You've probably got an old Xbox 360 sitting in a closet somewhere. Maybe it’s the original "Pro" model with the chrome tray, or perhaps it’s that sleek, glossy black Slim you bought right before the Xbox One came out. Most people think these things are basically e-waste at this point, just plastic bricks gathering dust next to a copy of Kinect Adventures.
Honestly? You might be sitting on more cash than you realize.
The market for retro consoles is weird right now. It’s not just about nostalgia; it’s about a perfect storm of digital stores closing down and a sudden surge in people wanting to own physical media again. But don’t go planning a vacation based on your old console just yet. The price range is massive. It can be the difference between a $20 bill and a $400 payday.
The Short Answer: What’s the Current Rate?
If you just want the quick numbers for 2026, here’s the reality. For a standard, working Xbox 360 Slim with a controller and the power brick, you’re looking at roughly $80 to $115 on the open market.
If you take that same console to a trade-in spot like GameStop, don't expect miracles. Their "Regular Value" for a 360 S model usually hovers around $45 to $55 in cash, though you might get closer to $70 or $75 in store credit if you're a "Pro" member. It’s the convenience tax. You pay for not having to deal with flaky buyers on Facebook Marketplace.
But wait.
The price swings wildly based on the exact version you have. The "Fat" original models—the ones famous for the Red Ring of Death—actually sell for less unless they have a specific motherboard (like the "Jasper" revision) that doesn't melt itself. Those usually go for $40 to $65 if they’re just loose units.
Why Some 360s are Worth Way More Than Others
You’ve got to look at the "trim" of your console. It’s like selling a car. A base model Honda Civic isn't a Type R, right?
The Limited Editions
This is where the real money is. If you have the Halo 3 Special Edition (the Spartan-green one) or the Star Wars R2-D2 edition that makes droid noises when you turn it on, you're in the money. These frequently sell for $150 to $250, depending on how beat up the shell is. If you have the matching gold C-3PO controller, tack on another $40.
The Gears of War 3 crimson red console is another heavy hitter. Collectors love that one. It easily clears $200 if it’s clean.
The "Blades" Factor
This is a niche one, but it’s huge for collectors. If you haven't turned your Xbox 360 on in fifteen years, do not update the software. Consoles still running the original "Blades" dashboard—the colorful, sliding menu interface from 2005—are incredibly rare. Because almost every console was updated to the "NXE" or "Twist" layouts, a "Blades" console is a holy grail for modders and purists. I've seen these go for $300 to $500 just for the software version alone.
Condition is Everything
Nobody wants a console that smells like a pack of cigarettes or has a disc tray that needs a "prying" with a butter knife.
- Loose: Just the console and cables? Bottom tier pricing.
- CIB (Complete in Box): If you kept the original box, the cardboard inserts, and the manuals, you can basically double the price. A boxed Xbox 360 Slim 250GB can hit $180 or more.
- New/Sealed: If you found a brand-new, never-opened 360 in an attic? You’re looking at $400 to $900 depending on the model.
The "Hidden" Value in Your Accessories
Sometimes the console is just the bait. The real profit is in the stuff you forgot you had.
Most people include one crusty controller with a chewed-up thumbstick. But if you have the wireless networking adapter (the one with the little gray antenna), those still sell for $20 to $30 because the original 360s didn't have Wi-Fi built-in.
And controllers? Official Microsoft controllers in good shape are getting harder to find. A standard black wireless controller in great condition is worth $25 to $35. If you have a weird color like the transparent blue or the silver "transforming D-pad" version, people will pay a premium.
Don't even get me started on the Kinect. Honestly, the Kinect is basically worthless. You might get $5 or $10 for it. It's mostly a paperweight in 2026.
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How much would an xbox 360 sell for if it has games?
Bundling is your best friend if you want a fast sale, but it’s your worst enemy if you want the most money.
If you bundle 10 generic sports games (Madden 09, FIFA 11), you aren't adding value. You're just making the box heavier and more expensive to ship. Most buyers will value those at zero dollars.
However, certain games have skyrocketed. Since the Xbox 360 digital store (the Marketplace) officially closed its doors, physical copies of "delisted" games have gone nuts.
- Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions or Edge of Time: These can sell for $70 to $100 just for the disc.
- Left 4 Dead 2: Still pulls $30.
- NCAA Football 14: This is the legend of the 360 era. Even years later, people pay $80 to $120 for this specific year.
If you have these, sell them separately. Don't just throw them in a "$100 for everything" bundle on Craigslist. You're leaving a hundred bucks on the table.
Where Should You Actually Sell It?
You’ve got choices. Each one has a "vibe."
1. eBay (The Professional Route)
This is where you get the highest price. Period. But you have to deal with shipping, and eBay takes about a 13% cut of your total sale. If your 360 sells for $100, you’re walking away with maybe $80 after fees and shipping supplies.
2. Facebook Marketplace / Craigslist (The Cash Route)
The best part here is no fees and no shipping. You meet at a Starbucks, they give you $100, and you’re done. The downside? You will get 20 messages asking "Is this available?" and then people offering you $30 and a half-eaten sandwich. It requires patience.
3. Mercari / Swappa (The Middle Ground)
Mercari is pretty popular for gaming gear. It’s a bit more "social" than eBay and often has lower fees. Swappa is great because they verify the hardware a bit more, which attracts "serious" buyers who won't haggle as much.
4. Local Retro Game Stores
Support local business? Sure. Get rich? No. A local shop has to pay rent and staff, so they’ll likely offer you 40% to 50% of the actual market value in cash. It's great if you just want the stuff out of your house today.
Avoiding the "Red Ring" Scams and Pitfalls
If you're selling an original "Fat" model (the 2005-2009 versions), you need to be honest. If it has ever had the Red Ring of Death and you "fixed" it with the towel trick or by putting it in the oven, do not sell it as "working perfectly." Those fixes are temporary.
The buyer will find out within two hours of playing Gears of War, and they will file a dispute.
Pro-tip: Check the power port on the back. If it has two plastic "teeth" in the middle of the plug, it's likely a Jasper motherboard. These are the most reliable original models and are actually quite desirable. Mention "Jasper Motherboard" in your listing title to attract the nerds who know what they're doing. They'll pay a bit more for the peace of mind.
Actionable Steps to Maximize Your Sale
If you want to get the most out of your old console, don't just snap one blurry photo and hope for the best.
- Clean it. Use some isopropyl alcohol (90%) and a microfiber cloth. Get the dust out of the vents with canned air. A clean console looks like it was cared for.
- Test the Disc Drive. This is the #1 failure point on 360s. If the drive sticks or doesn't read discs, list it as "For Parts/Repair." People still buy those for $20-$30, but don't lie about it.
- Check the Hard Drive. Go into the settings and see what size it is. A 250GB or 320GB drive makes the console much more valuable than the old 4GB or 20GB units.
- Take "The Proof Photo." Take a picture of the console turned on and plugged into a TV. It proves the "Green Ring" is lit up and the software actually loads. This alone can add 20% to your sale price because it removes the risk for the buyer.
The market isn't getting any colder. As 2000s nostalgia hits its peak, these consoles are only going to get harder to find in good condition. Whether you're looking to clear space or fund a new Series X, now is a pretty great time to see what that white box is worth.
To get started, go to eBay and filter by "Sold Items" for your specific model. That's the only way to see what people are actually paying right now, rather than just what crazy sellers are asking for. Compare your console's condition to those sold listings, and you'll have your "fair" price in about five minutes.