Selling a water damaged Nintendo Switch can be tricky. On one hand, a water damaged console likely doesn’t work properly and has cosmetic damage. On the other hand, some components may still be salvageable or usable for parts. There are a few quick things to consider when deciding whether to try and sell a water damaged Switch.
What kind of water damage occurred?
The type and extent of water damage plays a big role in determining resale value. Was it just splashed and quickly dried or was it fully submerged? Brief exposure to water may only cause minor, fixable issues whereas extensive submersion likely causes irreparable damage. Closely inspect the condition and assess the water damage level.
Does the Switch still work?
Turn on the Switch and thoroughly test its functionality. Check that the screen turns on, the console charges, the controllers connect properly, games can be played, and all buttons/joysticks work. Any issues here will significantly impact value. Fully non-functional Switches have some parts value but limited resale potential as a whole unit.
What is the cosmetic condition?
Even if functionally sound, water damage may have degraded the physical appearance. Check for corrosion, residue, discoloration, scratches, warped components, etc. Minor flaws lower value while major cosmetic issues can render a unit unsellable.
Can any parts be salvaged?
If the main console is beyond repair, carefully disassemble it and check if any components remain intact for harvest. Parts like the battery, screen, controllers, chips, etc may still have reuse value. Third party repair shops or hobbyists may be interested in purchasing working parts.
Is it an original Switch or updated model?
The specific Switch model affects value too. Older original models tend to fetch higher prices for modding and hacking purposes. The improved battery life models hold higher general value as well. Check your serial number to identify the model.
Should I disclose the water damage?
Be fully transparent that the Switch suffered water damage in your listing. Hiding this critical flaw is unethical and risks unhappy customers when the unit inevitably malfunctions quickly. Clearly state the damage and current condition.
What is a fair asking price?
Price realistically based on the above factors. Heavily damaged, non-working units may only be worth $20-50 for parts/scrap. Minor damage with full playability may still bring $100-150. Good condition with slight flaws could get $175-200. Price on the lower end for quicker sells.
Where should I sell the Switch?
Local listings like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are good options to avoid shipping costs. For wider exposure, eBay and tech forums allow you to post detailed listings describing the unit’s condition. Avoid sending to online electronics buyers, as they only want fully working units.
Is it worth parting out?
If the main console is shot, parting out the Switch can maximize value. List the salvageable components like controllers, cables, games, etc individually. Use eBay and tech forums to target buyers looking for specific parts and repairs.
Should I scrap it for metals?
As a last resort, the metal content itself has some scrap value if all else fails. Specialty electronics recycling companies purchase damaged devices by weight for precious metals like gold, copper, and palladium.
Conclusion
Selling water damaged electronics is challenging but possible if expectations are managed. Thoroughly assess the Switch’s current state, disclose all flaws, price accordingly, and use the optimal sales platforms. Parting out or scrapping are fallback options if the main unit is too far gone. Be honest and find the right buyer willing to take on a water damaged Switch project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a water damaged Switch worth?
A water damaged Switch is worth anywhere from $20 for non-working scrap parts up to $175 for lightly damaged but functional units. Severity of damage, playable condition, and cosmetic flaws greatly affect the value.
Can you fix a water damaged Switch?
It’s sometimes possible to fix a water damaged Switch, but results vary widely. For best results, quickly power off and dry the unit after water exposure before corrosion sets in. Replacing damaged components like the battery may resolve some issues.
Is selling a water damaged Switch illegal?
It’s legal to sell a water damaged Switch as long as you fully disclose the unit’s condition to potential buyers. Hiding or lying about water damage constitutes fraud and violates many consumer protection laws.
What are signs of water damage on a Switch?
Signs of water damage on a Switch include corrosion, mineral deposits, rust, residue, discoloration, blurred screen, flickering display, battery issues, malfunctioning buttons, unresponsive controls, overheating, short circuits, and full failure to power on.
Can Switches work after being soaked in water?
It’s unlikely but possible for a Switch to remain functional after being soaked in water if it’s immediately powered off, disassembled, thoroughly dried, and cleaned. The longer it stays wet while powered on, the lower the chances of recovery.
Selling Water Damaged Electronics Guide
Here is a quick reference table on factors to consider when selling any water damaged electronic device:
| Damage Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Damage Type | Level of water exposure like splash, immersion, etc |
| Component Damage | Which parts still functional vs beyond repair |
| Cosmetic Condition | Level of physical/corrosion damage |
| Salvageable Parts | Screens, batteries, chips, etc that still work |
| Disclosure | Fully disclose water damage in sale listings |
| Pricing | Price based on damage factors and condition |
| Sales Platforms | Use local listings, forums, eBay, etc |
| Parting Out | Sell working components individually |
| Scrapping | Recycle for metals as last resort if fully damaged |
Keeping these key considerations in mind when selling any water damaged device like phones, laptops, tablets, consoles, etc can help maximize returns based on its current state and find the right buyer. Be honest, detail all flaws, demonstrate any still working functions, and price accordingly based on level of damage.
Case Studies: Selling Water Damaged Devices
Lightly Damaged Phone
John recently dropped his iPhone in the pool for a few seconds before retrieving it. The phone immediately powered off when wet. He let it dry out completely for 2 days before attempting to turn it on again. Surprisingly, it sprung back to life once fully dried despite some minor cosmetic damage to the metal casing. The screen and cameras remained flawless and it operated normally aside from a slightly glitchy headphone jack. John disclosed the brief water exposure and minor headphone fault in his eBay listing. He included plenty of photos showing the metal damage but otherwise working screen and software. Priced at a modest discount, the phone sold quickly to a buyer willing to overlook the minor flaws.
Moderately Damaged Laptop
Maria accidentally knocked a glass of water across her open laptop keyboard. She immediately powered it off but some keys began to stick and spark shortly after when she tried turning it back on. After disassembly and thorough drying, the laptop would turn on but the keyboard and trackpad no longer worked properly and the speakers sounded blown out and distorted. Thankfully the screen was undamaged and basic functions still worked when connected to an external mouse and keyboard. Maria listed the laptop on Facebook as-is with water damage, pricing it at 30% below market rate. She demonstrated the working screen and other functions in her listing video. An amateur repair hobbyist purchased it for tinkering with a non-functional keyboard project.
Fully Submerged Console
When a pipe burst, Luis’ game console was fully submerged in water for over an hour before he discovered it. He left it to dry for several days, but it would not power on at all afterwards, clearly beyond repair. While the main console was unusable, Luis tested each accessory and game individually and found the controllers and memory cards still worked fine. He created a listing titled “for parts/repair only” and emphasized the console’s non-functional state. By parting out the working controllers, cables, and games individually he was able to sell the accessories to various buyers and make back a portion of his original investment. The remains were recycled for scrap metal value.
Tips for Selling Water Damaged Devices
Follow these tips when selling any electronic device that has been exposed to moisture:
- Immediately power off and disconnect all cables from the device if it gets wet.
- Disassemble components that can be safely removed to speed up drying time.
- Let the device dry thoroughly for at least 24-48 hours before attempting to turn on again.
- When reconnecting power, carefully check for any spark, smoke, or abnormal smell which indicates damage.
- Test all functions extensively and identify specifically which components or features no longer work.
- Disclose all moisture damage and non-working parts clearly in your sale descriptions.
- Package the device very well for shipping if selling online to prevent transit damage.
- For non-functional units consider parting out working components or scrapping for metal value.
- Price according to level of damage based on operability and cosmetic condition.
Following cautious drying procedures and transparently detailing the device’s current state when selling water damaged tech can lead to successful transactions. There is usually someone willing to repair or tinker with electronics sold “as-is”, even with moisture damage, given sufficient upfront details.
