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With the proliferation of auction sites like Ebay and used console offers at specialist video game retailers, it can be tempting to pick up a second-hand DS. Although you could save a significant amount of money doing this, there are a few things to bear in mind. Buying a traded-in Nintendo DS or other gaming system from somewhere like Gamestop will often not save you much more than if you thoroughly search online for a deal on a new console. However, a traded-in console may come with some form of guarantee, and if you are a member of a loyalty program at that particular retailer, you may get bonus credit points or the equivalent in return.
Always be careful when buying electronic goods such as games consoles from sites such as Ebay. Without being able to physically see the console, you have no guarantee as to its actual condition, or how it has been treated by its previous owner. Make sure you check your rights of return and Ebay's buyer protection policies before committing to purchase any electronic device from someone. Watch out for certain defects with the Nintendo DS. Its touchscreen is a type known as resistive, which means you have to physically put pressure on it with the stylus or your finger for a touch to register. This leaves the bottom screen particularly vulnerable to wear and tear or poor handling. Also make sure there are no issues with the cart-reading slot, as the console may not be able to load games properly if there is any damage in this area. However, there are undoubtedly some great bargain Nintendo DS Lite handhelds to be found on Ebay and other auction-style websites, and the savings may make the risks worthwhile to you.
