5 checks before buying a second-hand retro console

A retro console is often 25 or 30 years old. It may work perfectly, or hide a fault that shows up a week later. Here are the five things we check in our workshop.

1. Power

The console must start every time, without cutting out after a few minutes. Make sure the power supply is the right one (voltage and connector): a poorly matched generic supply is a common cause of failures.

2. Picture and sound

Plug it in and let it run for at least 15 minutes. The picture should be stable, with no lines or flickering colours; the sound, free of crackling. A few seconds of testing isn't enough.

3. Controller ports

Test every port with a controller you know works. On an N64, also check the analog stick: a loose stick can be replaced, but it should cost less.

4. The drive

On a cartridge console, several games should boot first time. If you have to blow on them or force them, the contacts are dirty or worn. On a disc console (PS1, PS2, Saturn), test a game for several minutes: a tired drive reads, then drops out.

5. Saves and authenticity

Many cartridges keep saves thanks to an internal battery that eventually runs out: ask whether a save survives a power-off. Also check authenticity: label, screws, circuit board. A reproduction isn't an original and doesn't hold the same value.

At RetroGame

Every item goes through these steps, and the result is published on the product page. Got a console that fails one of these tests? Our workshop can repair it.