10 August,2025 08:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Jaison Lewis
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The original Switch released on March 3, 2017, and was an instant sensation, even in India. It was hard to come by at a fair price because of the scarcity. However, there are plenty of Switch consoles in the market now, thanks to the 152 million units Nintendo has sold worldwide. This means the original Switch is going pretty cheap if you know where to look, and if you know what to look for while buying, you might get a great console for a steal.
What to look for when buying a second-hand Switch
The first and most important thing to look for is Joy-Con drift. This is the most common issue with the console: the joysticks of the controller sway to the side continuously. It is an inevitable problem on the Switch. So make sure you test it out and maybe bargain for a better price if you find a drift issue. The second is to look for the Switch with HAC-001 on the box or back of the device. These Consoles have an upgraded battery; they are usually more expensive, but if you find one, pick it up. Check the condition of the dock, screen, and SD card slot, and look for physical damage. Also, make sure it is unlinked from the previous owner's account.
Switch OLED?
Yes, the Switch OLED is tempting and at half the asking price as the Switch 2, it is still a great deal. However, the success of the Switch is attributed to its games, and the games run on the original Switch the same as they do on the OLED Switch, at almost '10,000 cheaper. The OLED does look great, but is it worth the premium price you will be paying for it? In my opinion, it's not. Additionally, if you are looking to jailbreak your device for ethical hacking, the original Switch is a much better candidate.
Rs 15,000 too much?
If the price still seems a bit too high for you, maybe consider the Switch Lite. It doesn't have the versatility of the Switch, but it plays all the games. You can always attempt to buy the console directly from another person without a warranty. Certified second-hand stores sell the Switch Lite between '12,000 and '13,000. While it is cheaper, I believe it's better to spend a little more and get a first-generation Switch.
Why now?
The Switch is available for around Rs 15,000 from places like CEX that give you a one-year warranty. The price is a little higher than the second-hand market, but the consoles are well tested. However, the main reason is that it is a great console for this price, and you have a huge collection of games. It is also portable, and it has built-in controllers for two players. It also connects to your TV for a big screen experience. What's not to like?
Accessories to buy
The first generation will need some love and care to continue serving you optimally. You must definitely spring for a good quality tempered glass. I would also recommend buying at least one extra set of Joy-Cons, mainly so you can play four players at a time.
1 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
2 The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
3 Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
4 Stardew Valley
5 Octopath Traveler
6 Luigi's Mansion
7 Nintendo Switch Sports
8 Kirby and the Forgotten Land
9 Overcooked! All you can eat
10 Undertale
