Microsoft asks Xbox console owners to sell used Series X amid high prices and shortages

Despite Microsoft recommitting to Xbox consoles, it’s asking gamers to sell their hardware. Nintendeal shared an email on social media targeting users with an unused Xbox Series X or S. Best Buy will issue customers up to $375 in gift cards for the systems. The offer comes as many markets suffer price increases and shortages.

The message is aimed at audiences who have abandoned their Xbox consoles or switched to PC or another device. Presumably, models with the most storage and a disc drive would qualify for the highest trade-in value.

A fair deal?

$375 is far below the non-digital Xbox Series X price of $800 or more in the U.S. Globally, costs are often steeper as Microsoft struggles to produce the systems. Nevertheless, it’s comparable to, if not better than, what rivals like GameStop are willing to pay.

Followers are debating what the strategy is behind the trade-in deal. Microsoft may have negotiated a profitable arrangement with Best Buy. Still, it’s likely also trying to bolster used Xbox console stocks at storefronts.

When announcing the latest price increases in June, the company explained how else it would respond to component shortages. Options include interest-free financing and buy-now, pay-later programs. More relevant, it said it was “working with retail partners on new programs to provide previously played consoles at lower prices.”

Attracting new players

Even with plans for Project Helix, Microsoft depends on publishing revenue and Game Pass subscriptions. Yet the Xbox Series X|S install base lags well behind the PS5, limiting sales potential. The used market can reach new customers who otherwise can’t afford the rising MSRPs.

This approach may work as a temporary solution, in hopes that RAM and SSD costs ease. Even so, CEO Asha Sharma will need other creative alternatives to find adopters for Project Helix. The executive teased a family of next-gen devices, possibly relying on cheaper OEM hardware and reduced specs. She also pledged to use memory and storage more efficiently, though it’s unclear how.