In Oregon, a man bought four “refurbished” video game consoles from Temu, and YouTuber TronicsFix put them to the test. Were these deals too good to be true?
The consoles included a Nintendo Switch Lite, a Nintendo Switch OLED, a PlayStation 5, and a Nintendo 64. TronicsFix was curious if they were genuinely refurbished or just used and reset models.
First, he opened the Nintendo Switch Lite, which cost $178.54. The box looked worn, but the console itself was in excellent condition, aside from a small mark. Inside, it seemed well taken care of, leading him to believe it was more of a used unit than a full refurb. He noted that you could probably find a better deal on eBay.
Next up was the Nintendo 64, purchased for $104.99. This console was a mess. The controller was dirty, and the console had scratches and a discolored door. Dust was also gathered inside, indicating it was a poor refurbishment. It was modified for US games but seemed incomplete overall.
Then came the Nintendo Switch OLED at $282. It didn’t arrive in a retail box, despite what Temu’s listing suggested. There were light scratches, but it was mostly in good shape. Again, TronicsFix felt this was just a regular used console, not a refurb.
Finally, he reviewed the PlayStation 5, which cost about $427. While it was operational, it had debris inside that could lead to overheating. Cleaning the vents would be necessary for maintaining it.
Across all four consoles, they functioned properly, which is a plus. However, it became clear that “refurbished” meant more “used and reset” rather than professionally serviced. This raises a broader question about how companies define refurbished products. A recent survey showed that 60% of consumers feel misled by the term “refurbished” when it doesn’t meet their expectations.
Overall, if you’re considering buying refurbished game consoles, do your research. Look for reputable sellers and reviews to ensure you get what you expect. TronicsFix’s findings echo a common consumer sentiment: sometimes, the cheapest options might not be the best. Check out the experience on TronicsFix’s YouTube channel for more insights.
