If you’re hunting for a console right now, you’ve probably noticed the market is a total mess. Prices are swinging wildly. Microsoft hiked the MSRP on their newest Series X and S models again in late 2025, which has had a weird, trickling-down effect on the secondary market. People are looking at a $650 price tag for a new Series X and suddenly that old "last-gen" machine in the closet looks like gold.
So, xbox one how much does it cost exactly?
Honestly, it depends on if you're talking to a savvy local seller or a retail giant trying to squeeze every cent out of "refurbished" stock. You can find an original 2013 VCR-style Xbox One for as little as $40 if you’re lucky. But if you walk into a GameStop in January 2026, you might see a "Certified" unit for $159.99. That’s a massive gap. It’s the difference between a steak dinner and a car payment, basically.
The Real Price Breakdown by Model
You can't just say "it's a hundred bucks" because there are three very different machines under the "One" umbrella. They aren't created equal.
The Original Xbox One (The VCR)
This is the bulky one with the external power brick—that heavy black box that sits on the floor and collects dust. In 2026, these are mostly being sold by parents who found them in a basement.
- Used (Private Sale): $40 – $60
- Refurbished (Retail): $150 – $210 (GameStop currently lists these around $159.99)
- Trade-in Value: Don't expect much. BankMyCell and similar trackers show trade-ins as low as $10 to $40 depending on the day.
Xbox One S (The Slim)
This is the one most people actually want if they’re on a budget. It’s smaller, white, and handles 4K video (not 4K gaming, though—don’t let the box fool you).
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- Used: $70 – $90
- Refurbished: $180 – $230
- All-Digital Edition: You’d think it would be cheaper since it has no disc drive, but collectors sometimes pay more because it looks "cleaner." Expect to pay about $85 for a used one.
Xbox One X (The Beast)
This was the "world's most powerful console" for a minute. It still holds its own. It plays many games in native 4K. Because it’s actually better than the newer Series S in some specific graphical ways (like higher resolution on older games), the price stays high.
- Used: $100 – $130
- Refurbished: $220 – $280
Why the Price is Moving Up (The Macro Mess)
It sounds crazy to say a 13-year-old console is getting more expensive, but 2025 changed things. Microsoft’s second price hike in October 2025 pushed the 2TB Series X to an eye-watering $799.99. When the "new" stuff becomes luxury-priced, the "old" stuff stops being junk.
It’s simple supply and demand.
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If a kid wants to play Fortnite or Roblox, a parent isn't going to drop $650 on a Series X. They’ll go to eBay or Mercari. That increased interest keeps the floor of the Xbox One price from falling to zero. We're seeing "Standard" Xbox One consoles sold as "Retro Starter Kits" now. It's wild.
Where You Buy Matters More Than What You Buy
Buying a console in 2026 is like buying a used car. You can get a "lemon" or a "steal."
- Marketplace Apps (OfferUp/Facebook): This is where you find the $50 deals. You're taking a risk. If the disc drive is crunchy or the fan sounds like a jet engine, you’re out of luck.
- Specialized Refurbishers (Back Market/Gazelle): These guys are middle-of-the-road. You’ll pay maybe $130 for an Xbox One S, but you get a 12-month warranty. For many, that peace of mind is worth the extra $50.
- Big Box Retail (GameStop): Honestly? They are often the most expensive. Their "Pro" prices might save you $10, but you're still looking at nearly $200 for a decade-old machine.
A Quick Warning: If you see an Xbox One listed for under $30, it’s probably "parts only." Usually, that means the HDMI port is snapped or the internal hard drive is toast. Unless you're handy with a soldering iron, skip those.
Is it Even Worth it in 2026?
Let’s be real for a second. The Xbox One is officially "legacy." Major titles like GTA 6 (rumored for late 2026) are absolutely not coming to this hardware. You’re buying this for the back catalog.
If you want to play Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Gears 5, or Forza Horizon 4, it’s a bargain. If you want to play the newest Call of Duty or EA Sports FC 26, you’re going to experience long load times and muddy graphics.
However, there is a "cheat code" to making this console feel new: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Since Microsoft shifted heavily toward Cloud Gaming, you can actually stream "next-gen only" games onto your old Xbox One. As long as your internet is fast, your $60 console can technically play games it wasn't built for. That keeps the value proposition alive.
The "Hidden" Costs of a "Cheap" Xbox
The sticker price isn't the final price. Ever.
- The Controller: A used Xbox One controller still sells for $30-$40 because they work on PC and the new consoles too. If the console you're buying doesn't come with one, you've just doubled your cost.
- Storage: 500GB is nothing today. Call of Duty alone will eat half of that. You'll likely need an external hard drive, which is another $50.
- Batteries: Xbox still uses AAs. Unless you have rechargeables, you’ll spend $20 a year just on power.
Actionable Next Steps for Buyers
Don't just click "Buy Now" on the first thing you see. If you want to get the best deal on an Xbox One right now, follow this sequence:
- Check Local First: Browse Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist within a 10-mile radius. Look for "bundle" deals where someone is throwing in 5-10 games. The games are usually worth more than the console in these deals.
- Inspect the Ports: If buying in person, look at the HDMI port on the back. If it looks "wiggled" or has scratches around it, walk away. It's the #1 failure point on these models.
- Test the Noise: Turn it on. If it sounds like a vacuum cleaner within two minutes of starting a game, the thermal paste is dried up. You can fix it, but it’s a pain.
- Compare to Series S: Before you spend $180 on a refurbished Xbox One X, check the price of a used Series S. You can often find a used Series S for $150-$170. It’s faster, newer, and will be supported much longer.
The window for the Xbox One being a "modern" machine has closed, but as a budget entry point into the world of Game Pass, it’s still a solid piece of tech. Just don't let a retailer talk you into paying 2020 prices for 2013 hardware. Keep it under $100, or just save up for the current gen.