10 BROKEN Nintendo Switches - How Many Can We Fix?
Entertainment
Introduction
I recently purchased 10 broken Nintendo Switch consoles from eBay with the intention of repairing them and selling them for a profit. Each console came with different faults, ranging from no power and faulty charging ports to damaged screens. I decided to document my repairs and see how many I could successfully fix. Before diving in, I invited viewers to guess how many they thought I would be able to repair out of the 10 consoles.
Purchase Details
The total cost for these consoles was £225, which breaks down to £22.50 per device—a fantastic bargain for potentially profitable repairs. Each console has been labeled for easy reference throughout the repair process.
Repair Process
Nintendo Switch #1: Damaged Charging Port
Upon inspection, the first console had a visibly damaged charging port. With no signs of water damage, I proceeded to take it apart. After replacing the charging port and checking for shorts, I was pleased to find that the console powered on successfully, indicating proper charging functionality.
Status: Fixed
Nintendo Switch #2: Damaged Screen
This console powered on, but the seller claimed the screen was damaged. Upon testing, everything functioned properly, including touchscreen responsiveness. I suspect it was incorrectly categorized, as the screen had minor aesthetic issues but was operational.
Status: Fixed
Nintendo Switch #3: No Power
The third console indicated no power at all. After troubleshooting and replacing several components without success, I confirmed that the motherboard was likely irreparable. It was disappointing to declare this one unfixable.
Status: Not Fixed
Nintendo Switch #4: Orange Screen
This console exhibited the notorious orange screen error, commonly linked to a faulty Wi-Fi chip. After some effort to replicate the fault, I decided to reflow the Wi-Fi IC. Following this, the device worked perfectly, with no further orange screen issues detected.
Status: Fixed
Nintendo Switch #5: Damaged Charging Port
Switch number five also had a damaged charging port. After a straightforward port replacement, the console worked flawlessly.
Status: Fixed
Nintendo Switch #6: No Power
This device appeared clean inside. Unfortunately, despite testing and checking components for shorts, it was also declared unfixable, primarily due to the presence of corrosion.
Status: Not Fixed
Nintendo Switch #7: Damaged Screen
Charging this console revealed it powered on, and the screen functioned normally despite minor aesthetic issues. A damaged charging port was replaced as a precaution.
Status: Fixed
Nintendo Switch #8: No Power
Testing this console revealed a short, leading to the conclusion that the M92 chip was faulty. After replacing it, the device finally powered on and functioned correctly.
Status: Fixed
Nintendo Switch #9: Orange Screen
Similar to the fourth console, I couldn't replicate the orange screen issue, leading me to reflow the Wi-Fi IC. This resulted in a fully operational console—no orange screens appeared post-repair.
Status: Fixed
Nintendo Switch #10: No Power
This console initially showed no power signs but underwent inspection for shorts. Eventually, the fault was traced back to the M92 chip again, which was replaced successfully.
Status: Fixed
Overall Results
Out of the 10 Nintendo Switch consoles, I successfully repaired 8, achieving an 80% success rate. One console was discarded due to water damage, while another was rendered unrepairable due to motherboard issues. In terms of costs, the repairs were minimal, making this a worthwhile project.
Profit Calculation:
- Total Revenue from Sales: £715
- Total Repair Costs: £3 (for charging ports)
- Gross Profit: £422.65
This project not only highlighted the potential profitability of repairing broken consoles but also underscored the importance of understanding the mechanics behind the devices.
Keyword
Nintendo Switch, Repairs, eBay, Profit, Charging Port, Orange Screen, No Power, Motherboard, Components, Success Rate.
FAQ
Q1: How many Nintendo Switch consoles did you buy?
A1: I bought 10 broken Nintendo Switch consoles.
Q2: What types of faults did the consoles exhibit?
A2: The faults included no power, damaged screens, broken charging ports, and an orange screen.
Q3: How many consoles did you manage to fix?
A3: I successfully fixed 8 out of the 10 consoles.
Q4: What was the total cost of purchasing the consoles?
A4: The total cost was £225.
Q5: What profit did you make after repairs?
A5: The gross profit from repairing and selling the consoles was £422.65.