Despite some recent PR wins, like a focus on exclusivity, Xbox has faced a motley of controversies thanks to its volatile restructuring. This shedding has led to hundreds of layoffs and studio reorganization over the last few months, and more firings are yet to come.
The company is now facing another wave of backlash after multiple users began receiving emails that effectively ask them to sell their unused Series consoles.
Xbox wants these users to trade in the devices to third-party retailers like Best Buy for up to $375.
Why it matters: Xbox’s request aims to curb the ongoing supply issues, as Series X|S consoles haven’t been stocked in many parts of the world for a long time. However, this controversial incentive could push many players out of the ecosystem.
Nintendeal on Bluesky first reported this strange development. The user received an email directly about selling their console because it hadn’t been used in a while. Other users confirmed they received similar messages from Xbox.
It would have been understandable if a retailer like Best Buy emailed users, but the trade deal comes straight from Xbox. In other words, the company doesn’t mind parting ways with you if your Xbox Series X|S console is not being used enough.
Xbox users are especially upset because you can only get up to $375 from this trade deal, but Best Buy would sell a refurbished Xbox Series X|S console for up to $729 instead. So, many argue it’s not worth it to trade in your Series X|S regardless of how much it’s used.
Regardless, some users argue it is a clever tactic for Xbox to ensure traded consoles are resupplied to users who engage with the ecosystem.
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