You're scrolling through eBay at 2 AM, and you see it. A white, sleek Xbox One S listed for $70. Your thumb hovers. Is that actually a good deal, or are you about to buy a very expensive paperweight?
Honestly, the market for the Xbox One S in 2026 is a weird, wild west. While the gaming world has largely moved on to the Series X and the "pro" mid-gen refreshes we've seen lately, the One S refuses to die. It’s the cockroach of consoles—durable, useful, and surprisingly capable. But if you’re looking for the xbox one s cheapest options, you need to be smart. Prices aren't just "lower" than they used to be; they're volatile.
In early 2026, we saw a strange spike in used hardware costs due to those massive Microsoft price hikes on new Series S and X units. When a new Series S jumped to nearly $400, people flooded the used market, making the "old" One S a hot commodity again.
The Real Price Floor: What You Should Actually Pay
Let’s get the numbers out of the way. If you pay more than $130 for a base Xbox One S right now, you’re probably getting ripped off. Unless it's bundled with five games and a brand-new controller, keep walking.
I’ve seen "flawless" units going for around $85 on trade-in sites like BankMyCell, while retailers like GameStop are still trying to sell pre-owned units for $209.99. That is a massive gap.
- Local Marketplaces (FB/OfferUp): $70 – $100 (The "I just want it gone" price)
- eBay (Tested/Working): $110 – $140
- Refurbished (Walmart/GameStop): $190 – $230 (A ripoff, frankly)
Why is there such a huge difference? Warranty. When you buy from a big-box store, you're paying a $100 premium just for a 90-day guarantee that it won't blow up. If you're comfortable with a bit of risk, the xbox one s cheapest route is almost always a local cash deal.
The All-Digital Edition Trap
You’ll see the All-Digital Edition (the one without the disc drive) listed for less. Don't do it.
I know, it sounds tempting. But in 2026, the real value of an Xbox One S is its ability to play cheap, second-hand physical discs. You can go to a thrift store or a local used media shop and find Gears of War or Halo for $3. If you buy the All-Digital version, you are locked into the digital store, where prices for decade-old games are still stubbornly high.
Where to Find the Xbox One S Cheapest This Month
Forget the "sponsored" results on Google. Those are just companies with big marketing budgets. If you want the actual bottom-barrel price, you have to look where the enthusiasts go.
- Mercari: This is often overlooked compared to eBay. Sellers here are usually individuals, not professional refurbishers. You can often snag a console for $90 by just making a reasonable offer.
- Pawn Shops: It sounds old school, but pawn shops are drowning in last-gen consoles. Walk in with $80 cash and see what happens.
- DKOldies or Similar Boutique Sites: Avoid these if you want "cheap." They specialize in "mint" and "tested," which is great for collectors but terrible for your wallet.
Why Does This Console Still Even Matter?
It’s 2026. Why aren't we all on the Series X?
Well, for one, the One S is still a phenomenal 4K Blu-ray player. If you tried to buy a dedicated 4K player, you'd spend almost as much as the console costs. Plus, for a kid’s room or a secondary "Netflix box" that can also play Minecraft and Fortnite, it’s perfect. It’s quiet. It’s small. It doesn't look like a giant refrigerator or a weird futuristic router.
📖 Related: BG3 The Judge Puzzle: What Most People Get Wrong in the Chamber of Justice
Common Misconceptions About Buying "Restored" Units
Walmart loves the word "Restored." It sounds official. Usually, it just means someone wiped the dust off with a microfiber cloth and made sure it turned on.
I recently looked at a "Restored" 500GB unit on Walmart’s site listed for $209.45. At that price, you are literally $40 away from a used Series S that is ten times more powerful. The "cheap" label on these retail sites is a psychological trick. They compare it to the original $299 launch price from years ago to make you think you’re getting a steal.
You aren't.
💡 You might also like: The Battlefield 1 Release: Why DICE Took a Massive Gamble on World War I
How to Inspect a Cheap Unit Without Getting Burned
If you find a seller on Craigslist offering an xbox one s cheapest price of $60, you need to check three things. First, the noise. If it sounds like a jet engine taking off within five minutes of starting a game, the thermal paste is shot.
Second, the controller. A new Xbox controller costs $60. If the one included has "stick drift," your $70 bargain just became a $130 headache.
Third, the HDMI port. These are notoriously fragile on the One S. Wiggle the cable gently. If the signal flickers, walk away.
👉 See also: What Really Happened With Dan Clancy Drops Girl Rumors
Essential Next Steps
If you're ready to buy, start by checking your local Facebook Marketplace with the filter set to "Last 24 Hours." The best deals vanish in minutes. If you can’t find anything under $100 locally, head to eBay and filter by "Auction" rather than "Buy It Now." Most people are lazy and only look at the fixed prices; auctions ending on Tuesday mornings are often where the real steals happen.
Once you get the console, don't buy games at full price. Sign up for the "Essential" tier of Game Pass if you just want the basics, but the real pro move is hitting up the "Buy 2 Get 1 Free" bins at local used game stores to build a physical library for pennies.