Why Microsoft's $100 Xbox One Rebate is Not a Great Deal
Ah, the fine print. Where deals go to die.
Microsoft and Sony both launched their next generation of video game consoles in November of last year, going head-to-head for the hottest shopping period of the year. Sony has the edge on Microsoft in terms of price, but it seems Microsoft is willing to pay PS3 users to upgrade to an Xbox One.
The company is currently running a promotion that offers Xbox 360 S and Xbox 360 E users a $100 Microsoft store credit in exchange for their console. Not at all unusual for a company to offer current customers a deal to trade in their last generation The kicker is that the deal also extends to Sony's PS3 as Microsoft attempts to lure fans of the competing platform to the land of Xbox.
People have complained about the price of the Xbox One since it was announced. The console comes bundled with Kinect, which obviously has an effect on the price, but Microsoft says it has no plans to sell the Xbox One without the motion sensing peripheral. As such, offering a $100 rebate is one way to appease shoppers. But is it a good deal? Not really.
Though the offer is advertised as $100 for trading in your old console, the fine print over on Microsoft's website implies that is actually the maximum trade in value and to get it, your console has to be in perfect condition and you have to buy an Xbox One at the same time. Check it out (emphasis added):
"To be eligible for trade in, product must power on and be in fully functional, working condition without broken/missing components, cracked display/housing or liquid damage, cannot be password protected, and include original chargers/accessories. To receive maximum trade in value, you must purchase an Xbox One at the same time."
A quick glance at eBay shows that a lot of Xbox 360s are going for $100 or more online. Depending on the condition of your Xbox and whether or not you're willing to throw in a few games (and why would you need those if you're getting the Xbox One, which lacks backward compatibility?), you can probably best Microsoft's offer or at least match it and get cold hard cash as opposed to a Microsoft store gift card.
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Jane McEntegart is a writer, editor, and marketing communications professional with 17 years of experience in the technology industry. She has written about a wide range of technology topics, including smartphones, tablets, and game consoles. Her articles have been published in Tom's Guide, Tom's Hardware, MobileSyrup, and Edge Up.
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Branden the better deal would be to buy a PS4 instead, you're guaranteed to save a full $100 right off the top AND you get to keep your old console!Reply -
mstngs351 ""To be eligible for trade in, product must power on and be in fully functional, working condition without broken/missing components, cracked display/housing or liquid damage, cannot be password protected, and include original chargers/accessories."How does that translate to "perfect condition"?Reply -
geeez Have you tried to sell a console on eBay. I had the newest Xbox 360e console brand new in the box and only got $130 for it. How much for a used one. Around $65 to $95 depending on model and that's in great condition. Don't let this writer fool you into thinking you can do better on eBay. Its a great deal. Some people need something to write I guess.Reply -
skit75 Reply12578500 said:Have you tried to sell a console on eBay. I had the newest Xbox 360e console brand new in the box and only got $130 for it. How much for a used one. Around $65 to $95 depending on model and that's in great condition. Don't let this writer fool you into thinking you can do better on eBay. Its a great deal. Some people need something to write I guess.
You left money on the table then. If you did a 7-Day auction, you could have used a Reserve. If you did a Fixed Price, you accepted way too low of an offer if it really was New - Never Opened.
In the last 30 days alone, there have been 14 New Xbox 360e consoles sold from $174-$248 -
damianrobertjones Thank you Microsoft for offering me another option. Screw the writers and people that try to turn a POSITIVE into a negative.Reply -
itsderekdude If you buy a PS4 and sell your PS3 for $200, you are only out $200Reply
If you buy a XB1 and trade your PS3 in for $100, you are only out $400.
Yea, great deal there...
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skit75 Reply12578662 said:Thank you Microsoft for offering me another option. Screw the writers and people that try to turn a POSITIVE into a negative.
Sure, it is another option. It just doesn't benefit you as much. Even Used Xbox 360e's during that same 30 Day window.... more than 40 sold between $170-$104.
Don't hate me because I deliver numbers. -
gm0n3y Damn, I was hoping I could trade in my old xbox (RROD) and my current xbox that I haven't even hooked up to my TV since I moved 3 years ago. $200 off would actually tempt me to get one. Even then I'm not sure that $300 is worth it for a console when I already have an upper mid-range gaming PC (which is far better than the current consoles).Reply -
Martell1977 And do what with all the games? XBone doesn't play 360 or PS3 games, so, what would you do with the games? They should add in a credit for turning in games as well, be it toward the XBone or new games, there should be something. It should include any game playable on a 360 or PS3, as many people play their old PS2 and XBox games as well, when compatible.Reply