What are your top tips for finding valuable gaming consoles at thrift stores?

When hunting for valuable gaming consoles at thrift stores, keep the following tips in mind:

  • Check thrift stores frequently Visiting stores that don't have online listings and have less frequent customers can increase your chances of finding something good4. However, remember that many people may be checking these stores regularly, so finding something worthwhile relies on being there at the right time4.

  • Look in unexpected places Thrift store employees may not always recognize the value of video games or gaming consoles and may misplace them2. Look for disc-based games in the music section, as employees may mistake them for music CDs2.

  • Search thoroughly Browse the shelves carefully, as valuable items can easily be overlooked1.

  • Consider other secondhand sources Besides thrift stores, explore flea markets, pawn shops, and garage sales13. Also, online marketplaces and classifieds, like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, can be good sources3. In Japan, recycle shops and Book Off are popular options7.

  • Look for hidden gems in online listings Search beyond just the titles and check the descriptions2. Also, carefully examine images in online listings, as sellers may not list every item individually2.

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