Retro consoles have gone from loft clutter to a genuine hobby, and prices for the most wanted machines and games have climbed to match. That makes buying second-hand more rewarding and more risky at the same time. A thirty-year-old console can work perfectly or be one tired component away from failing, and the listing photos rarely tell you which. Here are the systems collectors keep coming back to, and what to check before any money changes hands.
Consoles collectors keep returning to
The Super Nintendo and Sega Mega Drive remain the classic starting points: huge libraries, sturdy cartridges and games that still play brilliantly. The Nintendo 64 is popular for its four-player multiplayer, and the original PlayStation offers a vast, often inexpensive catalogue on disc. The GameCube has become sought after in recent years, while the Sega Dreamcast has a devoted following for its short but distinctive run of games. On the handheld side, the Game Boy family is durable, pocketable and supported by a large community of repairers.
It is better to buy consoles for their games than for their rarity or possible resale value. Trends change, and that affects how much people will pay for collectables. Buying a console for the games you love is never going to be a regret.
What to check before you buy
- Region. UK machines are PAL. Many older PAL games run slower than their American or Japanese versions because of the 50Hz TV standard, and some consoles block games from other regions.
- Video connection. Check what the console outputs and whether your TV can take it. Many modern televisions lack SCART and composite inputs, so budget for a suitable adaptor or upscaler.
- Power supply. Original power bricks age, and cheap replacements vary in quality. Look for frayed cables, cracked casings or scorch marks.
- Ports and pins. Look into cartridge slots and controller ports for bent pins, corrosion or grime.
- Disc drives. On PlayStation, Saturn and Dreamcast, ask for video of the machine loading a game from cold. Worn lasers often struggle to read discs reliably.
- Save batteries. Some cartridges keep saves on a small internal battery that eventually runs flat. It is replaceable, but factor it in.
- Reproductions. Popular games are widely faked. Compare labels, fonts and the circuit board with known genuine examples, and be wary of prices that look too good.
- Controllers. Analogue sticks, especially on the N64, wear loose with use. Test them or assume you may need a replacement.
Buying safely second-hand
Where you buy changes your rights. As Citizens Advice points out, buying from an individual, for example through an online marketplace, gives you far fewer rights than buying from a trader, and you have no right to return if the goods are as described. Screenshot the listing before you pay, ask the seller direct questions about testing and faults, and keep their answers in writing.
Retro console sellers in specialist retro shops often charge a little more but usually test consoles before sale and sometimes offer a short warranty, which can be worth it for disc-based consoles. It’s best to buy consoles in person to see them turned on before you hand over any cash, and pay via a method that will allow you to claim back your money in the event the item arrives damaged or falsely described.
Quick questions
Is it worth buying a boxed console?
Only if the packaging matters to you. Boxed and complete examples cost considerably more but add little to no value in play, so for frequently used consoles, a clean console in good working order without packaging is better value. If you’re looking for examples to put on display, be aware that many items will be missing inserts and manuals, so check before you buy.
Should I get an old console serviced?
Often, yes, for older disc-based consoles and handhelds, eg Sega’s Game Gear (some of which can develop problems with sound and/or picture due to ageing capacitors which can be replaced by a repairer). Find someone who has plenty of visible reviews and check exactly what work they did for you and what it cost.
Are there cheaper ways to play old games?
Yes. Several classic libraries have been re-released through modern subscriptions and compilations, which can be far cheaper than buying the original hardware and cartridges. Official mini consoles are another option. They lack the feel of the real thing, but they plug straight into a modern TV and avoid most of the reliability worries covered above.
