You've probably heard the jokes. You walk into a GameStop with a stack of games and a console, and the guy behind the counter offers you $7.50 and a used copy of Madden 08. It’s a classic meme for a reason. But honestly? Things have shifted lately. If you’re looking at that white box sitting under your TV and wondering about a GameStop trade in Xbox Series S move, the math might surprise you.
It isn't 2012 anymore.
Right now, as we move through January 2026, the secondary market for hardware is weirdly stable. Xbox has been making moves with their mid-gen refreshes and new hardware rumors, which actually keeps the "entry-level" Series S in a sweet spot for trade value. People want them. Families want them for kids. That means GameStop wants yours.
What is an Xbox Series S actually worth at GameStop right now?
Let’s get straight to the numbers. You aren't here for a history lesson. You want to know if you can afford that new handheld or the rumored "Xbox 25" hardware coming down the pike.
As of mid-January 2026, a standard Xbox Series S (500GB/512GB model) is seeing a base trade-in value of roughly $185.00 in store credit. If you’re a GameStop Pro member, that number jumps up by 10%, landing you closer to $203.50.
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If you happen to have the 1TB Black Series S, the value is significantly higher. We’re seeing credit offers hit up to $225.00 for regular customers and a whopping $247.50 for Pro members.
Cash is a different story. It always is.
If you want "green" money in your hand, expect to take a roughly 30% haircut. For that 1TB model, the cash value sits around $173.25 for Pros. It’s a painful drop, but if you’re trying to pay rent instead of buying Halo credits, it’s an option.
The "Pro" Factor
Is the $25 annual membership worth it?
Basically, if you are trading a console, yes. The extra $20 or $25 you get on the trade-in alone almost pays for the membership immediately. Plus, they usually give you a $5 monthly reward. If you're trading in today, sign up for Pro first. It’s a math problem that solves itself.
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How to not get rejected at the counter
I’ve seen people get turned away because they forgot a $5 cable. Don't be that person. GameStop is picky because they have to be—they’re going to resell your "trash" as someone else's "treasure."
You need three things, or the deal is off:
- The console (obviously).
- A working Xbox Wireless Controller (it doesn't have to be the one it came with, but it has to be official).
- The HDMI cable and the power cord.
Pro Tip: Clean the dust out of the vents. Seriously. If the associate looks at the back of your Series S and it looks like a dryer lint trap, they might mark it as "Refurbished condition." That knocks about $20 to $40 off your value instantly. Take a Q-tip to it. It takes two minutes.
Why GameStop instead of eBay or Mercari?
Look, you can technically get more money on eBay. A used Series S might sell for $230 or $240 on a good day. But then you have to deal with:
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- The 13% seller fee.
- Shipping a heavy box ($15-$20).
- The "it arrived broken" scam.
- The "can you take $50 and a pair of used AirPods?" messages.
GameStop is the "I don't want to deal with humans" tax. You walk in, they plug it in, they hand you a card, you walk out. Total time? Maybe 15 minutes if the line isn't wrapped around the Funko Pop aisle. For a lot of us, that convenience is worth the $30 difference in price.
The 2026 Hardware Context
Why is the value still this high? Microsoft recently teased some "Xbox 25" anniversary details, and the "Secret" Developer Direct has everyone hyped. When new stuff is announced, trade values usually drop because everyone rushes to sell at once.
If you’re thinking about trading in, do it before the next big Microsoft showcase. Once the market is flooded with used Series S units from people upgrading to the next big thing, these $200+ credit offers will vanish.
Your Pre-Trade Checklist
Before you head to the store, do these exact steps:
- Factory Reset: Go to Settings > System > Console Info > Reset Console > Reset and remove everything. Don't leave your account logged in. It's a security nightmare and the employee has to wait for it to delete anyway.
- Update the Controller: Plug your controller into the console and run an update if it asks. Sometimes they won't accept a controller that's glitching out on old firmware.
- Check for "Trade Anything" Promos: GameStop has been running "Trade Anything" events lately (like the one back in December). Check their app before you go. Sometimes they have a "Trade in a console, get an extra $50 toward a pre-order" deal that isn't advertised on the front window.
- Bring your ID: You cannot trade items for cash or high-value credit without a government-issued ID. They have to track this for pawn shop laws. No ID, no trade.
Honestly, the Series S has held its value better than almost any other "budget" console in history. If you've had your fun with Game Pass and you're ready to jump to a PS5 Pro or a high-end PC, now is probably the peak of the trade-in curve.
Go to the GameStop website and use their "Trade Value" search tool right before you leave the house. Prices can change daily, and having the trade quote page open on your phone can sometimes help if the store's system is lagging behind a recent promotion. Move fast, get your credit, and get out before the next hardware cycle renders the Series S a "retro" machine.