October 20, 2026, 4:12 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Microsoft is taking an unusual approach in the U.S.: If you’re barely using your Xbox, you should sell it. Best Buy is offering gift cards worth up to $375 in return.
Microsoft Reaches Out Directly to Xbox Owners
Microsoft is apparently struggling to get enough new Xbox consoles into stores. Long wait times and rising prices are frustrating potential buyers. The company is now trying to at least temporarily increase the supply on the used market, reports the portal “Winfuture.”
To do this, Microsoft is specifically contacting U.S. customers who haven’t used their Xbox for a while. They can trade in the console at electronics retailer Best Buy and receive a gift card worth up to $375. This is approximately 320 euros.
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Up to $375 for Used Xbox
The unusual campaign was highlighted by user Nintendeal, who shared a relevant message from Microsoft on social media. In it, Microsoft addresses customers who have since switched to playing on a PC or another platform for Xbox titles.
How much money Best Buy actually pays for the used console apparently depends on the specific model and its features. The maximum possible $375 is significantly below the new price of an Xbox Series X with a drive. However, compared to other buyback offers, the amount is competitive: Providers like GameStop sometimes pay comparable or lower amounts for used devices.
Used Consoles to Increase Supply
Microsoft’s move isn’t entirely unexpected. The company had already announced plans to work with retail partners on programs for cheaper, used Xbox consoles. The Best Buy campaign could now be a result of these efforts.
Additionally, Microsoft considered other ways to make it easier for customers to purchase a console. Options discussed included interest-free financing and payment models where buyers pay the amount due later. By buying back less-used consoles, Microsoft may have found an additional way to make more Xbox devices available in the short term.