Refurbished PS3

What Does Refurbished Mean?

Some people may not understand exactly what refurbished means. Contrary to popular belief, "used" and "refurbished" do not mean exactly the same thing. When a product, usually something electronic, is refurbished, it means that the unit was shipped back to the original manufacturer or a certified facility to get a repair.

These repairs could be any number of things, from a small cosmetic defect to something that has major ramifications for the functionality of the system. In the case of a refurbished PS3, it could be something like a faulty laser or the inability to synchronize with one of the wireless controllers. When the PS3 is fully repaired, it goes through a certification process to ensure that it has "like new" functionality. Only after it has passed this test can be it be considered "refurbished".

By contrast, when you purchase a used video game system, there is no guarantee for functionality. There's no saying when and if you will encounter any future problems with your purchase. Used video game consoles are available at a number of retailers, but they can sometimes market them as "refurbished". Unless the system has undergone a refurbishing process and has been certified by an official repair location (i.e., certified by Sony), however, it cannot be officially considered "refurbished."

Save Money with a Refurbished PS3

How much money can you actually save by buying a refurbished PS3? Naturally, the price will vary based on a number of factors. The most notable factor is which version of the PlayStation 3 you are considering. For instance, the 40GB PS3 sells for a lot less than the 80GB model, so the price difference will also be reflected in the price of a refurbished system.

Generally speaking, a refurbished PlayStation 3 will sell for between $50 and $100 off of the original retail price. For example, the retail price of the 40GB PlayStation 3 is $399.99. A refurbished model, then, can be had for between $300 and $350. In like manner, an 80GB model typically sells for about $569.99.

You might be able to save even more money on a new video game system by buying a PS3 on eBay, but there is no guarantee that you will not have any problems with the eBay-sourced game console. Dealing with shipping concerns and other problems might not be worth the headache.

Buyer Beware and Warranty Issues

For peace of mind, it might not be worth it to try and save that little bit of money on a refurbished PS3. The main concern about buying a refurbished system is that it will not carry the same warranty as a new unit. Whereas a brand new system can come with a one-year warranty, many refurbished units will only have a warranty for 30 to 60 days. This is because it is still a used system and could run into problems with age.

The other problem is that you have no way to really tell how old the system really is. All you know with a refurbished unit is that it is in fact used and it has been repaired. Wouldn't you feel better with a new system? It might mean that you need to bypass NHL 08 to recoup the difference in price, but at least you get peace of mind.