[Column] Should I Buy Used Nintendo Switch in Japan?
When I fell in love with Nintendo Switch and the Legend of Zelda after watching a hundreds of contents uploaded in Youtube, I began researching used Nintendo Switch in South Korea.
However, it was very hard to find, and almost impossible to find.
Then, I started to Google to see how people in the world manage the same issue I had. Well, surprisingly, there was no single clear answer I wanted. Thus, here I am solving this issue!
Since I had an extactly same issue a few weeks ago, I might be able to answer this question, and it might be a good source for your making decision.
To sum up, the answer, personally, is "Do Not Try to Buy Used One" and there are 3 reasons why it is not okay to buy used one.
First, most of used ones sold on shelf are 'previous Nintendos', meaning that they have a pretty low battery compared to the new ones.
I have used a NEW Nintendo Switch for almost two and a half weeks, and it would have been very annoying if the battery is a few hours shorter than the model I am using now. Yes, the Legend of Zelda is that much fun, lol.
Then, how can we find the difference? As you can see in the picture, the main difference between those two models is the color of the box. A new model has a red box, while the old one white. (DON'T FORGET THIIS!)
Second, most of the 'new Nintendos' are not perfeclty prepared to be sold, meaning that such parts as one of the consoles are missing. For example, I went to one store in TenTen Town and found used one with a very cheap price compared to a new model.
However, once I examine it closely, I found the reason for this price; it had a missing part, which will cost me an extra money to make it as a pefect set of Nintendo Switch.
Third, the price is not so impressively cheaper that won't be worth buying used one instead of new one. If I remember it right, the price gap is around 3000 yen and $27 in US dollars. $27 is the money you will spend for 4 Big Mac meals.
Well, is it that worth? I won't force you not to buy it tho. In addition, if you travel in Japan and buy products produced in Japan, you buy it cheaper than buying same one in your country anyway due to saving tax and other extra costs.
As I mentioned in a very beggining, I have used a new Nintendo Switch for almost three weeks, and it is so fun that I cannot get out of my house, which might be a minus point lol. Good luck in your purchasing!