ⓘ Best buy, Microsoft
Although Microsoft is once again committed to Xbox consoles, it is asking players to sell their hardware. Nintenal shared an email on social media aimed at users with an unused Xbox Series Best Buy will issue customers up to $375 in gift cards for the systems. The offering comes at a time when many markets are suffering from price increases and shortages.
The message is aimed at the public who have abandoned the Xbox console or switched to PC or another device. Presumably, models with more storage and a hard drive would qualify for the higher trade-in value.
A fair deal?
$375 is well below the non-digital Xbox Series X price of $800 or more in the US. Globally, costs are often higher as Microsoft struggles to produce the systems. However, it’s comparable to, if not better than, what rivals like GameStop are willing to pay.
Followers are debating what the strategy is behind the trade-in deal. Microsoft may have negotiated a lucrative deal with Best Buy. However, it is also likely looking to bolster supplies of used Xbox consoles in stores.
When it announced its latest price increases in June, the company explained how else it would respond to the component shortage. Options include interest-free financing and buy now, pay later programs. More relevantly, it said it is “working with retail partners on new programs to provide previously used consoles at lower prices.”
Attract new players
Even with plans for Project Helix, Microsoft is dependent on revenue from the publication and Game Pass subscriptions. However, the Xbox Series X|S install base lags far behind that of the PS5, limiting its sales potential. The second-hand market can reach new customers who otherwise couldn’t afford the rising retail prices.
This approach could work as a temporary solution, in the hope that RAM and SSD costs will ease. Even so, CEO Asha Sharma will need other creative alternatives to find adopters for Project Helix. The executive teased a family of next-generation devices, possibly based on cheaper OEM hardware and reduced specs. It has also pledged to use memory and storage more efficiently, although it’s unclear how.
I became interested in technology at a young age and enjoyed discovering the latest innovations. While earning my publishing degree, I created several PC hardware and gaming websites. My passion has always been to guide readers on which products can truly improve their lives. After many years as a technical writer for Game Rant, I’m eager to share my knowledge with a new audience on Notebookcheck.
