Microsoft Urges Owners of Unused Xbox Consoles to Trade Them In
Microsoft is emailing some Xbox Series X and S owners, inviting them to trade in idle consoles at Best Buy for up to $375. The campaign comes as a RAM shortage tightens console supply and pushes prices up.
Microsoft, the US technology company behind the Xbox gaming consoles, has begun emailing some Xbox Series X and Series S owners this month, encouraging them to trade in unused devices at the US electronics retailer Best Buy. The campaign is part of efforts to increase console supply at a time when a shortage of computer memory (RAM) is making hardware more expensive. PowerUpGaming was the first to report on the emails.
What the emails say
The messages ask, "Haven't played on your console in a while?" and mention trading in at Best Buy for "up to $375 back." Best Buy's trade-in page confirms $375 is the top offer for a Series X in good condition, provided it comes with a working controller, power cord and docking station. Best Buy pays only in store credit.
The source article notes that trading in is convenient, but that convenience reduces the payout. Selling on a site such as eBay takes more effort but can bring in more money, especially if controllers and docks are included.
Background: prices and shortages
Driven by AI-sector demand for RAM, Microsoft announced another price increase for Xbox Series X and S in June, following a rise last October. In the same announcement, the company listed several measures to soften the impact, and the trade-in campaign appears to be one of them.
Why it matters to Microsoft
The RAM shortage is expected to last into 2028, so further hardware shortages are likely. While someone is using a console, Microsoft can earn from Game Pass subscriptions and digital sales. The company also runs its own trade-in program and sells refurbished consoles on its website. The article suggests that favoring Best Buy may be a way to reach a wider consumer base, since the retailer has many physical stores in the US.
