Microsoft Xbox One (Renewed) Review: Mixed Verdict
The refurbished Microsoft Xbox One (Renewed) earns a conditional 7/10, with buyers split between praising its affordability and criticizing inconsistent performance. While many enjoy near “like new” condition at half the price of a new console, problematic units, clunky menus, and reliability concerns temper enthusiasm.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Significant savings over new units | Risk of receiving faulty hardware |
| Good performance on many titles | Clunky, unintuitive menu system |
| Backwards compatibility for select Xbox 360 games | Occasional freezes and crashes |
| Solid controller ergonomics | Poor digital store navigation |
| Voice and Kinect integration features | Marked “Refurbished” stickers on some units |
| Option to bundle with Kinect or chat headset | Limited warranty clarity across sellers |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing promotes the Xbox One (Renewed) as "professionally inspected and tested to work and look like new," with seamless backward compatibility and Kinect-powered entertainment features. Amazon’s listing touts “maximized network performance” and “play instantly,” positioning it as a versatile all-in-one system.
However, digging into customer reports reveals a patchier story. A verified Best Buy buyer wrote: “It works just like new… runs just fine so far, no issues and you can’t go bad with the price”, while another was frustrated by cosmetic condition: “Absolutely covered in scratches and dirt... the console rattles when I move it.”
Refurbishment standards vary widely between retailers. While some buyers describe units that are spotless and perfectly functional, others like one Microsoft Community member experienced “two broken Xbox's within 24 hours… disc drive stopped reading, had to remove discs manually.” This discrepancy underscores that “professionally inspected” isn’t a consistent guarantee across all refurbished Xbox One sources.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
For budget-conscious gamers, the renewed Xbox One is often seen as unbeatable value. Best Buy reviewer "tx classic tv" noted, “We could get one for $100 off… worked right out of the box!”, highlighting its immediate usability and accessible pricing for families. The console’s performance still impresses—especially in enhanced titles—providing smoother frame rates and sharper visuals than the original launch model.
Reddit user u/GoldRushOneX documented a notable leap in fluidity: “Doom feels silly smooth and super sharp, a night and day difference from my launch Xbox One.” For those with 1080p TVs, the performance boost remains tangible. Backwards compatibility continues to be a draw, enabling play of select Xbox 360 favorites alongside newer titles.
Common Complaints
Interface design is a key frustration point. On Microsoft Community forums, one owner slammed the dashboard as “organized by the offspring of a hurricane and a tornado… pins don’t load, achievements don’t show.” Slow navigation affects DLC browsing and library management most for players with large digital collections.
Hardware issues—disc drives failing, consoles freezing, game crashes—are especially troubling in refurbished units, where warranty coverage is less clear. A Back Market buyer lamented, “Console looks beat up… a small piece of plastic fell out of the fan when inspecting it.” Inconsistent quality checks mean some buyers face immediate returns or repairs.
Divisive Features
The Kinect sensor polarizes opinion. Fans appreciate its novelty—voice commands, gesture support, QR code scanning for voucher redemption—while others see it as unnecessary bulk. Reddit user mike_phish defended it: “Facial recognition, voice commands… Battlefield 4 let you peek around corners with Kinect.” Yet many consider these extras nonessential compared to core gaming performance, especially as Kinect support has waned in recent years.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Microsoft Community threads reveal skepticism toward refurbished Xbox Ones from certain retailers. One buyer received a unit with a “Refurbished Xbox 360” warranty slip, raising questions about proper documentation. Another faced “two broken consoles within 24 hours”.
Conversely, long-term owners report solid durability—Best Buy’s “gamer zj” celebrated, “It’s been over a year and I still have no problems with this console”. Reddit and forum veterans caution that the original “Day One” editions were more prone to disc drive issues, suggesting buyers opt for later revisions or One S/X models when possible.
Alternatives
Several owners compare the Xbox One to the PS4, with some regretting their choice due to interface clunkiness, while others value Xbox-exclusive titles and backward compatibility. On Reddit, peezy_taught_me concluded, “It was best realized when it hit the One X stage… had many years of enjoyment with the OG Xbone.”
For those seeking peak performance, the Xbox One X or newer Xbox Series S/X models offer faster load times, better graphics, and broader game optimization. Forum advice often suggests waiting for bundles to maximize value—especially when targeting specific exclusives like Halo or Forza.
Price & Value
Pricing varies widely: Best Buy clearance units have landed under $200, while eBay listings range from $74 for console-only to over $250 for bundles with controllers and games. This depreciation reflects an aging model but also opportunity for bargain hunters.
Community buying tips stress checking seller refurbishment processes and warranty terms. Large stickers marking “Refurbished” are common and unwanted—some users resort to heat from a hair dryer to peel them off cleanly. Bundles with Kinect, headsets, or game codes can offset potential drawbacks with added value.
FAQ
Q: Is a refurbished Xbox One as good as new?
A: It can be, depending on seller quality checks. Multiple buyers report “like new” condition, but some units arrive scratched or faulty, so vet vendors thoroughly.
Q: Does the Xbox One (Renewed) include Kinect?
A: Not always. Some bundles include Kinect and chat headsets; others do not. Check the product listing carefully before purchasing.
Q: How reliable is the disc drive on refurbished units?
A: Hit-or-miss. Several forum posts report disc reading failures within days, especially in older “Day One” editions. Later revisions fare better.
Q: Can I play Xbox 360 games on it?
A: Yes—select titles are backwards compatible, downloadable from the store or playable via disc. Performance is generally stable.
Q: What’s the warranty on refurbished Xbox Ones?
A: Amazon Renewed offers 90 days; other retailers differ. Warranty documents are sometimes incorrect, so verify before buying.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a budget-minded gamer who values backward compatibility and can tolerate occasional quirks—especially if you source from a reputable seller with a solid return policy. Avoid if you demand flawless hardware or streamlined interface design. Pro tip from the community: opt for later model revisions (One S or X) to minimize hardware risks and maximize enjoyment.
