Congratulations on deciding to buy a used controller. It's mostly a good idea- especially if someone like me is shipping it to you from a distance. You know me, you've read my blog, you've seen my tool working, and you've probably played the mini games I've put out on this site. So the trust is there, and in the worst case you have plenty of ways to reach me (or roast me socially if you didn't like my stuff).
The same isn't true when you're buying from a complete stranger. That's why I tell everyone to hold the controller before making a transfer. And if that isn't possible, ask the seller to record a single-shot video of them testing the gamepad with a reliable gamepad tester (OMG, I'm blushing), showing every single button and both joysticks working. Have them add a unique sticker or note that you gave them onto the controller, then pack it into a small cardboard box filled tightly with thermocol balls or stuffed newspaper so nothing rattles around. While this may not keep you safe from serial scammers, it can still protect you from many issues that may occur with the controller.
One more rule: never buy from a seller who refuses a refund on a faulty controller, and always pay through a reliable platform such as PayPal, so you can raise a dispute if something is wrong. On the other hand, if you made a crypto payment, there'd be no way to track it or even request it back in case the controller was broken.
Once the controller arrives, do this!
- Connect the controller via cable.
- Open the tester page in a new browser window.
- Click any button to connect to the gamepad tester.
- Test every button and watch the response (scroll down to check the input logs too).
- For a fuller picture, hit the play button on the tester screen and play 2 to 3 games from the Cade Arcade to check vibration, input lag, or anything else that feels off about the controller.
Once you have tested out the controller with a cable, remove the cable, connect the controller via Bluetooth, and follow the above instructions from step 2 to step 5.
Copy or download this summary- handy proof when you're returning a faulty pad or buying a used one.
You're looking for buttons that light up when pressed and only when pressed, sticks resting at 0.00 that roll smoothly to the edges, and trigger bars climbing evenly from 0.00 to 1.00. Anything else is the seller's problem, not yours.
Red flags- if this happens, return the controller and ask for a refund
- A button that registers twice per press.
- A stick that won't come back to the centre.
- A trigger that jumps straight to 1.00.
- A pad that keeps dropping out.
Keep the receipts
The Input Log timestamps every press, so an intermittent button gives you something concrete to point at. Screenshot anything odd and attach it to the return request.
If you're still shopping rather than testing, our controller buying guide covers what actually matters.
And if it passes the test here clean- congratulations, you got a bargain, and you got it without gambling.