I Bought a "Refurbished" NES From Lukie Games - Here's What They Sent

I Bought a "Refurbished" NES From Lukie Games - Here's What They Sent - I bought another "refurbished" game console to see how it looks. This one is from Lukie Games and I paid $234 for everything I got. I want to see how it compares to the NES I recently reviewed from DK Oldies as part of my ongoing series on "refurbished" game consoles.
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[@geralt7144]

The only way to get a refurbished console, is to buy one for cheap and do the refurbishing yourself.

[@Tronicsfix]

Apparently

[@Zvxers7]

​@@Tronicsfix don't think its hard for you😂

[@Zvxers7]

​@@Tronicsfix also i have watched the deep clean video and cleaned my ps4 , now it can play games like COD and GTA without making any fan noise, i thought i didn't plug the fan in but it was just that quiet

[@gamerfan3520]

@@Zvxers7 I would recommend replacing the fan with a better one, but make sure if its compatible

[@spectrexr1]

There are many different definitions of refurbished that's the problem. People think it means opening it up and cleaning it but it doesn't

[@KatlamosQuickdraw]

Honestly even though it's not 100% clean, it still looks like someone gave it some love where needed and probably left what looked good alone (which I fully understand from a business point of view). Better than DKOldies, thats for sure.

[@Tronicsfix]

Agreed

[@boban250]

I'd say stripped screws are from using power tools, so easy to mess up plastic threads that way

[@Tronicsfix]

That's probably true. Didn't even think of that.

[@adrianbrown9423]

I feel like if I went into the business of refurbishing consoles, or marking them as refurbished, I would (at the very least) put some type of sticker inside indicating that it was taken apart and cleaned, but only after making sure it WAS cleaned inside. Just in case someone like Steve here bought the system and decided to see how well the refurbishment was actually done. Maybe to be really sassy, I'd put some type of note on there: "Yes, this has ben cleaned, but you're not supposed to be in here" or something like that.

[@Tronicsfix]

That would be hilarious!

[@conzpiracy9382]

“You’re not supposed to be here.” - Refurbish Lord

[@mattz7063]

Very glad they passed the test, I've purchased items from them for many many years, always a good experience. never bought a refurb NES though

[@12345.......]

Good on you to gather more sample refurbished consoles. It would be nice if everyone took pride in their job, but that is not the world we live in.

[@Tronicsfix]

I also bought a "refurbished" one from eBay that I made a video on. It's interesting to see how each of these companies define refurbished.

[@12345.......]

​@@maxhiggins6270 I must have missed the ebay video. I looked back about a year and couldn't find it. Do you know when it was posted?

[@dona8348]

I’m surprised you didn’t use the sprinkling of baking soda on the fresh super glued spot to INSTANTLY harden it and create a thicker and stronger setting area. Try it once, and you’ll always do it. It’s almost like a plastic weld done this way.

[@watchingdanny]

Those screw threads likely got pulled up because they were using power tools. Very nice video, thank you for making it. 👍🏽

[@markuskraus5602]

Damn , good job with checking that out. Bad for me , here in germany , i cannt buy one :) And i wanna say, i learned from you how to replace a HDMI port for a friends PS4, worked fine !

[@Tronicsfix]

Nice work!

[@lukelaws3545]

Man nostalgic. I used to buy DS and DS games, PSP’s, and a PS2 from Lukie games when I was in high school. I never had any problems with them personally and all their reviews were good.

[@morph3ous75]

i never knew how much this mario game is etched into my memory cause even though there was no sound when you were playing it...i could still hear it lol

[@RossHev]

You can fix stripped plastic studs by putting a drop of super glue in them then let it dry completely. That will build up the material and the screw will cut new threads when you reinstall it.

[@SnowyDeluxe]

When I worked at a retro game store we used to work with a guy who sold these "1UPcard" things? I got one to use for myself and was really impressed with the results! Less abrasive than a magic eraser but better than just a qtip with rubbing alcohol. For some context I used it on my original EarthBound and Chrono Trigger, so they aren't damaging.

[@TheGlitchyMario]

The 1up card solution is actually just 99% ipa, so just buy the card

[@SnowyDeluxe]

@@TheGlitchyMario Correct, the card is the only part that's special to them.

[@BeersAndBeatsPDX]

You can get those custom printed for business cards to hand out. John Riggs is a huge proponent of 1-up cards.

[@blackdragon7777]

Thank you for this. I'm working on replacing my consoles that were destroyed in a house fire, so it is good to know that they are doing some level of refurbishing and cleaning. PS If you need damaged hardware for content, I might have some...or a lot.

[@Bedwyr7]

What is current best ethical practice to deal with stripped plastic threads, especially if you're suspecting that a device might not hold together? Should one retap the threads and go up a screw size or use some kind of bonding filler and either screw into that or tap it or some other solution?

Great content as always

[@MeadowStargazer]

Correction: Zapper *will* work on a modern TV, but for that you'll have to use a flash cartridge with edited game ROMs which let you calibrate the trigger response delay.

[@captainsergeant]

I bet they used a power tool to reinstall the screws. Saves time vs hand tightening each one, but as you've mentioned before in other videos you have to know what you're doing.

[@-Timpa-]

Great video as always! Do you have any tips and for someone who wants to learn soldering?

[@Twocrudedudes]

I've bought games from Lukie and have had no problems so far. I've never bought a console from them though. Kinda disappointing that more care isn't taken when charging so much for a unit this old.

[@nakkistromberg3946]

I've bought from Lukie Games a couple of times since they had some stuff for sale at reasonable prices, and offered international shipping, so it was better to buy from them than european sellers at ebay that were more expensive. Even after customs/taxes. Products were like new condition, don't know if they had taken any cleaning attempts to them but atleast I was very happy with what I got. Could've been rusty landfill finds with some Windex applied to them. 😅

[@mddupont]

I'm quite upset you didn't hold down the run button in World 1-1 during your test.

[@Tronicsfix]

Lol, it's been a while since I've played

[@OldMan_PJ]

Looks like the refurbisher was using a power driver to put the screws in and not backing the screws out until the thread sinks before tightening.

[@linuxares]

About the screws and threads. We don't know if' it's the company or a previous owner sadly. But hey looks tons better than any other NES from a refurbisher so far!

[@agentomecha634]

I’d give them the “Better than DKOldies Award.” While it’s not perfect, it’s not terrible either. Although the asking price is a little high. On some of those screws, it looks like they tried to use a power drill which ended up messing up the threads.

[@MegaNightmare00]

Hey I could be wrong but I think your cartridge is a fake, I have the same one and it doesn’t look anything like that

[@bigdawg5289]

WOW! I'm actually here within the first 10 minutes of you uploading 🙌

[@Tronicsfix]

Nice work! Thanks for watching!

[@miro_trendafilov]

8:29 - the angriest I've seen TronicsFix, lol. Joking aside, great video, very informative, as always!

[@user-sd1yf1xk7l]

My thought is that they are using power tools. That is why they are are tightening too much and get it stripped as well. They are trying to go fast and save time but creating other issues.

[@aryanstark4381]

Love your work💯

[@ElChatio]

What kind of hdmi adapter do you use? I have an snes that comes out really grainy on my hdmi tv. Please help!

[@mugogrog]

The stripped plastic is likely from using a motorized screwdriver or maybe more likely just a drill with the right bit to speed up the process. Honestly I'd prefer that and a refurbished consol rather than not taking it appart at all. That said they probably should have spent 3 minutes with some gentle polish on those connector pads but hey as long as the connection is solid with that tight a fit it probably doesn't matter too much (just my OCD playing up :p).

[@TimothySmiths]

I don't understand why these places auto replace the pins to the console , I guess time wise they can just pop old off new in and dont have to take time cleaning it and etc.. but I'd personally rather have the original pins for sure.

[@Tronicsfix]

Yep, exactly

[@grantrule6593]

Another Great Video

[@DJNightcoreHD]

If I ever buy a NES. I'm gonna get a CRT TV because Duck Hunt is one of my favorite games.

[@epic69diablo82]

I have a ps5 and it comes on. And the lights show it works fine. The hdmi port looks great I already cleaned the inside. But no matter what it still shows no signal

[@kennethlonnberg5817]

I've handled several NES controllers with broken screw posts and it has always been that particular one that is broken. Must be some kind of structural weakness.

[@Tronicsfix]

Yes, that's strange

[@Kenjitsuka]

Great topic, I love it!!!

[@Tronicsfix]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Str8upstoopid]

Nice packaging on there part!!!

[@Tronicsfix]

Yep

[@pbrock669]

I think somebody should take a tour of DK oldies and Luke Games to see what they actually do.

[@johnzig2887]

Love the videos. I hate to say it but that first game you opened was a reproduction. No nintendo branding on the board whatsoever. Even the tertis blob gameboy carts have branding on the board. You may want to mention it the the seller

[@claytonhayes2760]

I have bought from Lukie Games more than once. Their prices are better than DK and I have had nothing but good results from them.

[@Tronicsfix]

That's good to know.

[@TRONMAGNUM2099]

Not bad. If the price was right I'd buy from them with the expectation I would have to do a little work. Still though I think they make sure everything is working and not filthy.

[@dantenajera9687]

14:40 i think they were using one of those electronic screw drivers

[@poluticon]

it's so funny to me that 80% of the cartridge is just empty space

[@scottlinux]

It's a fake bootleg cart. :(

[@scottlinux]

2:50 Another bootleg / fake NES cart, just like the one dkoldies sent. Can't make this stuff up, hah

[@zincmann]

Dont recall nintendo ever making glob top PCBs.

[@jessyjames4023800]

I have bought stuff from Lukie before and it’s been awesome all the games and stuff in good condition

[@jeffdunehew]

If you come across a lot of broken plastics for consoles and controllers that you like to repair, I'd suggest using CA glue with accelerator.

[@thgingerbreadman]

I'm just going to say they make this stuff that is quick setting spray for glue one little Spritz and the glue dries almost instantly it's amazing it's called insta-set

[@bigmann120]

Kinda like a JerryRigEverything for retro electronics. We need this.

[@intoxicode]

Where is part 3 of the Drone fix... Never got to see you flight test any of them

[@m0ku]

Flawless super mario 3 installation ;)

[@rynhanson]

Estarland is great. I just got a switch lite from them and even traded in. Couldn't be happier

[@lukehyoshy]

the fact that they tried to clean it already shows that they took a little care to sell

[@jamesgriffyn]

Can't remember if it's explained but why are front loader NES units so untrustworthy with carts?

[@ataahmadi]

*I can feel everyone saying “STILL BETTER THAN DKoldies” coming inside of this comment section*

[@Tronicsfix]

I mean, I'd agree with that statement

[@TheGlitchyMario]

STILL BETTER THAN DKoldies

[@LucVNO]

Damn, that was the original price mine was bought for in 1987..... in $CADs.

[@Kanaltot]

1:35 Ehm It's not an original Nintendo game...

[@TimothySmiths]

I was wondering that myself,I was pretty sure that was a repro board..why you need to do that for super mario i dunno, it isnt like its rare or anything.

[@vbdeals]

Who ever I was talking to from there was so rude I wouldn't even consider anything from them selling or buying. First person I was talking to was great then either they quit or got fired and whoever took over for them was horrible.

[@michael2244]

I never knew you could re-bend the pins like that

[@spicydeath82]

another youtuber i watch uses the same deoxit stuff, the bottle says to remove the film/ residue. says not to leave it on.

[@LadySamurai88]

Okay stupid question. Can you still play Duck Hunt with the gun on a newer tv or do you need an old one?

[@cyclic2696]

The screws that spin and have thread material on them is due to a novice repairer not knowing how to deal with self tappers. When re-inserting them, you should rotate anti-clockwise to 'feel' where the thread picks up the plastic thread and then screw in, as you're using the original cut in the plastic. Whoever put these back just banged them in any old how and cut a new thread which simply bust the original one and left it untightenable. It takes once to learn and then you're good for all your days. 👍

[@matomoto]

Shouldn't you have tested the cartridge before cleaning it in order to see if they shipped it in working condition?

[@KenSch2020]

I bet Lukie Games took the NES apart with a drill and put it back together with a drill that is why you found stripped out screws and broken post on one of the controllers. Lukie games if they are using them needs a power screw driver with the clutch set to a low setting.

[@Mohamedkoky22]

hey man hi i have a problem with my ps5 that it suddenly turns off while playing deathstranding ps5 version do u have a solution

[@JCR3TR0]

You should try purchasing from The Videogame Company to make a comparison from the Lukie Games and DK Oldies

[@whollymindless]

Can you tell if the board has been recapped as part of the refurb?

[@Tronicsfix]

It didn't look like it but I don't think I specifically checked for that.

[@maplejames6992]

I'm curious what the definition of refurbished is, in both customer and seller terms.

[@oherman]

I should try picking up a used NES from a flea market and try making it work. Just need an AV to HDMI converter though.

[@Tronicsfix]

Yes! It may need work on the 72 pin but that's easy enough

[@AstralStriderZ]

6:10 Nice ASMR section

[@rosariomedina2999]

What is your setup for the overhead cam?

[@Tronicsfix]

Sony FX3 on a pole screwed into the ceiling.

[@IndominousLink]

if you mix baking soda with super glue it makes it like 10 times stronger

[@mantis20992003]

This is crazy I still have mines from the eighties with games the giant controllers everything wow

[@kingcox9]

The screw strip out is from them using power tools.

[@Slylok226]

They probably used a power drill on the screws to strip them out like that

[@ericdance2]

hi the game isnt original i dont know if they advertise the game like a original game thats why the screws look like new

[@sleepybunnynorbun1039]

The problem is that they think refurbishing is just finding something that works and sell it as is.

[@mr.critic]

👍👍

[@StormsparkPegasus]

The original 72 pin connector was probably worn out, so it was probably replaced.

[@crxzys1190]

Somebody know how I can offer my broken switch to tronicsfix?

[@petertrevena804]

I love how the comments are slugging DKoldies👍😊

[@ceefusjenkins2281]

That's AN original zapper, however it is not THE original as that one was gray.

[@davidlecornu8740]

Magic eraser vs regular pink eraser to clean

[@bryonfrye7282]

Using a motorized torque wrench will blow those threads apart

[@somethingfunnyyt]

The funny thing about when the games don’t work first try is that it could mean it’s broken, but it’s more likely just the console being the console. Old consoles love not working for no reason lol

[@bryancampbell4604]

Just an FYI, you do not need to push the game down. It will work either way.

[@terrymax5340]

Got one with over a 100 games

[@Tronicsfix]

100 games?! That's awesome!

[@deadizbetter]

I have an old Nintendo if you want it for free it's really yellow tho

[@the120872]

Is that org game, with blobe on printboard.

[@TerrorTales4271998]

game was missing a rf shied

[@sup4chan]

DKOldies in absolute SHAMBLES right now

[@uhsul]

From what I've read about Mr. Clean Magic Erasers it will damage any smooth rigid plastic surfaces - like Melamine. Pretty much all other surfaces are fine especially metal.

[@jfncho]

Estarland is the online retro store you seek.

[@maxhiggins6270]

So Steve, from what you’ve seen so far from eBay, DKOldies, and Lukie, who got closest to the claim of “refurbished”. Side note, I’ve purchased games from all three places, and best condition games I got were from Lukie, which is located about 30 minutes from me down in Miami. If only I could go shop there…

[@LilYeshua]

Flitz?

[@jkjkl567]

Wrong size screw used

[@bryonfrye7282]

A buffer wheel will clean those pins up nice and good.

[@soulmourne2698]

Thats not refurbished imo, all the threads should be perfect, they should reuse and clean very well the og 72 pin conector, and it should also be perfectly clean, an nes is super easy to refurbish, is not like a ps3 fat that for a proper refurbishment you need to delid the cpu and the gpu. You are paying premium i personally spect a product that is very well cleaned outside and inside and in very good condition, if it has a couple of scratches in the outside is not that big of deal, it didnt even read the game first try. Used consoles from ebay are in similar condition if not better, these do not have active cooling, they dont have fans and dont suck up all the dust.