Best Way to Go about Buying a PlayStation Vita 1000

Lmawdy on 27/07/2015 - 16:12

Hi all, long time lurker first time poster,

Was just wondering if anyone had any insight on the best ways to go about nabbing a Playstation Vita 1000 (i.e. the original OLED model Wifi and/or 3G/Wifi) console?

Specifically:

  • Can I trust buying a pre-owned console from EBgames? They are the only retailers that still have a mention of having the original and come with 12 month warranty at a not-too-bad price (that I have seen at least)

  • Some gumtree ads look attractive but I'm always weary of the legitimacy of the electronics I'm buying (especially with no warranty), on top of which there just aren't that many around in my state (SA)

  • Importing from somewhere like Amazon or Play-Asia or Nippon-Yasan seems like a costly and potentially time-consuming experience too, so I'm not sure about this option either

On top of it all, I guess I'd just prefer to be able to get one from a reputable source or, even better, in person. I know it might seem like a tall order too considering the fact that I dont think they even manufacture the console anymore, or that the most recent publicizing of the console I've seen has been in clearances long since expired (e.g. that recent Big W drop-zone one).

I might just have to end up biting the bullet on a 2000 model but I'd really prefer the original screen, regardless of the other improvements (which I am well aware of fyi :D)

Any and all help appreciated!

Thanks in advance Ozbargainers

Gaming

Comments

  • AssamLaksa on 27/07/2015 - 16:51

    Reckon your best bet is still gumtree. You should be alright as long as you request to check/inspect/test in person before committing yourself to the purchase. Make sure you're thorough in checking though. If you don't have any games of your own, ask to borrow theirs to test that the screen isn't "burned out" (heard it's a common problem in OLED models?), and that the controls work all fine. I haven't heard of any stories of fake PS Vitas honestly, so I don't think you need to worry about legitimacy…?

    Other than that… 2000 model is best model :P

    • sarmen2 on 28/07/2015 - 20:12

      Got one off of Gumtree for $115 a month ago, can't really complain about anything and its serving me well so far. But I still understand why you wouldn't want to risk getting it off of Gumtree.

  • mawdy on 27/07/2015 - 17:05

    While I am aware of the potential of burn out, if the console was properly taken care of (which presents a problem re: gumtree) then it shouldn't be an issue. In this regard, it would seem that at least with EBgames I have that warranty, y'know? (although who can say that if it was refurbished they actually did a good job with the screen…idk, I've never put a lot of faith in EB).

    And sorry for being unclear, but when I said legitimacy I meant as in does it turn on, is the screen/wifi busted etc. In any case, going with a retailer w/ warranty still seems better than rigorously checking some gumtree seller's console (of which there are, like I said, already too few)…

    There's gotta be another way to get one aha :\

  • GoldPhoenix0 on 27/07/2015 - 18:42

    I've always had mixed results with preowned hardware, even from somewhere like EB Games. Although, EB has been fine with replacing any faulty hardware I had, like a Wireless 360 controller where an analog stick was malfunctioning. On the other hand, my preowned PSP1000 was almost in immaculate condition, which is still alive and kicking with minimal issues and ~10 years of use.

    As long as you can try before you buy, I can recommend pre-owned consoles. Just test the triggers, buttons and touchscreen input using a game (e.g. LittleBigPlanet Vita) and check the screen.

  • nephilim on 27/07/2015 - 19:09

    edit: https://www.nippon-yasan.com/used-game-consoles-playstation-… might as well get a limited edition if u have already looked

    • mawdy on 28/07/2015 - 14:01

      Eh, I'm hesitant about importing a pre-owned model online that I can't take a look at first, let alone one from japan - limited edition or not.

  • [Deactivated] on 27/07/2015 - 19:21

    The big thing with EBgames is that it will come with a inhouse warrenty but you need to read the fine print, also look at game traders (if they are local) which sell a lot of tech but at an inflated price.

    i have a old school PS vita wifi/3g model and really do like it, always wondere what the new screens look like though as they claim about 1 hr of game time in playability.

    • mawdy on 28/07/2015 - 13:59

      I'm not sure what you mean by in-house warranty; I'm aware I cant very well send a busted console off to Sony, but if EB say they'll cover me for 12 months then why be afraid?

      And Game Traders! I had forgotten. Most are a little far from the CBD where I am but I'll give them a shot; thanks :)

      • [Deactivated] on 28/07/2015 - 16:25

        In house warrenty is just that eb have a warrenty which is independent of Sony but I have seen a mate get stung by it.
        Anyway I don't know what Sony is like with warrenty claims on vitas so it might be better or just as good.

  • froggym on 28/07/2015 - 10:19

    I got a vita from cash converters. It was a bit cheaper than EB, came with an 8gb memory card and a three month warranty.

    • mawdy on 28/07/2015 - 13:57

      Cash converters eh? Interesting. I'll have a looksee, but I'll admit I'm a little skeptical about going through them :S

      • froggym on 28/07/2015 - 14:48

        I got mine from their webstore.

  • [Deactivated] on 28/07/2015 - 18:53
    +2

    https://www.gamesmen.com.au/handhelds/vita/console-deals

    $218 for a brand new 3G model with starter pack or $239 with Minecraft as well (which is excellent)

    • mawdy on 28/07/2015 - 19:41

      Oh wow, I remember seeing these guys mentioned somewhere a while ago but forgot they existed! Damn, how to they still have brand new models around aha

      This seems like the best option so far, thank you! Not having to stress about potential problems with pre-owned is so nice~

      • [Deactivated] on 28/07/2015 - 19:42

        Also check for discount coupons for them, they often have a $5 0ff code.

        They often have stock long after everyone else as they never seem to do a fire sale when clearing out items such as these.

        • mawdy on 28/07/2015 - 19:57

          Brilliant, found the coupon too. Shame the shipping is a bit steep to come down here to ol' SA but I guess it's worth. edit: oh it's just weight-based, nevermind this point aha

          Is paying for delivery insurance a trap? I can't seem to find what it covers on their website (sorry, I'm new to all of this) :\

        • [Deactivated] on 28/07/2015 - 20:00

          @mawdy: I've never had issues with stuff going missing from them though I did have a collectors item's box get slightly scuffed due to inefficient packing. I wouldn't worry about it though.

        • mawdy on 28/07/2015 - 20:05

          @Where's_That_Cake: Okay, thanks for all your help!

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