Microsoft urges Xbox owners to trade in consoles

Microsoft has sent emails to Xbox owners offering up to $375 for trading in their consoles, a move that comes a year after the company raised the price of the Series X and Series S by $100 and $150. The email tells owners that if they haven’t used their console in a while or have switched to playing Xbox games on PC, they can return the unit to Best Buy for cash or store credit.

The offer only applies to consoles in excellent condition that include the power cable, controller and stand. Consoles that are in poor condition are worth only about $150, and a refurbished Series X currently sells for around $650—$150 more than its launch price six years ago—making a direct trade‑in less attractive than selling on the secondary market. Many owners might find it more profitable to sell their units on eBay, where they can avoid the refurbishment guarantees.

Average retail prices for Xbox consoles in 2026 are at all‑time highs, with the average new unit selling for $529, a 26 % increase from a year earlier, while PlayStation consoles average $597. Consumer demand has slowed, with 559,000 consoles sold in August—15 % fewer than the same month a year ago and the lowest August total since 2013.

Microsoft is working with retail partners to provide refurbished consoles at lower prices, and it has suggested owners trade in their units for cash or store credit. The company is also preparing a new Xbox lineup that could debut in 2028 for $1,200 to $1,800, and a handheld model may launch in 2027. This approach allows Microsoft to gather older hardware for refurbishment while offering consumers a way to get a discount on a new or used unit.