Why the fark would anyone buy a used controller?

Even prior to COVID-19, who in their right mind would want to handle a secondhand controller?

Besides stick drift and sticky buttons, gamers are not renowned for their cleanliness and outstanding personal hygiene (many gaming tourneys post signs requiring regular showering to participate), used controllers are generally priced a measly $5 below MSRP, and I will pay extra knowing that grubby Cheetos eating fat gamers didn’t get anywhere near my controller.

I never bought used controllers due to wear and tear and you don't know the condition of the controller until after you tried it out.

I never would. I've learnt to never lend things to friends either. I've had a mate in the past break a PS4 controller of mine and didn't give me an explanation as to why. Never replaced it either. Those things aren't cheap.

Perhaps some people like to take a wooden toothpick, run it along the plastic seems to gather up the stranger hand sweat, cells and grim and then lick the tooth pick clean while watching David Attenboroughs Blue Planet?

Economy is the answer.

Some customers think solely with the wallet. Less so long-term, or even contemplate the idea of a defective purchase.

I mean those with less income who enjoy gaming will look for the cheaper alternatives, makes sense in a way. Many of us have the privileges/ jobs to afford brand new; however not everyone can.

Second hand market for controllers isn't that far off buying second hand hardware either though, in all respects they have to hope it works as intended, and keeps working.

I think the reason is pretty obvious.

People who are on a budget maybe? Not sure if you've noticed but a lot of people are being laid off right now...

But that's a stupid reason not to, considering most of us come into contact with things other people have touched every day. You clean it.

A reason not to would be because of the questionable quality.

I did get a Joycon used.

Same reason people buy anything used. They're cheaper. Personally, I'm lucky enough to not being on a strict budget when I decide to make a purchase so I always go for brand new.

You can and should sanitize any used item as a general rule, but yeah you are likely going to get a messed up controller. That said, if you are tech-savy you can replace analog sticks and trigger springs with relative ease and make yourself a new controller.

Why do people buy used mice? Doesn't bother me when people pay for them though.

Bought plenty of used controllers, never had an issue. They are for the kids though who don't look after things as well as I or are original retro. Usually half the cost too.

I buy retro controllers used, kinda have to. New systems though, I just wait till black Friday amd pick them up for cheap.

I mean, for retro systems it's hard to get new - and usually a waste of money, since a new retro controller is usually absurdly priced and you feel guilty opening the box.

But sure - for a current gen system it's a pretty yucky way to save a few bucks

needed a wii classic controller for my snes mini a few years back, had to get a second hand one but i took it apart and cleaned it good :)