A buyer's checklist for used retro consoles and handhelds in the UK: common faults by system, how to spot fakes and reproduction cartridges, testing in person, buying online and your consumer rights.
Used retro consoles can be great value, but decades-old electronics have predictable problems, and the market includes fakes and misleading listings. A careful check before you buy saves money and disappointment.
Common faults to check
All systems
- Battery corrosion: open the battery compartment and check the contacts for green or white residue.
- Buttons: should press and spring back evenly. Sticky buttons often need cleaning.
- Sound: test the speaker and headphone socket; crackling may mean a dirty volume control or failing capacitors.
- Cartridge slot: games should load reliably without wiggling.
Game Boy (original)
- Vertical or horizontal lines on the screen, caused by a failing screen ribbon. Repairs are possible but fiddly.
- Scratched or missing screen lens (cheaply replaced).
Game Gear
- Faint or no sound, dim or no picture: classic signs of failed capacitors. Assume a non-recapped Game Gear will need work.
Game Boy Advance and later
- Check the screen for dead pixels and scratches, and the hinges on clamshell models such as the GBA SP and Nintendo DS.
- Older built-in rechargeable batteries may hold little charge; replacements are available.
Home consoles
- Test video output, controller ports and disc drives (for later consoles).
- Check the power supply. UK consoles use UK-specific power supplies; imported consoles may need a step-down transformer.
Spotting fakes and reproductions
Counterfeit and reproduction cartridges are common, especially for popular and valuable games.
- Label quality: blurry printing, wrong fonts, or a too-glossy finish.
- Shell: wrong colour, poor fit, or missing moulded text on the back.
- Screws and board: genuine Nintendo cartridges use specific screws and have branded boards. Ask the seller for a photo of the inside if the price is high.
- Save batteries: older cartridges with battery saves may have flat batteries; this is normal, not a sign of a fake, and can be replaced.
- Price: rare games far below market price are a warning sign.
Modified consoles (new shells, screens) aren't fakes, but should be described honestly.
Testing in person
- Bring batteries, a game you know works, and headphones.
- Play for several minutes, testing all buttons and the volume control.
- Look at the screen at different angles and brightness levels.
- Check for loose parts, cracks or rattles.
- Meet in a safe public place and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Buying online
- Read the listing carefully: "untested", "spares or repair" and "as is" usually mean faulty.
- Ask for photos of the console working, the screen, and the battery compartment.
- Pay through the platform, using methods with buyer protection. Avoid bank transfers to strangers.
- Check the seller's feedback and history.
Your consumer rights
- Buying from a business (including shops and business sellers online): goods must be of satisfactory quality, as described and fit for purpose, taking account of age and price. Online purchases usually come with a 14-day cancellation right.
- Buying from a private seller: items must be as described, but there's no right to satisfactory quality. Platforms' buyer protection can help.
Citizens Advice explains your rights and what to do if things go wrong.
Budgeting for repairs
Factor in the cost of common repairs: new screen lenses, button membranes, capacitors or a backlight mod. A cheaper console needing work can cost more in total than a refurbished one.
Frequently asked questions
Are refurbished consoles from specialist shops worth it?
Often, if they offer a warranty and describe the work done.
Should I buy a boxed console?
Boxes and manuals add significant value for collectors. If you just want to play, unboxed is usually much cheaper.
Do region differences matter?
Game Boy games are generally region-free; home consoles often aren't. Check before buying imports.
Sources and further reading
Facts checked on 20 October 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.