I Bought a "Refurbished" NES From eBay - It Wasn't Great

[@malanvogt]

For those who don't know eBay changed their whole entire feedback system and now it's total crap if the seller is willing to pay to be an eBay certified whatever they are able to remove bad feedback without any questions being asked of the buyer I've had several instances where a deal went absolutely horribly because I was blatantly lied to by the seller and I left honest feedback had the seller laugh in my face and then have it removed within 24 hours

[@TheCod3r]

I'll be honest, I'd probably send this back personally just based on the outside condition. The fact it has loading issues just solidifies the justification for the return

[@Tronicsfix]

If I wasn't a fixer I probably would have sent it back too.

[@nonplayablecharacter4815]

Yea I would have been soooooo disappointed with that chip in the case

[@James-gj8rn]

I secretly love it when Steve gets a console that isn't in great condition (whisper: don't tell him i said that) it's satisfying and fun to see if a fix works

[@bunniemunch123]

It wasnt in bad condition

[@James-gj8rn]

@@bunniemunch123 i know it wasn't, i was just saying

[@wossle73]

You Secretly Luv It. 🤔 🤣 I ABSOLUTELY love it when he FIXES , Abused or Neglected CONSOLES!😉 I have a PS5, KIDS are Banned! They get the PS4, to put Peanut-butter and jam covered discs INTO!🤣

[@lanceanderson4922]

Pretty sure there wouldn't be a video than.

[@12345.......]

A professional seller and "refurbishing" company uses second hand boxes and just dumps the item inside with no padding?

[@Tronicsfix]

Yeah, I think better shipping would be good.

[@SilverCC-YouTube-fam]

Hello

[@SilverCC-YouTube-fam]

Don’t throw away stuff when you can fix it !!!!!!!! 😮

[@graphicd00d75]

I said the same thing when Steve opened up the second box.

[@ZetsueiTV]

I always wonder how many businesses that sell stuff as "Refurbished" actually do anything to the item. That's why I love these videos. He goes in depth and breaks down everything they did right/wrong.

[@BrianOfAteionas]

It's been a year or two since I was buying NES systems on Ebay, but I'm only 2:12 into the video, and I gotta say, that's a ridiculous price for having a shell in that condition, let alone what I assume is coming next LOL Edit: Ehh, the price aint *that* bad, excep[t that the 72-pin connector was in an unacceptable state for what was advertised. Amazing video as always! -- A couple things worth mentioning for folks: That controller is actually in pretty good condition compared to what's out there. Sand paper is definitely a last resort. The top section of the top pins can actually be removed from the connector by pushing down from the top of the connector and pulling out from the back. This allows you to bend them down very slightly and reinstall. This is useful because it's the source of many connection problems and if you're careful you can do this without causing major "death grip". But it's definitely a fiddely process. EDIT2: I forgot about the missing screws! WTF! lol

[@RyanGrane]

I actually just bought one last week at a fea market it was 10 dollars and it was pretty dirty and didn’t work. I got it and after a good cleaning the console looked great! The issue ended up being the power cable.. got a new one and it worked right away! Best 10 bucks spent! 👍🏻

[@Tronicsfix]

That’s an amazing deal!

[@VonDutchNL]

Enjoy!

[@cupcakemedia1143]

Green Light: Please try our refurbished console, it's great! Steve: So I tried it, and there's a lot of problems... GL: No, not like that :(

[@retractingblinds]

It looks like they were on the right course, handling those 72 pin connectors is a precision task. Judging from the color and residue left on the connector it may be brasso, which I'm not opposed to using but only in very controlled environments with very little applied. When I restore pin connectors my process is: remove from console gently lift pins on bottom row using a clean tooth brush, alcohol (and only alcohol) brush. Brush a lot, dry it, brush it again, wet it, brush it again. Repeat until shine looks even across (doesn't take as long as it sounds!) using a cheaper game, cycle into the free connector and clean with alcohol until minimal residue on cart pins. After all that, reinstall and in 10 minutes of work you'll have a beautifully working and reliable NES. Also don't boil the pins, that's such a stupid idea and I have no idea why it ever proliferated. I've worked on over 1000 NES consoles and have done this for all of them, if I don't do it right I don't get paid.

[@C_Sephiroth]

Yeah that 72pin connector was definitely boiled.

[@couchtomato1946]

>Also don't boil the pins, that's such a stupid idea and I have no idea why it ever proliferated. Consoles that were ever unfortunate enough to reside in smokers' households.

[@Lumilicious]

15:15 You forgot the two screws for the 72pin connector... You had one job!!! :P

[@GrundleGrump]

7:33 -- Turns into Tommy Wiseau from the Room! - "It did...... naaaaaatttttttttt.... OH HI MARK!"

[@TheUKTransportCollection]

Challenge them to make it right and prove they arent just another scam company claiming they refurbish. Like you did with Gamestop a while back

[@Keepskatin]

@UK Any cleaner than it already is, an you're looking at a brand new console. The console is cleaner than any oor model laptop or console at GameStop or Best uy. Stop being so picky. If you want a deep clean, you're paying extra for that.

[@CaptainKenway]

@@Keepskatin Spotted the Green Light Vintage employee. How about the console actually working out of the box more than one out every five tries? Is that too much to expect too, or do I need to buy a brand new one for that?

[@just_a_stump]

I feel like it's reasonable to expect a properly cleaned and operational (and undamaged, unless noted otherwise) product when it's sold at a premium. $120 is a lot to pay for the quality of what we saw here 🤷‍♂️

[@MaxRager80]

There is no way in hell I would pay 120 just for the console.

[@Dodo-bf3dm]

cleaning with products like windex or cleaning wipes (besides alcohol) often leaves a residue or even begins to dissolve the outer layer of the plastics on the cords. I think that's what you were seeing on the controller cords. I never use a cleaning product without cleaning off the residue with water. The exception is of course alcohol which evaporates pretty clean on its own

[@williamgrandy698]

I have a console where the 72 pin receiver has been replaced. However, it made the carts fit so tight that they were difficult to pull out. I got inside and had to push pins in to loosen up the fit. Works great now!

[@OperationDecoded]

Better than expected but definitely doesn't live up to what they state on Ebay. Like it's not terrible, it's just decididly an average cleaning job. The 72 Pin Connector was not in great shape though.

[@Tronicsfix]

Yes, my main problem is just the condition of that 72 pin

[@6reen6uy]

Take away his 💯

[@OcarinaN64]

Can you do a followup video on whether the AV/power jacks were removed and if the other mentioned components were removed? That would be fairly time consumning, especially for an NES. The same goes for testing ALL caps. Some are just not easy to get to.

[@shaunmorrissey7313]

I think it's safe to say they weren't.

[@dsnein]

It should have been in the main video. It’s a huge claim in favor of the seller if true.

[@emilyslifewithautism6499]

Great video as always Steve

[@Tronicsfix]

Thanks! Gad you enjoyed

[@derpdude32]

I don't buy refurbished from eBay, I personally buy things used in the best condition I can find, and then if there are any issues I try to take care of them myself. I got my little bro a ds lite for his birthday last year and the only issue the seller had was something that wasn't an issue, so i bought it, cleaned it, and slapped a gorgeous dark green shell on it since his favorite color is green

[@Knight21030]

I dig how meticulous you are 👍🏻

[@stephens9772]

Looking over my old systems my SNES has that yellowing in the top half, any good way to fix that?

[@SciFiMangaGamesAnime]

For a moment I was like - oh? DKOldies getting even more roasting? UPD Oh, you already did? How did I missed it.

[@Tronicsfix]

Ha, ha, yes, already did that one. I've been comparing these "refurbished" NES consoles from various companies that are selling them

[@kenshokram]

I actually found your channel from the collab you did with Dankpods a long time ago, and now Dankpods' friend James made a channel where he makes a portable SNES scrapped together, I feel like you two should do some collab or challenge!

[@blinkshadown]

I got one that's in pieces at a flea market. What screws should I buy to replace them? I don't want to strip them.and I'd like to keep it as close as original as possible.

[@OvervoltedMinds]

Brilliant stuff! Although I have to admit it caught my eye right before you put back the top metal plate on - you didn't put the screws back on the 72 pin connector in the video. Hope it was just missed out while you did the video cuts.

[@sjftech]

I love these videos, they let people know what to expect and to do their research before buying.

[@VideoGameRestoration]

The old 'Just able to push it down' trick haha used that one as a kid. Can confirm the star means the connector is original!

[@Manche-De-Pelle]

That never been in an ultrasonic cleaner at all !!!

[@simsoni7590]

You forgot scru 15:17 you told that 2 scrus are mising now 4 scruvs miss

[@jimconway3301]

Have you ever worked with some Game cubes and Wavebirds ?

[@ravenwolf3039]

Nice video on this nes I have refurbed a couple of these and also for my personal use I usually mod it and do away with the region lock which gets rid of the blinking light. Some prefer not to do that but I like it

[@crazzluz1702]

I feel like a lot of these old school game shops bank too much on their customers being older and having the ability to go into the consoles and fix things themselves, or at least be able to follow along with a KZbin video on how to repair. A console shipping with bent pins so it doesn't function is completely unacceptable to me, the average buyer would have no clue how to fix it.

[@noagendasevenseven1231]

Jeez i do all that to NES when i get them in my Ebay store, but i don't advertise as refurbished. I feel that the 72 pin would have to be replaced to qualify for that. Honestly though 90% of the time the original can be restored by your exact method. I also prefer the original, those new pins wear out easily. Fine for casual play probably.

[@volvo09]

I'd rather have a tightened up OE 72pin than the aftermarket one. The aftermarket ones are junk. To me that's like when those car dealers say "every car on our lot has new tires" and they put the cheapest possible tires on every car instead of leaving a really nice set of Michelins.... But at least tires are consumables, the 72pin isn't made in high quality anymore, so I see it as a downgrade just to call something refurbished. I would have no problems buying a unit with a fixed connector being called refurbished. It'll outlast a replacement.

[@tumbles8350]

But did they remove and resolder the plug ports???

[@bulufish8208]

Your channel and opinion matters it's called HONESTY.

[@chaox38]

hey tronics i need help with my NES controller. one of the buttons need to be pressed REALLY hard to work. any tips?

[@MAXTORRACER]

But as a guy who fixes consoles and sells on Ebay, I literally can't used the word refurbished in any of my auctions because Ebay says I am not a authorized refurbish partner. Just wow.

[@derpdude32]

Just say they are fixed and in fantastic condition lol

[@firebythewater4477]

"New" and "In Box" comes to mind.

[@dsnein]

It’s true. I can’t help but wonder if tronicsfix is misremembering or not. You can’t say “refurbished” on eBay without this issue. It won’t even let you try. I am thinking seller actually said something else. Which is annoying because tronicsfix incorrectly said refurbished a million times in this video

[@rambofan1]

That’s so awesome that you would read someone’s comment to try out a business and listen to your viewer 👏 props to you

[@tUBEwATCHER890]

At least they're relatively easy to clean

[@Tronicsfix]

Yes!

[@pwncey4480]

Where do you buy these broke consoles and cartridges?

[@Kangamoos]

It never hurts to play a level or 2, it's just that it sucks me in, and 10 levels later I've lost time

[@JLsoft]

You'd think since they knew where they were sending the order, that they'd send out one of their best condition setups...unless this _was_ the best condition one. :(

[@0ButterBall]

As someone who did some post office work for several years, that packing job was really stressing me out.

[@mukeshgoolcharan6121]

Good stuff man looking for the next one game on man 😊😊😊

[@seguramlk]

So DK Oldies has a fair competitor now huh 🤔

[@grantrule6593]

Great Video Stwve

[@Tronicsfix]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed

[@CorporalWobbly]

Did they supply this console knowing you were going to review it or did you buy it anonymously?

[@RandyFortier]

If you are going to send a console to a KZbinr who determines how well refurbished the console are, don't you pay a little extra attention to detail to avoid bad publicity?

[@CaptainKenway]

Well, he said he bought it from Ebay. They probably didn't know who they were sending it to. A video like this wouldn't be much use if the purchase WASN'T made anonymously.

[@RandyFortier]

@@CaptainKenway He says that they commented on one of his videos, presumably using an account with corporate branding (else Steve wouldn't have been able to look at their stuff on eBay). That seems intentional to drive traffic to their eBay shop to me. If not, it was still a misstep of a different kind.

[@GothGorgon69]

is that an AMD logo at 11:29 Wow!!!

[@mdcclix]

Hopefully you left them an honest review on eBay.

[@anthonyshiels9273]

Retrobright is good for removing stains and yellowing from plastic. 12% or "40 volume" hydrogen peroxide and an Ultraviolet lamp does the job. Chip Channel Restorations uses salon hair bleach as an oxidizing agent.

[@jrock2460]

Odd tinkering has the best retrobright setup there is.

[@imaginitivity7853]

And, you never really checked the claim about resoldering the I/Os. Maybe hard to verify though

[@Dhaos620]

I think it didn't pass the q-tip test

[@Ryan_DeWitt]

Moral of the story, when buying a 30+ year old gaming console, keep your expectations low.

[@volvo09]

It's unfortunate because these things aren't that hard to fix. Tighten up and clean the OE 72pin, don't exchange it for the Chinese junk, and clean it up.

[@devilmikey00]

@@volvo09 I can't remember what it's called but there is a 72 pin replacement that gets rid of the hinge mechanism entirely which is the reason the normal 72 wears out over time. You just push the cartridge in and it's done, no need to push down.

[@aleksandersaski5387]

It's not about expectations, it's about being honest in advertising.

[@xnreyescj]

But if you are paying $120+, expectations are merited and expected to be above mediocrity.

[@Tech3604u]

@@volvo09 still made in China anyways

[@Christophersanchez1326]

It looked better than the dkoldies nes did. For sure.😉

[@risk_it_4_the_biscuit]

Wonder if the seller will comment on this video regarding the condition.

[@CooLDEaFY4204Me]

Great job Steve...

[@TUUK2006]

Don't see them spamming their eBay page on this video, funnily enough. How's their 100% rating holding up? I couldn't find their account.

[@aboy6974]

Understand that alot of the sellers on ebay aren't big online companies and are probably just someone refurbishing units they find at flea markets\yard sales and sells them. That could be the reason for not as much packaging and accessories not individually wrapped. The margin is already too small possibly.

[@idkna3527]

Do a crown amplifier

[@HD-wf3bp]

I luv clean consoles. I buy them secondhands so I can clean them myself and it's cheaper. A store could never clear a console like I do. I use about a liter ipa on my ps4 xD Could possibly do the plastic stuff with water :D

[@mercse]

Some of the green cleaners I've been using seem to leave behind a slight film that shows up especially on black surfaces. Seems they don't really break down grease they just seem to smudge them around. I always need to wipe down with alcohol to lift it off.

[@cobaltretrotech]

If I were to sell that NES, I would definitely clean it a lot more and actually package it for shipping

[@rainey06au]

Hardly refurbished! Looks like they just picked it up in a garage sale and sudsed it for a second. What a hack job.

[@jerryspann8713]

Old greedy shitters.

[@EL34XYZ]

That is some horrible packaging

[@curtistic5724]

The brown residue is probably cigarette smoke tar

[@TheSkaldenmettrunk]

Hand cleaned.. I'm not so sure.. Ultrasonic Cleaner for the board? Yes. I think so. The scratches happend during shipping I assume because the Controller and the cables just laid in there. Still better then DKOldies..

[@thgingerbreadman]

Will the bw 100 clean a USB c port on a phone? Any tips for how to clean USB c port on a phone? 😂

[@G_Machine_Joe]

You were way too nice with them... that console wasn't cleaned very well at all.

[@lupulflamand5673]

The only way to get a refurbished console is to refurbish it yourself.

[@Tronicsfix]

This seems to be true

[@iamwonderFil]

love it! more retro gaming please steve!

[@SMA2343]

I don’t think it’s nitpicking if little parts aren’t clean. If they said it was hand washed then every part should be hand washed. Idk maybe it’s just me but if they say a product is X, Y and Z then it should be X, Y and Z

[@ztechrepairs]

Hope you left them a bad review. This is just pure lying to customers.

[@djm9937]

Hmmm....what feedback did you give?

[@raymondburris5108]

By refurbished I think he means that he just blew in the console...

[@DIYDaveOK]

I'm more than a little concerned about any packing box labeled "DOG/PUPPY."

[@wmcastillo28]

You ragged on him that two screws were missing on the 72pin when taking apart, but video wise, as you were putting back together, you didn't include them back in at all. Just thought I'd call you out on that. 15:17.

[@Tronicsfix]

I don't include every scene in these videos...especially in the re assembly. I also don't have those screws in stock so I didn't have any to put back in there where the missing screws were.

[@UnwellGaming]

this is a good case for a return as it states in the listing "in working condition" and it didnt work for the first 3 attempts and i took steeve to have to disassemble it and fix the issue for it to work properly. also 100% rating for a seller with 182 sales isnt that hard tbh. i would contact them and set up an arrangement to get either some money refunded or a full return as it wasnt as described .

[@TheSimba86]

not a great packing job, if it can move it can break

[@TheRedskins2175]

If he clean that by hand I hate to see his house. Also them NES has a sweet spot when inserting a cartridge....I know mine does and it's in much better condition than yours.

[@Kali-Yuga-Peace-Corp]

Why does the box say dog/puppy?

[@Waltuhbrownie]

I been watching your videos for a while and swore you look familiar to someone finally I know who it is… Skinny Pete from breaking bad!

[@MikesArcadeMonitorRepair]

"Fully Restored"...with a broken top shell, faded flap cover, missing screws, bad 72-pin, missing foot, and not completely clean. Ok. Great Job Steve.

[@215RICARDOSCOTT]

We use to blow in the cartridge.....put it in the game shake the hell out of the cartridge inside the game push power and then it would come on😂😂😂😂😂😂my childhood was awesome 😂😂😂😂😂

[@jayjayuk-f1x]

7/10 Steve? Something looks to have been done, but a lot has been ignored.

[@Spanked78]

Still in better shape than DKOldies.

[@MaxRager80]

Holy crap Steve, 120 for just a Nintendo. I wouldn't have paid more than $45. 😀 I sold my really clean and working NES with Double Dragon 3 for about 60 last year.

[@mchenrynick]

..especially considering it only came with 1 original controller and no other controllers or games.

[@andrasszabo7386]

I use alcoholic wet wipes on controller/mice/keyboard cables

[@matthewdove3520]

My first ever console over 25 years ago

[@dryayo6716]

TRY estarland they cleaned they system up

[@310_Latchkey_kid]

It really sicknesses me when the "seller" says it's refurbished but it shows the contrary.....and they charge premium prices!!

[@alexhunter0815]

Be positive: The case isn't made of LEGO 😊😉

[@Kevin-zd5bi]

Lol. You saw that youtube comment and took it as a challenge.

[@PaulPlaysMinecraft]

100% on ebay isn't hard if you're a legit seller

[@emilyduffin-jy6sy]

I sub

[@BrandonB]

People really shouldn't expect brand new factory clean with no scratches on these 30 year old consoles that were for kids.... C'MON... I get you expect clean and refurbished when its listed as such but you cant undo scratches people and fading... also people only started taking these things apart and looking inside only recently ... gamers dont give a crap about cleanliness only that it works..

[@Tronicsfix]

I’ve been making these videos for literally years. If it would have worked I would have been a lot happier with them calling it refurbished

[@CoasterNut]

If youre going to advertise a product as refurbished, and in fact list all the things that will be done, you expect it to be in proper working order. The fact they didn't even check the bent pins (or didn't think it was a problem) is wrong.

[@umm-e1e]

I bought a used NES from a game store for $90 and it was in better shape

[@BooleanDev]

so they did all that cleaning, but forgot to test it?

[@dsnein]

I think shipping caused most of these problems. Chipped pieces in controller and the front panel. Scratches from it all rolling around 72 pin being lose maybe - but that was probably always trashed. Thing is that even fully working original NES back in the day had a sweet spot for inserting the cart

[@ventrue6516]

It's sad that these kind of people scam other people like this. Why people still fall for this just because it's a retro console.