Microsoft is emailing some Xbox owners about a trade-in deal: hand your Xbox Series X to Best Buy and get "up to $375 back." Xbox confirmed to Gizmodo that the email is real. But with private sales paying more and new upgrades on the way for current consoles, trading in now is not the best deal for most people.
What the Xbox trade-in offer pays
- Series X, good condition with power cable, controller and stand: $375 at Best Buy.
- Series X, poor condition: $150.
- Missing accessories: a missing cable or controller lowers the offer further.
Why Microsoft wants your old console
Xbox raised console prices in June 2026, and a Series X with a disc drive now costs $800. Microsoft also sells refurbished Series X consoles for $650, which is $150 more than the console cost at launch in 2020. To keep selling refurbished units, Microsoft needs a steady supply of used consoles, and trade-ins provide that.
Trade-in vs selling privately
Recently sold Series X listings on eBay have gone for more than $500, well above Best Buy's $375 top offer. Selling privately takes more effort, and marketplace fees and shipping eat into the difference, but you will usually still come out ahead. A trade-in makes sense mainly if you want a quick, hassle-free credit at Best Buy.
Upgrades coming to current Xboxes
AMD has announced that its FSR 4.1 upscaling technology is coming to Xbox Series X and Series S. Upscaling renders games at a lower resolution and rebuilds a sharper image, which can improve performance. It could bring current Xboxes closer to the PS5 and PS5 Pro, if developers add support to existing games. Microsoft's next-generation console, Project Helix, has no announced price, but Gizmodo expects it could cost more than $1,000.
Should you trade in your Xbox?
- Keep it if you still play regularly. FSR 4.1 may give it a boost, and a replacement will be expensive.
- Sell privately if you are done with it and want the most money.
- Trade in only if convenience matters more to you than the extra cash.
Before you sell, make sure your saves are backed up; our guide to Xbox cloud saves and capture settings explains how. If you buy mostly digital games, also read what happens to digital games when servers shut down.
How much is the Xbox trade-in offer worth?
Best Buy offers up to $375 for an Xbox Series X in good condition with its power cable, controller and stand, and $150 for one in poor condition.
Is the Xbox trade-in email real?
Yes. Xbox confirmed to Gizmodo that the trade-in email sent to owners is legitimate.
Can I get more by selling my Xbox Series X myself?
Usually. Recently sold Series X listings on eBay have gone for more than $500, though fees and shipping reduce what you keep.
How much does a new Xbox Series X cost now?
After the June 2026 price increase, a Series X with a disc drive costs $800. Refurbished units cost $650.
