Can I trust a refurbished Xbox?
The quick answer is yes, absolutely! As long as you buy from reputable sources, a refurbished Xbox is extremely reliable and provides massive savings over a new console. Keep reading as we dive into the details you need to make an informed choice.
Digging into what "refurbished" really means
When you buy a refurbished Xbox, you aren‘t just getting some used console. A true refurbished unit has been completely disassembled, tested, repaired, cleaned, and rebuilt to the original manufacturer‘s strict standards.
Everything inside is made to run like new again, almost always using brand new parts for any worn or faulty components. This isn‘t a quick surface clean – it‘s a total overhaul.
Retailers like GameStop have their own extensive refurbishing process as well. But manufacturer refurbished consoles go through even more rigorous quality testing to earn that coveted "Certified Refurbished" label.
According to Xbox‘s stats, their certified devices pass over 500 functional tests with a failure rate of less than 3% in the first year. Compare that to new consoles which fail around 4% of the time.
So you can feel confident knowing that refurbished Xbox consoles are held to nearly the same standards as brand new units. They are designed and built to provide the exact same performance and longevity.
The savings are real – over $100 off new consoles
You‘ll typically save at least 15-20% versus buying a new Xbox, but deals can offer even bigger savings:
| Console | New Price | Refurbished Price |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series X | $499 | $359 |
| Xbox Series S | $299 | $219 |
| Xbox One X | $499 | $349 |
| Xbox One S | $299 | $189 |
Over a 5 year period, the savings add up fast when you factor in used games and lack of sales tax on many refurbished deals:
| Console | 5 Year Cost – New | 5 Year Cost – Refurbished |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series X | $1,850 | $1,515 |
| Xbox Series S | $1,550 | $1,200 |
So spending just a few minutes searching for a solid refurbished deal puts over $100 back in your pocket without sacrificing performance.
What to watch out for when buying refurbished
While certified refurbished consoles are practically equal to new, you do need to be careful when shopping around. Here are some tips:
- Always buy from the original manufacturer or major retailers like GameStop and Amazon that have stringent refurbishing processes.
- Read the full description and look for terms like "Certified Refurbished", "Grade A condition", and "professionally inspected".
- Search for a warranty of at least 90 days – 1 year is standard for manufacturer refurbished Xboxes.
- Thoroughly test every function when you first get it and return immediately if you spot any issues.
As long as you follow these guidelines, there‘s minimal risk but huge upside.
Hands-on testing tips from an Xbox technician
I spoke with Chris, an Xbox repair technician, to get his advice for checking a refurbished console:
"First, examine the console closely for any scratches, scuffs or cracks. Small nicks are normal but big gashes could indicate internal damage.
Boot up the Xbox and navigate between games, movies, and apps. Listen for any odd grinding or buzzing noises which can mean a faulty fan or hard drive.
Connect controllers and headsets to test all buttons, triggers, sticks, and audio. Check both wired and wireless connections.
Play graphically intense games for 30+ minutes to listen for overheating issues or artifacts onscreen which may signalGPU problems."
Following Chris‘ tips will help identify any defects early so you can return the console if needed.
Refurbished Xbox buying guide
Looking for the best refurbished Xbox deal today? Here are my current recommendations:
Best Budget Xbox – Xbox One S (500GB) for $159 at Walmart. Grade A certified refurbished with 90 day warranty. Great entry-level option.
Best Mid-Range – Xbox Series S for $219 at Amazon. Amazon Renewed guaranteed to look and work like new. More power for just $60 more.
Best High-End – Xbox Series X for $359 at GameStop. Their Premium Refurbished tier adds bonus quality testing and a 1 year warranty. Well worth it!
I always advise spending a bit more for that extended peace of mind of a 1 year warranty whenever possible. It‘s a small price to pay to ensure your savings aren‘t erased by expensive repairs down the road.
The bottom line is you can score massive savings with hardly any compromise by purchasing a refurbished Xbox. Just be sure to buy from trusted sources and thoroughly test it at purchase. Then get ready to enjoy the latest games at new console performance for used console prices!
Let me know if you have any other questions about picking the perfect refurbished Xbox. I‘m always happy to share more tips and advice. Game on!