How to Safely Buy Pre-Owned Xbox One Consoles on eBay and Facebook
The used market is currently flooded with legacy Xbox One hardware as gamers upgrade to newer generations. While this means you can snag an Xbox One S or X for a fraction of its original price, it also means you need to be on high alert for “parts-only” consoles being sold as working units.
At AwesomeGaming101.com, we’ve bought and tested dozens of used consoles. Here is our expert strategy for navigating eBay and Facebook Marketplace without getting burned.
🔍 The “Red Flag” Checklist
- Stock Photos: If the listing only uses official marketing images and not actual photos of the console in a living room, move on.
- “Untested”: This is often code for “I know it’s broken but don’t want to list it as such.”
- Missing Power Bricks: Original Xbox One models require a specific power brick. If it’s missing, you can’t test it before you buy.
- Profiles Included: Never pay extra for “pre-installed games” or a seller’s profile. They can reclaim that account the moment you leave.
Facebook Marketplace vs. eBay: Where to Buy?
| Feature | Facebook Marketplace | eBay |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Lowest (No fees) | Higher (Market value) |
| Testing | Possible (Local meetups) | Impossible (Shipping only) |
| Buyer Protection | None (Cash is final) | Excellent (eBay Money Back) |
| Convenience | Pick up today | Delivered to your door |
Testing a Local Pickup (Facebook/Craigslist)
Never meet in a dark parking lot. Meet at a local police station “Safe Exchange Zone” or a public place with power outlets. If the seller is honest, they won’t mind you checking the hardware.
- The “Wobble” Test: Shake the console gently. If things are rattling inside, the internal mounts are broken.
- Disc Feed: Bring a cheap DVD or game. Ensure the drive grabs the disc smoothly without the grinding noise we’ve covered before.
- Network Check: Connect to your phone’s hotspot. If the console can’t see any Wi-Fi networks, the internal card is likely dead.
- Warranty Seals: Check the back of the console. If the stickers over the screws are peeled or pierced, someone has been inside the machine.
Even if the console turns on, it might be permanently banned from Xbox Live due to the previous owner’s behavior or hardware modding. Ask the seller to show you the console signed into a profile and connected to the internet. If you see an “Error Code 0x80a40019,” the console is a brick for online play.
❓ FAQ: Buying Used Xbox One
Q: What is a fair price for a used Xbox One S today? A: A loose Xbox One S (console and wires only) should cost between $80 and $110. If it includes a controller and games, $130 is a reasonable ceiling. Q: Should I buy a console that “just needs a new hard drive”? A: Only if you are tech-savvy. Replacing the internal drive requires opening the shell and formatting the new drive with specific offline system files. It’s a great project, but don’t pay “working” prices for it. Q: Does the “Kinect” add any value? A: Very little. Unless you specifically want to play Kinect Sports Rivals or use it for voice commands, don’t let a seller hike the price because a Kinect is included.Final Buyer’s Tip
Always check the HDMI port pins with your phone’s flashlight. This is the #1 failure point on used Xbox One consoles. If the pins look bent or the port feels “wobbly,” you are looking at a future repair bill.
Found a great deal but not sure if it’s legit? Post the link in the comments and the AwesomeGaming101 community will help you vet the seller!