You've probably got that bulky black or white brick sitting under your TV gathering dust. It's been a good run. The Xbox One era gave us some bangers, but now that the Series X and PS5 have basically taken over, that old hardware is just taking up space. You're wondering where should i sell my xbox one without getting absolutely ripped off by a trade-in scout or scammed by a random person in a parking lot.
It's a weird market right now.
Because Microsoft supported the Xbox One for so long with cross-gen titles, the value didn't crater as fast as previous generations. However, we're finally at that tipping point. Hardware is aging. Disc drives are starting to get clicky. The "OG" VCR-style Xbox One is becoming a tough sell, while the Xbox One X still holds some weirdly specific value for 4K Blu-ray enthusiasts. Honestly, if you wait another year, you're looking at "doorstop" pricing.
The Trade-In Reality Check
Let’s talk about GameStop first because everyone thinks of them first. It's convenient. You walk in, they beep a barcode, and you walk out. But you're paying for that convenience with your potential profit. If you take an original 500GB Xbox One to GameStop today, don't expect a windfall. Often, the trade-in value is significantly lower than a private sale because they have to bake in the cost of refurbishing, warranting, and sitting on that inventory.
Unless there is a "Pro" member trade-in bonus happening—which they do occasionally run to juice numbers for new console launches—it’s usually the least profitable route.
Best Buy is another big player. Their trade-in program is surprisingly clean, but it's almost always store credit. If you’re planning on buying a new game or a literal fridge, cool. If you need rent money? Not so much. Back Market and Decluttr are the digital versions of this. You type in the serial number, they give you a quote, you ship it for free. It’s low stress. No one is going to ghost you on a Facebook Marketplace meeting. But again, these companies are middlemen. They need to flip your console for a profit.
Where Should I Sell My Xbox One for the Highest Price?
If you want the most actual cash, you have to go person-to-person. There's no way around it.
eBay is the gold standard for market value. If you want to know what your console is actually worth, filter your search by "Sold Items." Don't look at what people are asking; look at what people are actually paying. You’ll see a massive range. A console with the original box, two controllers, and a stack of decent games like Forza or Halo will always command a premium.
Shipping is the killer here. An original Xbox One is heavy. If you don't calculate shipping correctly, you might end up spending $30 just to send it across the country, which eats half your profit.
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Then there's Mercari. It's a bit more "garage sale" vibes than eBay but has a very active gaming community. The fees are slightly different, and the interface is arguably easier for a casual seller. But you still deal with the shipping headache.
The Local Hustle: Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist
Facebook Marketplace has basically killed Craigslist for electronics. It’s just how it is now. People like seeing a profile picture; it feels less like a scene from a thriller movie. If you're asking where should i sell my xbox one to get cash in hand today, this is the answer.
But it’s a jungle.
You will get "is this available?" messages at 3:00 AM. You will get people offering you a broken mountain bike and a half-eaten sandwich in trade. You have to be firm. Set your price slightly higher than what you actually want so you have room to "negotiate" down to your real target.
Pro Tip: Always meet in a "Safe Exchange Zone." Most local police departments have these in their parking lots now, under 24/7 surveillance. If a buyer refuses to meet at a police station, they weren't a real buyer.
Does the Model Actually Matter?
Yes. A lot.
There are three main versions of this console, and the price gap between them is wider than you’d think.
- The Original Xbox One (2013): The big one with the external power brick. These are the hardest to sell. The power bricks are notorious for failing, and the internal hard drives are slow. If you have the Kinect sensor with it, some people might pay a tiny bit more for the novelty, but mostly, this is a budget entry-point machine.
- Xbox One S: The slim version. It has a 4K Blu-ray player and looks much nicer on a shelf. This is the "sweet spot" for most buyers. It's reliable and supports HDR.
- Xbox One X: The "Beast." Even though the Series X is out, the One X is still a powerhouse for 1080p and 4K gaming. It has a niche following among collectors and people who want a cheap way to play games at high resolutions.
If you have a limited edition console—like the Halo 5 edition or the Gears 5 translucent frost version—stop. Do not take that to a trade-in shop. Those are collector items. You should specifically list those on eBay or a dedicated gaming forum like PriceCharting or even certain subreddits. Collectors will pay a massive premium for a mint condition limited edition box.
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Preparing the Console (Don't Skip This)
If you sell a console with your account still logged in, you're asking for a headache. Or worse, identity theft.
You need to do a full factory reset. On the Xbox, it’s under Settings > System > Console Info > Reset Console. Choose "Reset and remove everything." This wipes your profiles, your saved passwords, and your credit card info.
Also, clean the thing. Seriously.
Nobody wants to buy a console covered in thumb grease and dust bunnies. A quick wipe with some isopropyl alcohol and a blast of compressed air in the vents can literally add $20 to the sale price. It shows the buyer you actually gave a damn about the hardware. If it looks like it’s been sitting in a woodshop for five years, people will assume the internal fan is about to die.
Why Some People Struggle to Sell
I see people listing Xbox Ones for $200 all the time. They aren't selling.
Why? Because the Xbox Series S exists. You can often find a used Series S—which plays all the new games and has an SSD—for around $150 to $180. If you are trying to sell an old Xbox One for the same price as a next-gen machine, you’re going to be staring at that listing for months.
You have to be realistic about the tech gap. The Xbox One uses a mechanical hard drive. It's slow. Loading GTA V takes forever. Buyers know this. If you want a fast sale, you need to price it as an entry-level machine for a kid’s bedroom or a secondary media player.
The "Bundle" Trap
Don't assume your games add a ton of value. Most Xbox One games are available on Game Pass. If you're including Madden 17 or FIFA 18, those are essentially worth zero dollars. Sports games lose value faster than a new car driving off a lot.
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However, if you have physical copies of rare titles or games that aren't on Game Pass, sell those separately. You’ll almost always make more money selling the console by itself and the valuable games individually than you would by bundling them all together for one "deal" price.
Strategic Timing
Believe it or not, when you list matters.
Don't list your console on a Tuesday morning. List it on a Thursday night or Friday morning. People get paid on Fridays. They spend their weekend browsing Marketplace for deals. If your listing is at the top of the feed on a Saturday morning, it’s gone by Sunday.
Also, think about the school calendar. Right before summer break or right before the holidays are peak buying times for parents looking for cheap entertainment for their kids.
Final Verdict on Locations
If you want the fastest cash: Go to a local independent game store (not a chain). They often pay better than GameStop and love supporting the local community.
If you want the easiest experience: Use a site like Decluttr. Print the label, box it up, and wait for the direct deposit.
If you want the most money: Facebook Marketplace or eBay. Just be prepared to deal with "is this still available?" and the occasional lowballer offering you a trade for a used vape.
Your Immediate Action Plan
- Check the Sold Listings: Go to eBay, search for your specific model (S, X, or Original), and filter by "Sold." This is your reality check.
- The 5-Minute Clean: Wipe the shell down and use a toothpick to get the gunk out of the controller seams.
- Factory Reset: Go into settings and nuking the data is non-negotiable.
- Take Good Photos: Don't take a blurry photo in a dark room. Put the console on a clean table with good lighting. Take a photo of it turned on and connected to a TV to prove it works.
- Write a Honest Description: List exactly what’s included (cables, controllers, games) and mention any quirks, like a loud fan or a sticky button. Honesty prevents returns and bad reviews.