, but do they start to fail after a little while? I know I could probably find out for myself with a small investment, but I'd like to know your collective experiences, good and bad. Thanks!

My 360 is second hand but I had to change the harddrive after a few years.

I sell my games on and buy the odd second hand game.

frugal_mike

My original 360 was bought new I guess about 6 or 7 years ago. It died after about 3 years (rrod), so I replaced it with a second hand console that is still working perfectly. As for games, I buy whatever is cheapest. Sometimes that means second hand, but often new games are cheaper if the prices of the new games drop. Also Amazon usually offer free postage on new games which sometimes makes them cheaper than second hand games that do charge for postage.

BruceVC

I agree with frugal_mike, buy which ever is cheapest. Honestly I buy second hand games from high street retailers (Game and HMV etc) when ever I can. You can be fairly sure the games will work since they'll have probably been through some sort of testing before being placed for sale. I do avoid market stall traders since you have no idea of where the games came from or the state of the disk till it's too late.