Business · Companies · 1 hr ago
Microsoft urges inactive Xbox Series X owners to trade in consoles
Microsoft is asking some Xbox Series X owners to trade in consoles they have not turned on for several months.
The emails offer up to $375 in Best Buy gift cards for a trade-in at a local store.
The offer is not a fixed payment, and the actual value may be lower.
A new Xbox Series X is listed at $799, so the maximum trade-in amount is less than half that price.
Microsoft has not explained why it is making the offer, but it may help put used consoles back on the market.
Owners who accept can take their console to Best Buy; no further steps or timeline were specified.
Microsoft is emailing some inactive Xbox Series X owners and urging them to trade in their consoles at Best Buy.
The offer is up to $375 in Best Buy gift cards, though the actual trade-in value may be lower.
The emails reportedly went to owners who had not turned on their consoles in a few months.
Microsoft did not state why it was promoting the trade-ins.
XDA suggested the move could help bring more consoles to market amid rising production costs and RAM shortages.
- Who
- Microsoft is contacting some Xbox Series X owners.
- What
- It is urging them to trade in their consoles at Best Buy for up to $375 in gift cards.
- When
- The emails were reported on October 19, 2026.
- Where
- At Best Buy locations.
- Why
- Microsoft did not state a reason. XDA suggested it could be seeking to put more consoles on the market.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Trade-in offer
- Up to $375 in Best Buy gift cards
- New console price
- $799
- Inactive period
- A few months without turning on the console
- Article publication
- October 19, 2026