If your Nintendo Switch has gotten wet or suffered water damage, you may be wondering if you can still sell it and get any money back. The short answer is yes, you can sell a water damaged Switch, but there are some important factors to consider.
Assessing the Damage
Not all water damage is the same. A Switch that was briefly splashed but still works fine will fetch a much higher resale price than one that was fully submerged and no longer turns on. Here are some things to look for when assessing water damage on a Switch:
- Does it still power on? If not, that’s a bad sign.
- Is there evidence of corrosion, mineral deposits, or residue inside the charging port or game card slot?
- Do the Joy-Cons and other buttons and controls still respond reliably?
- Does the touchscreen still operate smoothly without any glitching?
- Are there any error messages, graphical glitches, or sound issues during gameplay?
Minor cosmetic water damage that doesn’t affect function may only decrease the value by 10-20%. Extensive damage that impacts usability can decrease the value by 50% or more.
Be Upfront About the Damage
When selling any used electronics, it’s important to fully disclose any defects or damage upfront. This is especially true with water damage. Most buyers will be turned off if they receive a Switch and discover unmentioned water damage.
Here are some tips for transparently advertising a water damaged Switch for sale:
- Note the damage in the title and description (“Water damaged but still works” etc.)
- Mention where and how the damage occurred if known
- List observed faults or glitches caused by the damage
- Include clear, well-lit photos showing the damage
- Price accordingly based on condition and functionality
By setting clear expectations about the extent of damage, you are more likely to attract buyers willing to purchase an imperfect but functional Switch at a discounted price.
Where to Sell a Damaged Switch
You have several options for selling a water damaged Switch, each with pros and cons:
- eBay – Large marketplace with buyer protections but fees apply. Damage must be clearly described.
- Facebook Marketplace – Meets local buyers directly but no protections. Must vet buyers carefully.
- Craigslist – Similar to Facebook. Can post locally for free but risky.
- GameStop – Will make an offer, but likely very low for a damaged unit.
- Phone repair shop – May buy damaged devices to refurbish and resell.
eBay is likely the best option since their fees are offset by buyer protections, large reach, and well-defined returns process. Thoroughly test the Switch before shipping and take ample photos of the unit operating normally to avoid returns.
Pricing a Damaged Switch
Pricing a damaged Switch is more art than science. The fair market value depends on factors like:
- Model (Switch OLED vs original)
- Age and wear of device
- Included accessories (Joy-Cons, dock, games)
- Cosmetic condition
- Functionality and performance
Here are some average price ranges for non-working or damaged Switch models in good cosmetic condition:
| Model | Non-Working | Works With Defects |
| Switch OLED | $100-$150 | $200-$250 |
| Original Switch | $75-$125 | $150-$200 |
| Switch Lite | $50-$100 | $100-$150 |
Check completed eBay listings to gauge current market prices. Price on the lower end of the range and highlight the defects. An undamaged Switch will sell for $250+ so temper expectations accordingly.
Is Repair Worth it?
Before selling your damaged Switch, consider if repairing it first could increase the sale value. Here are some tips on deciding if repair is worthwhile:
- Get a quote – Contact Nintendo or a reputable electronics repair shop and ask what they would charge to fix the water damage.
- Compare cost – If the quote is more than ~50% of the value of a working Switch, the repair likely isn’t worth it.
- Assess complexity – Corrosion and mineral deposits can be very difficult to fully remediate.
- Consider selling for parts – Working components like the battery, screen, logic board etc could be sold individually instead of paying for a full repair.
In many cases, the cost of professionally repairing extensive water damage outweighs the potential resale value. But for more minor issues, a repair could significantly boost the selling price.
Parting Out a Damaged Switch
If the Switch is beyond economical repair, consider parting it out instead of selling as a whole unit. Here are some approximate prices for used, working Switch components:
| Part | Used Price |
| Battery | $20-$35 |
| Joysticks | $8-$15 each |
| Motherboard | $65-$100 |
| Screen | $35-$60 |
| Dock | $30-$50 |
Removing and selling individual components can net significantly more than scrapping the whole Switch, but requires skills with electronics repair and disassembly. Watch video guides to learn best practices.
Other Tips for Selling
Here are some other tips to safely maximize your sale value when selling a water damaged Nintendo Switch:
- Factory reset the device to wipe all personal data
- Clean any corrosion or residue from charging port and game slot
- Note if original box or other accessories are included
- Highlight other positives like limited playtime or lack of scratches
- Be responsive to buyer questions about condition
- Offer returns within a short window if the damage was understated
- Consider local pickup rather than shipping to show condition and function
- Accept payment via secure methods like PayPal Goods and Services
Conclusion
While no one wants water damage to their electronics, you can still recover value out of a water damaged Nintendo Switch through strategic selling tactics. Being transparent about the extent of damage, pricing realistically based on functionality, and utilizing marketplaces with buyer protections are key to maximizing your sale price. With some effort you can sell a water damaged Switch, even if it fetches a bit less than an undamaged unit.
