"Refurbished", "restored", "second-hand"… these terms get mixed up all the time, and that's a problem: they don't describe the same thing at all. Here's what refurbishing really means at Yochamida, and how to read our grades.
Second-hand vs refurbished: the real difference
A second-hand console is sold as-is, exactly as its previous owner left it: tired battery, built-up dust, worn buttons — and no recourse if it fails the following week. A refurbished console has been taken in hand by a professional: inspected, repaired, cleaned, tested and guaranteed.
The Yochamida workshop protocol
Every console that comes through our workshop follows the same route:
- Full teardown — every part is inspected individually
- Deep cleaning — inside and out
- Replacement of worn components — battery, buttons, ribbon cables where needed
- Testing of every function — screens, touch, buttons, sticks, sound, Wi-Fi, cameras
- Clean custom firmware install — Luma3DS, HENkaku or Atmosphère depending on the console, with the game library preinstalled
- Final check and shockproof packaging
The grades: S, A and B
The grade describes the cosmetic condition only. Functionality is tested and 100% guaranteed whatever the grade.
Grade S — near-new
No scratches visible to the naked eye, flawless shell and screens. The choice for collectors and perfectionists.
Grade A — very good condition
A few light signs of use visible up close. The best balance between condition and price — our most popular grade.
Grade B — the smart buy
Visible, openly stated wear marks for a noticeably lower price. The electronics passed exactly the same tests as Grade S — it's the ideal choice for a child or a first purchase.
What about the warranty?
All our consoles are guaranteed, shipped within 48h from France with a tracking number, and our support team replies within 24h. The full criteria for each grade are on our dedicated grades page.
