Tech Talk

The original Xbox One launched back in 2013, now followed by a range of successors, and recently topped with Xbox One X. If you're looking to upgrade to this 4K gaming beast, unloading your old console is an easy way to fund a replacement. With millions of markets, we've wrapped up our top tips for getting the most money from your old Xbox One.

Products used in this guide

• Save on 4K: Xbox One X 1TB Console – Fallout 76 ($299 at Amazon)
• Budget gaming: Xbox One S 1TB Console ($205 at Microsoft)
• Keep it clean: AmazonBasics Microfiber Cleaning Cloth Pack ($15 at Amazon)
• Spotless: Endust for Electronics Compressed Air ($13 at Amazon)

Best time to sell your Xbox One console

In previous years, mid-generation Xbox hardware focused on delivering a new form factor, with minor features thrown in to entice new buyers. Ultimately, the core gaming experience has stayed the same until the Xbox One X.

With the Xbox One X, this marked a significant change for the industry, offering new resources available to push 4K, despite remaining a part of the Xbox One family. As a result, the value of legacy Xbox One hardware has dropped, as marketing shifts toward the hottest setup.

That's not to say there isn't demand for the original Xbox One. Retailing for $500, many can't justify the Xbox One X for improved visuals. Selling your console sooner will still return more cash, especially as the next-generation Xbox Series X nears.

What should you do before selling an Xbox One?

Once ready to sell your Xbox One, there are precautions to take before it leaves your hands. We've outlined three key tips to consider once set for auction.

Reset your console to Factory Settings

As with any modern device, a factory reset on your console is a necessity to protect your data. With Xbox Live profiles tightly integrated into Microsoft's overarching ecosystem, it's crucial that any traces of personal data and erased before handing the console over.

While all of the Xbox One's save data syncs with the cloud, transfer some games and save data over to an external hard drive is recommended. Some Xbox One titles clock near 100GB, so this will save a lot of time when setting up a new console.

Once you've saved your data, reset your Xbox One console following the steps below.

Warning: This will remove all data from your console.

1. Open Settings on your Xbox One console.
2. Scroll down to the System tab.
3. Select Console info.
4. Navigate to the Reset console button.
5. Select the Reset and remove everything option. This will entirely wipe your console to a factory-fresh state.

Throw in games and accessories

Have a spare controller? A cheap headset? Make sure to throw that in with your console. If you're handling the sale of your console, adding accessories of any kind will add more value to the overall package (and remove clutter from your life).

From the buyer's eyes, adding extra items will reduce the additional money they have to spend alongside a console. A few games will go a long way too, whether or not they're hugely popular. Putting together enough items to create a basic "starter kit" for new gamers will drive up the package's value and help stand out from other sellers.

Do note though, all of your existing peripherals remain functional on the Xbox One X and Xbox Series X if you upgrade. So don't sell that awesome headset thinking it's going to stop working.

Clean your Xbox One

Wherever you plan to sell on your Xbox One, looking the part is always important. Some quick, yet effective methods can be used to spruce up your console, to add a little extra to the final value.

This is especially important when selling your console via online auction sites, where photos are the only glimpse of the device. Between a quick dusting and some polish to shine up glossy surfaces, your console will be more attractive both in-person and online. Earlier Xbox One consoles, which featured a glossy casing, are more prone to scratches and harder to conceal.

However, make sure your listings are honest and don't hide any significant scratching or dents to the console. If you've falsely advertised in your listing, many sites have policies that heavily favor the buyer in a dispute.

How to get the best price for your Xbox One

Now you've prepared your console, it's time to choose where you want to sell it. Many video game retailers buy second-hand consoles. However, online auction sites can often bring in higher profits.

Setting up an online listing is a great way to receive more for your console.

While retailers will buy working consoles with no questions asked, they are a third party between the previous owner and a new buyer. With all those involved hoping to make a profit, retailers will offer significantly less, so they're able to make a hefty markup on the pre-owned hardware. Selling your console to these vendors will be easier and guarantees a sell. However, you'll be getting a fixed, smaller return on your initial investment.

If you're willing to spend a little more time on your sale, setting up an online listing can be a great way to receive more for your console. Between some attractive photography and an in-depth listing, you'll see a significant increase in your revenue.

Selling your Xbox One to GameStop

While GameStop will take in any working console, the company has been known to undervalue its trade-ins. Unlike auction sites, selling directly to GameStop will guarantee you cash or store credit, all without the worry of finding a buyer. If you're looking to upgrade your console, store credit will tie you down to a particular retailer but can source a significantly larger budget.

As of writing, GameStop is currently offering around $60 for the Xbox One 500GB model and $90 for the more spacious 1TB version. For real-time values on specific Xbox One consoles and bundles, make sure to check out GameStop's online trade-in calculator.

Selling your Xbox One to Amazon

Amazon also accepts Xbox One trade-ins, with current valuations slightly exceeding those of GameStop. To send off your console, you must first identify its condition using the company's guidelines. The console's value can vary based on its status and bundle, but if it is fully functional, Amazon will be offering around $90 for a 500GB model.

Amazon's guidelines allow for some minor dents and damage to the hardware without hugely affecting the console's value. If you've incorrectly estimated the condition, Amazon will give you the option of a free return shipping or a lower valuation. Amazon offers a handy trade-in calculator to help you estimate how much your console and included accessories should be worth.

Selling your Xbox One on eBay

As one of the most popular online auction sites, eBay serves as a platform for thousands of second-hand Xbox One sales monthly. Provided that you're asking a reasonable price and offering enough photos and description, it's not difficult to get traction with a sale on eBay.

Before listing your item, take a look around at the pricing of Xbox One consoles currently for sale. Right now, Xbox One 500GB models are fetching close to $100 or lower and 1TB alternatives reaching $150. This increased value comes from a direct sale to the buyer with no third party in the middle taking their cut. eBay does take a small cut of the profit when selling through their site, so make sure your earnings don't diminish over other methods.

When listing an Xbox One console on eBay, make sure to present the console professionally with an in-depth description and high-quality photos. Other bonuses, such as fast shipping and additional accessories, will help your listing stand out from the crowd.

Our top equipment picks

While this guide only covers three outlets for selling your Xbox One, you may find better valuations from other businesses or even making a direct sale to a friend or family member. As always, keep your mind open, but be wary of potential scams. Once you're ready to go, pick up the Xbox One X at its lowest retail price yet.

Our pick

Xbox One X 1TB Console - Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

$299 at Amazon

Get upgraded to 4K Xbox gaming

Microsoft's flagship Xbox One X console packs the best of Xbox, hitting 4K resolution and HDR colors across hundreds of titles. It's the most powerful console on the market, guaranteed to impress.

Additional Equipment

If you need to prep your Xbox One for selling, you're going to want to clean it.