The Legacy Standard

Quality you can trust, put into every console and game we sell. Every console is carefully inspected, tested, cleaned, serviced and restored.

Our Refurbishment Process

Every console goes through a detailed process before it becomes available for sale. Click any step below to learn what goes into preparing your console.

Step 1 — Inspect

We examine the system for:

  • Cracks, broken housing, dents, or significant physical damage
  • Missing trim pieces or components
  • Damaged ports and connectors
  • Signs of liquid damage
  • Previous repairs or modifications
  • Excessive dirt, dust, and debris
  • Run game to ensure no overheating or load dependent issues
  • Test media drive, ensure machine plays games correctly

We also verify that the console is an authentic original system and identify the model and hardware configuration.

Nothing gets refurbished before we know what we're working with.

Step 2 — Open & Clean

We open all systems and clean the interior as well as the exterior.

Dust and debris can accumulate around fans, heat sinks, circuit boards, optical drives, cartridge slots, and other internal components over years of use.

Our cleaning process includes:

  • Removing accumulated dust and debris
  • Inspecting and cleaning any corrosion
  • Cleaning vents and cooling components
  • Cleaning ports and connectors
  • Cleaning cartridge contacts and slots where applicable
  • Cleaning optical-drive components where applicable
  • Removing surface dirt, fingerprints, and residue
  • Cleaning controller and accessory connections

We don't simply make a console look clean.

We clean it so it's ready for its next chapter.

Step 3 — Service

Different generations of gaming hardware have different needs.

Depending on the console, its condition, and the results of our inspection, we service components where necessary.

This may include:

  • Replacing thermal paste
  • Checking internal connections
  • Checking hard drives or storage devices
  • Servicing optical-drive components/ lasers
  • Addressing issues discovered during testing
  • Replacing defective components when necessary

We don't replace parts simply for the sake of replacing them.

We service what needs attention and preserve what doesn't.

Step 4 — Test

This is where a console earns its place on our shelves.

Turning on isn't enough.

We test the functions that actually matter when you're sitting down to play.

Depending on the system, testing may include:

  • Powering the system on and off several times
  • Correct video output
  • Correct audio output
  • Controller ports function
  • USB ports and applicable connections
  • Memory card or storage functionality
  • Disc-drive operation
  • Cartridge reading
  • System menus and basic functions
  • Controller functionality
  • Buttons and inputs
  • Network functionality where applicable
  • Online console capable are not banned
  • Save functionality where applicable

We test with actual games, not just the console's startup screen.

Step 5 — Stress Test

A console that works for thirty seconds isn't necessarily a console we want to sell.

Where appropriate, we allow systems to run for an extended period to verify stability and identify problems that may not appear during a quick power-on test.

We watch for:

  • Unexpected shutdowns
  • Overheating
  • Video or audio interruptions/artifacts
  • Disc-reading errors
  • Freezing or crashes
  • Abnormal behavior
  • Fan or cooling issues
  • Other signs of instability

Our goal is reliable gameplay. Not simply a console that turns on.

Step 6 — Verify

Once testing is complete, we review the console again.

We verify that:

  • Necessary accessories are included
  • System passed its applicable function test
  • The console's condition matches its listed grade
  • Storage configuration matches the listing
  • Any relevant issues discovered during refurbishment have been addressed

Only after the console passes this process does it move into our available inventory.

Step 7 — Protect

The final step is getting the console ready for its new owner.

We carefully package each system with the appropriate cables and accessories and protect it for shipment. Every console is backed by our:

1-Year Warranty

and

30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee

Because refurbishment isn't just about what happens inside the console.

It's about standing behind what we sell.

Console-Specific Refurbishment

Every generation has its own weaknesses, components, and testing requirements. That's why we don't treat a PlayStation 2 the same way we treat a Nintendo 64 or an Xbox 360.

PlayStation 1

PlayStation 1 systems receive inspection and cleaning of the console housing, ports, and applicable internal components.

We test:

  • Power and startup
  • Video and audio output
  • Controller ports
  • Memory card ports
  • Disc-drive operation
  • Game loading
  • Audio playback
  • Controller functionality
  • Save functionality

Disc-reading performance is particularly important on older PlayStation hardware, so we verify the system with actual PlayStation games.

PlayStation 2

PlayStation 2 systems are inspected, cleaned, and tested for reliable operation.

Our PS2 process includes checking:

  • Power and startup
  • Video and audio output
  • Controller ports
  • Memory card ports
  • Disc-drive operation and drive belt condition
  • PS2 CD/DVD game discs and PS1 game discs
  • Controller functionality
  • System menus
  • Save functionality
  • Cooling and internal condition

We also test the optical drive with actual games rather than relying solely on the system reaching the main menu.

PlayStation 3

PlayStation 3 systems receive a more extensive inspection due to the age and complexity of the hardware.

We inspect and test:

  • Power and startup
  • HDMI/video output
  • Audio output
  • USB ports
  • Controller connectivity
  • Disc-drive operation
  • PS3 Blu-ray, PS1 Black — PS3 BC's will test PS2 Silver/Blue discs as well
  • System menus
  • Hard-drive/storage functionality
  • Cooling system
  • Fan operation
  • System stability
  • Online system ban

All PS3's have their thermal paste replaced as part of our refurbishment process.

Backwards-compatible PlayStation 3 models receive additional testing of their supported disc formats.

PlayStation 4

PlayStation 4 systems are inspected, cleaned, and tested across their major functions.

We test:

  • Power and startup
  • HDMI/video output
  • Audio output
  • USB ports
  • Controller connectivity
  • Disc-drive operation on disc models
  • Game loading
  • Hard-drive/storage functionality
  • System menus
  • Network connectivity where applicable
  • Cooling and fan operation
  • Online system ban

All PS4 models are opened, cleaned and have the thermal paste replaced. Hard drives are removed and bench tested for weak sectors. Drives must meet a 90% health threshold.

PlayStation 5

PlayStation 5 systems receive a full functional inspection and refurbishment process appropriate to the specific model.

We test:

  • Power and startup
  • HDMI/video output
  • Audio output
  • USB ports
  • Controller connectivity
  • Disc-drive operation on disc models
  • Game loading
  • Storage functionality
  • System menus
  • Network connectivity where applicable
  • Cooling and fan operation
  • Online system bans

Original-model PS5 systems receive liquid-metal service as part of our refurbishment process. Slim and Pro models use a revised cooling design and do not receive this service.

Disc models are tested with PS5/PS4 games.

Original Xbox

Original Xbox systems are inspected for the common signs of age associated with early-generation hardware.

We test:

  • Power and startup
  • Video and audio output
  • Controller ports
  • Disc-drive operation
  • Game loading
  • Hard-drive functionality
  • Motherboard Capacitors/ clock capacitor
  • Controller functionality
  • Cooling and fan operation
  • Save functionality

All original Xbox's have their capacitors inspected for leaks or bulging and replaced only when necessary.

Xbox 360

Xbox 360 systems receive an extensive inspection and functional test.

We test:

  • Power and startup
  • Video and audio output
  • USB ports
  • Controller connectivity
  • Disc-drive operation
  • Game loading
  • Hard-drive/storage functionality
  • System menus
  • Cooling and fan operation
  • Online system bans

All 360's are opened and internally cleaned and thermal paste is replaced.

Xbox One

Xbox One systems are inspected, cleaned, and tested across their primary functions.

We test:

  • Power and startup
  • HDMI/video output
  • Audio output
  • USB ports
  • Controller connectivity
  • Disc-drive operation
  • Game loading
  • Hard-drive/storage functionality
  • System menus
  • Network connectivity where applicable
  • Cooling and fan operation
  • Online system bans

All Xbox One's are opened and internally cleaned and thermal paste is replaced. Hard drives are removed and bench tested for weak sectors. Drives must meet a 90% health threshold.

Xbox Series X|S

Current-generation Xbox systems receive the same attention to functionality as our classic systems while using testing appropriate to their hardware.

We test:

  • Power and startup
  • Video and audio output
  • USB ports
  • Controller connectivity
  • Game loading
  • Storage functionality
  • System menus
  • Network connectivity where applicable
  • Cooling and fan operation
  • Online system bans

Disc-drive testing is performed on applicable Series X systems. All Series Consoles have their thermal paste replaced.

Nintendo Entertainment System

NES systems are inspected and cleaned with particular attention to the cartridge connection system.

We test:

  • Power and startup
  • Video and audio output
  • Cartridge slot
  • Controller ports
  • Controllers
  • Reset and power functions
  • Game stability

The cartridge connector and contacts are cleaned as appropriate. Motherboard is inspected for bulging capacitors and replaced where necessary.

Super Nintendo

SNES systems are inspected, cleaned, and tested for reliable cartridge-based gameplay.

We test:

  • Power and startup
  • Video and audio output
  • Cartridge slot
  • Controller ports
  • Controllers
  • Game stability
  • Save functionality where applicable

The cartridge slot and contacts are cleaned. Motherboard is inspected for bulging capacitors and replaced where necessary.

Nintendo 64

Nintendo 64 systems receive inspection and cleaning focused on the console, cartridge connection, and controller system.

We test:

  • Power and startup
  • Video and audio output
  • Cartridge slot
  • Controller ports
  • Controller functionality
  • Expansion-related functionality where applicable
  • Game stability
  • Save functionality where applicable

Cartridge contacts and connections are cleaned.

GameCube

GameCube systems receive a full inspection and functional test.

We test:

  • Power and startup
  • Video and audio output
  • Disc-drive operation
  • Game loading
  • Controller ports
  • Memory card ports
  • Controller functionality
  • Game stability
  • Save functionality

The optical drive and applicable internal components are inspected and cleaned.

Wii

Wii systems are inspected, cleaned, and tested across their major functions.

We test:

  • Power and startup
  • Video and audio output
  • Disc-drive operation
  • Game loading
  • USB ports
  • Sensor functionality
  • Controller connectivity
  • Controller functionality
  • Memory/storage functionality
  • System stability

Disc-drive functionality is tested using Wii and GameCube games. RVL-101 models only test Wii Games.

Wii U

Wii U systems receive a full functional inspection appropriate to the console and GamePad.

We test:

  • Console power and startup
  • Video and audio output
  • Disc-drive operation
  • Game loading
  • USB ports
  • Controller connectivity
  • Wii U GamePad functionality
  • Touchscreen functionality
  • Buttons and controls
  • Storage functionality
  • System stability

All Wii U models are tested with both Wii U and Wii Games.

Nintendo Switch / Switch 2

Nintendo Switch systems are tested as both handheld and docked gaming devices where applicable.

We test:

  • Power and startup
  • Dock connectivity
  • Touchscreen
  • Joy-Con connectivity
  • Joy-Con stick drift
  • Game card reading
  • MicroSD functionality where applicable
  • USB-C charging
  • Dock functionality where applicable
  • HDMI output where applicable
  • Wi-Fi/network connectivity
  • Online system bans

All Switch's have their thermal paste replaced and Joy-Cons thoroughly tested.

Sega Genesis

Genesis systems are inspected and tested for reliable cartridge-based gameplay.

We test:

  • Power and startup
  • Video and audio output
  • Cartridge slot
  • Controller ports
  • Controller functionality
  • Game stability
  • Save functionality where applicable

Cartridge contacts and connections are cleaned.

Sega Dreamcast

Dreamcast systems receive a detailed inspection because of their age and optical-drive design.

We test:

  • Power and startup
  • Video and audio output
  • Disc-drive operation
  • Game loading
  • Controller ports
  • Controller functionality
  • VMU functionality
  • Save functionality
  • System stability

All Dreamcast's are tested with Dreamcast game discs.

Handheld Systems

Handheld consoles receive testing appropriate to their hardware and intended use.

Depending on the system, we test:

  • Power and startup
  • Screen/display
  • Buttons
  • D-pad
  • Speakers
  • Headphone output
  • UMD, Cartridge or game-card reading
  • Charging
  • Battery health and performance
  • Touchscreen functionality
  • Wireless connectivity where applicable
  • Save functionality

Not Just "Tested."

There's a big difference between a console that turns on and a console that's been properly prepared for its next life.

We believe a refurbished console should be:

Inspected.
Cleaned.
Serviced.
Tested.
Verified.
Protected.

That's The Legacy Standard.

We're not trying to erase the history from these machines.

We're trying to make sure they have a future.

Because these aren't just old consoles.

They're the machines that made our memories.

And they're ready to make more.

Have any questions?