You Can Get a Nintendo Switch on Sale From Amazon Renewed, But Is It Safe to Shop?

Tucked between the daily deals and endless Prime finds is something called Amazon Renewed, a lesser-known section that may have sparked your curiosity. Essentially, it’s a dedicated hub where you can score steep discounts on big-ticket items like smartphones, laptops and vacuums — often with little to no risk.

But how exactly does it work, and how reliable are the products? Here’s everything you need to know about Amazon Renewed before you add to cart.

Amazon Renewed is a marketplace for refurbished, pre-owned and open-box products that have been tested and verified — by qualified suppliers that work with Amazon — to work like new. These items are sold either by Amazon directly or by vetted third-party sellers who meet Amazon’s strict standards.

SHOP EVERYTHING FROM AMAZON RENEWED

Most of the time, these products come from customer returns, overstock or trade-ins — and while they may show light cosmetic wear, they must be fully functional and pass a complete diagnostic test. They’re then typically repackaged in a plain box. While necessary accessories are included, they may not be the original versions.

Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch, WiFi, 128GB

$691 at Amazon

Nintendo Switch™ with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy‑Con™

Now 17% Off

$299 $247 at Amazon

Vitamix Explorian Blender

Now 26% Off

$380 $280 at Amazon

eufy BoostIQ RoboVac

Now 31% Off

$140 $96 at Amazon

Garmin Forerunner 55

Now 17% Off

$180 $150 at Amazon

Nuwave 6-Quart Brio Healthy Digital Air Fryer

$85 at Amazon

When done right, buying refurbished can be a smart way to save — and Amazon’s Renewed program is designed to minimize the risk. "Buying refurbished products is a great way to save money, especially on electronics and appliances," says Lexie Sachs, executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute.

Every item listed as Renewed has been professionally inspected and tested to ensure it’s fully functional. "The fact that Amazon inspects and guarantees refurbished products makes it a low-risk purchase, because shoppers can feel confident that they’ll get their money back if something goes wrong," says Sachs. "I also love how Amazon lists out what you can expect from the refurbished items, including cosmetic scratches, battery life and included accessories."

To qualify for the program, products must meet strict quality benchmarks, including:

• No visible defects when viewed from more than 12 inches away
• At least 80% battery capacity (or 90% for Renewed Premium devices)
• All necessary accessories included, even if they’re generic
• Secure, clean packaging, which may not be original

The warranty is simple and straightforward — and a big part of what makes Amazon Renewed feel like a safer bet than buying used from a random third-party seller. Every Amazon Renewed purchase — sold by Amazon and by third-party sellers participating in the Renewed program — is backed by the Amazon Renewed Guarantee, which gives you 90 days to return or replace the item if it doesn’t work as expected.

For select products labeled Renewed Premium, the guarantee is even stronger — you’ll get a 1-year warranty from the date of delivery. These products must meet stricter standards for condition, battery life and packaging, and are often limited to higher-end electronics like smartphones, laptops, desktops and tablets or automotive products.

To file a claim under either warranty, you can return the item through your Amazon account or contact customer service. If the return window has passed and you're eligible under the Renewed Guarantee, Amazon will still honor the warranty as long as it's within the covered timeframe.

Products labeled “Used – Like New” are typically customer returns sold through Amazon Warehouse and may not be professionally inspected or tested. Amazon Renewed items, on the other hand, are refurbished and certified by qualified pros. They're also backed by the Renewed Guarantee, making them a safer, more reliable option.

Amazon Renewed is limited to certain categories — primarily electronics, appliances, tools and office equipment. You won’t find Renewed listings for everyday essentials like clothing or groceries.

Many Renewed products are eligible for Prime shipping — especially if they’re fulfilled by Amazon. Just look for the Prime logo on the listing like you normally would when shopping the rest of the site.

If you're looking to save money on big-ticket items like electronics or appliances, and you’re comfortable with the idea of something gently used or refurbished, Amazon Renewed offers solid value with low risk.

The products are professionally tested, clearly described and backed by a no-hassle return policy that makes the experience feel a lot closer to buying new than buying used. Just be sure to read the product details carefully, stick with listings that carry the Renewed label and check whether you're getting the standard 90-day guarantee or the upgraded 1-year Renewed Premium warranty.

Brigitt Earley

Contributing Writer

Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.