Why Buying Refurbished Gaming Consoles Is Better for the Planet (And Your Wallet)
Look, we're not going to pretend you're saving the rainforest by buying a refurbished Nintendo Switch. But here's the thing - if you're buying a console anyway, choosing refurbished instead of new makes a genuine difference. Not in a "save the planet single-handedly" way, but in a "this actually matters when thousands of people do it" way.
And honestly? The environmental benefits are just a bonus. The main reason people buy refurbished from us is because it's cheaper and works exactly the same. But if you can save money AND reduce e-waste at the same time, why wouldn't you?
Let's talk about why buying refurbished gaming gear is actually a smart move, both for your bank account and for the planet.
The E-Waste Problem Nobody Talks About
Electronic waste is absolutely massive in the UK, and gaming consoles are part of it. Every year, we chuck out thousands of tonnes of perfectly good electronics just because something newer came out or we upgraded to the latest model.
Here's what happens to a lot of that "old" tech:
- It sits in a drawer gathering dust (we've all got one of those drawers)
- It gets thrown in the bin and ends up in landfill
- It gets exported to developing countries where it's "recycled" in ways that are terrible for local communities and the environment
- Best case scenario, it gets properly recycled, but that still uses loads of energy and resources
The mad thing is, most of these consoles work absolutely fine. A Nintendo Switch from 2019 plays the exact same games as one from 2025. An Xbox One is still brilliant for most games. A PS4 has an incredible library that'll keep you busy for years.
But because we've got this obsession with having the "latest" thing, millions of working consoles get tossed aside when they've got years of life left in them.
What Actually Goes Into Making a New Console
Ever wondered what it takes to manufacture a brand new gaming console? Spoiler: it's a lot.
Raw Materials A single console uses dozens of different materials - plastics, metals, rare earth elements, circuit boards. Mining and processing these materials is energy-intensive and often comes with serious environmental costs. We're talking about mining operations that damage landscapes, use massive amounts of water, and produce significant pollution.
Manufacturing Once you've got the materials, you need to manufacture all the components. Factories running 24/7, shipping parts around the world multiple times before final assembly. The carbon footprint of producing a new console is substantial - estimates suggest around 100-120 kg of CO2 equivalent for a device like a PlayStation or Xbox.
Packaging and Transport Then there's all the packaging - cardboard boxes, plastic wrapping, foam inserts, manuals, cables individually wrapped in plastic. All of that gets manufactured, shipped to the factory, the console gets boxed up, then it's shipped again to warehouses, then to shops, then (probably) delivered to your door.
The Kicker All of this happens even though there are millions of perfectly good used consoles already out there that could do the exact same job.
What Happens When You Buy Refurbished Instead
When you buy a refurbished console from a proper company (like us), here's what's actually happening:
No New Manufacturing Zero new materials need to be mined. Zero new plastics need to be produced. Zero factory emissions from creating a brand new device. The console already exists - we're just giving it a second life.
Keeps Tech Out of Landfill Every refurbished console we sell is one less device sitting in a landfill or that drawer we mentioned earlier. E-waste is toxic - it contains materials that really shouldn't be buried in the ground or burned. Keeping these devices in circulation means they're not becoming waste.
Reduced Packaging We don't need all that fancy retail packaging. The console gets cleaned, tested, and sent out in sensible packaging that does the job. Less cardboard, less plastic, less waste.
Lower Transport Emissions These consoles are already in the UK. We're not shipping them halfway round the world from manufacturing plants in Asia. Much shorter supply chain means much lower transport emissions.
The Real Impact If everyone buying a console this year chose refurbished instead of new, we'd prevent the manufacture of tens of thousands of devices. That's a genuinely significant reduction in resource use and emissions.
The Quality Question: Are Refurbished Consoles Actually Any Good?
Right, this is what everyone wants to know. Environmental benefits are great, but not if the console breaks after two weeks.
Here's the honest truth: a properly refurbished console from a reputable UK company is basically identical to a new one in terms of performance. It plays the exact same games, at the exact same speed, with the exact same features.
What Refurbishment Actually Involves:
When a console comes to us, it goes through a proper process:
- Full functionality test - every button, every port, every feature checked
- Deep clean - inside and out, dust removed, thermal paste replaced if needed
- Any worn parts replaced - dodgy HDMI ports, sticky buttons, scratched screens
- Software reset to factory settings
- Final quality check before it's sold
- Comes with a warranty (ours is 6 months, which is better than many new products)
What You're Actually Getting: A console that works perfectly well, looks decent (condition grades vary), and costs significantly less than new. The only real difference is someone else owned it first. And honestly, given how long consoles sit in warehouses and on shop shelves, "new" doesn't necessarily mean "fresh off the production line" anyway.
The Risk: Like anything, there's a tiny chance something could go wrong. That's why buying from a company that offers a proper warranty matters. Random person on Facebook Marketplace? Risky. Established refurbisher with a warranty? Pretty safe bet.
The Money Bit: How Much Do You Actually Save?
Environmental benefits aside, let's talk about what really matters to most people - saving money.
Buying refurbished typically saves you anywhere from £40 to £100+ depending on the console and condition. That's money you can spend on games, controllers, accessories, or literally anything else.
Example Savings:
- Nintendo Switch Lite: Save up to £70
- Original Nintendo Switch: Save up to £80
- Switch OLED: Save up to £100
- PlayStation 4: Save up to £150
- Xbox Series S: Save up to £80
For families buying consoles for multiple kids, those savings add up fast. Two refurbished Switch Lites instead of new ones? That's potentially £140 saved. Enough for several games and a carrying case.
And here's the thing - you're getting the exact same gaming experience. Your kid playing Mario Kart on a refurbished Switch is having just as much fun as the kid playing on a brand new one. The games don't know the difference.
But Isn't Buying New Better Quality?
This is what a lot of people think, and it's not really true. "New" doesn't automatically mean "better made" or "longer lasting."
Reality Check:
Electronics fail based on how they're made and how they're used, not whether they were bought new or refurbished. A new console can develop stick drift after six months. A refurbished console from 2019 can run perfectly for years.
What matters is:
- Was the console manufactured well in the first place? (Most Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles are)
- Has it been properly tested and any faulty parts replaced? (Proper refurbishers do this)
- Is it covered by a warranty if something goes wrong? (Good refurbishers offer this)
The other thing people don't realise is that "new" consoles have often been sitting in warehouses for months or even years. That Switch you bought "new" in 2025 might have been manufactured in 2023 and been sitting in storage ever since. Refurbished consoles have often been more recently checked and tested.
What About the Latest Features?
Fair question. If you want the absolute newest model with the latest features, buying refurbished obviously means you're getting a slightly older version.
But here's the thing about gaming consoles - they don't update that fast, and older models still play the same games.
The Reality:
- A 2019 Nintendo Switch plays every game a 2025 Switch plays
- A PS4 has a massive library of incredible games
- An Xbox One runs thousands of games perfectly well
- Most "improvements" in newer models are minor (slightly better screen, marginally longer battery)
Unless you absolutely must have the newest OLED screen or the latest incremental improvement, an older model does everything you actually need.
For Most People: The difference between a refurbished original Switch and a brand new OLED Switch is mostly about the screen quality. Both play the same games. Both connect to the TV. Both use the same controllers. Is a slightly better screen worth paying £100+ extra and contributing to manufacturing a whole new device? That's for you to decide, but for most people, probably not.
Who Should Buy Refurbished?
Honestly? Almost everyone. But it's particularly brilliant for:
Parents Buying for Kids Kids don't care if their console is refurbished or new. They care about playing Minecraft and Pokémon. Save the money, get the same gaming experience, and don't worry as much when they inevitably drop it or spill juice on something.
Casual Gamers If you're buying a console to play a handful of games, spending full price for "new" is a bit daft. Get a refurbished one, play the games you want, save money.
Anyone on a Budget Gaming doesn't need to be expensive. Refurbished consoles make gaming accessible to people who can't justify £300+ on a new device.
Second Consoles Already got a Switch but want one for travel? Refurbished Lite is perfect. Want a console for the bedroom? Refurbished makes sense.
Environmentally Conscious Shoppers If you're the type who brings your own bags to the supermarket and tries to reduce waste, buying refurbished aligns with those values.
The Bigger Picture: Circular Economy
Here's the proper environmental angle - buying refurbished is part of what's called a "circular economy."
Instead of the traditional model (take resources → make stuff → use it → throw it away), a circular economy keeps products in use for as long as possible. When something does reach end of life, materials get recovered and reused.
Gaming consoles are perfect for this because:
- They're built to last years
- Technology doesn't change that fast
- Parts can be replaced and repaired
- They maintain value in the second-hand market
When you buy refurbished, you're participating in this system. You're saying "I don't need a brand new device when a perfectly good one already exists." If more people did this, manufacturers would eventually have to adapt - make things easier to repair, design for longevity, take back and refurbish their own products.
It's not going to change the world overnight, but it's a step in the right direction.
Common Worries About Buying Refurbished
"What if it breaks?" This is why warranty matters. A proper refurbisher offers at least 3-6 months warranty. Something goes wrong? You're covered. In reality, failure rates are low because these devices have been thoroughly tested.
"Will it look terrible?" Condition grades exist for a reason. Excellent condition refurbished consoles look nearly new - maybe a tiny scratch if you look hard. Good condition might have minor wear. Poor condition will be functional but show its age. You choose based on your budget and priorities.
"Can I trust refurbished sellers?" Some yes, some no. Buy from established UK companies with good reviews, clear warranty policies, and proper testing procedures. Avoid random sellers with no accountability.
"Will I be able to sell it later?" Yes. Refurbished consoles hold value just like new ones. A well-maintained refurbished Switch will still sell on Facebook Marketplace or eBay later. You're just starting from a lower price point.
The Alternative: Buying New
Look, buying new isn't evil. Sometimes it makes sense:
- You want the absolute latest model with newest features
- It's a gift and you want the "new" experience with all the packaging
- You've got the budget and it matters to you
- No refurbished stock available for what you want
But if you're buying new purely because you think it's somehow "better" or "safer," you're probably overpaying for peace of mind you don't actually need.
Making the Right Choice for You
At the end of the day, whether you buy new or refurbished is your call. But at least now you know what the actual differences are.
Buy refurbished if:
- You want to save money
- You don't need the latest incremental improvements
- You care about reducing waste
- You want the same gaming experience for less
Consider buying new if:
- You specifically want the newest model features
- You've got the budget and it matters to you
- You want the "unboxing" experience
- No suitable refurbished options available
Either way: Take care of your console. Use it for years. When you're done with it, sell it or trade it in rather than throwing it away. Keep it in circulation. That's how we reduce waste and make gaming more sustainable.
Final Thoughts
Buying refurbished isn't about being perfect or judging people who buy new. It's just about making a sensible choice that happens to be better for the environment.
You get a console that works exactly the same, you save money, and you prevent a perfectly good device from becoming e-waste. It's not complicated - it's just smart.
The gaming industry churns out millions of new consoles every year, even though millions of older ones still work brilliantly. Buying refurbished pushes back against that waste. Not in a dramatic way, but in a "this actually makes sense" way.
Next time you need a console, controller, or games, consider refurbished. Your wallet will thank you, and you'll be doing a tiny bit to reduce the mountains of electronic waste we produce every year.
And honestly? Nobody playing Mario Kart with you will have the slightest idea whether your Switch is new or refurbished. They'll just know they're getting destroyed at Rainbow Road.
Ready to make the switch to refurbished? Browse our full range of tested, cleaned, and warranty-backed gaming consoles. Same gaming, better price, less waste. Shop refurbished consoles →