Xbox One 500GB Renewed Review: Budget-Friendly Verdict
With resale prices starting under $100 for refurbished units, the Xbox One Console 500GB (Renewed) still manages to impress with its performance and community appeal — earning a solid 8.9/10 from aggregated user feedback. While aging hardware and storage limitations require compromises, buyers consistently highlight its affordability, quiet operation, and strong game library integration as reasons it remains relevant in 2024.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — best for budget-conscious gamers willing to expand storage and accept minor cosmetic flaws.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable entry point compared to newer consoles | 500GB fills up quickly with modern titles |
| Smooth graphics and responsive performance even in renewed units | Frequent large game updates demand fast internet |
| Quiet operation noted by multiple owners | Cosmetic wear, stickers, or scratches are common |
| Backwards compatibility with select Xbox 360 games | Renewed units may arrive with missing accessories |
| Strong controller comfort and build quality | Some failures within first weeks require warranty use |
| Access to Xbox Game Pass and Live Gold perks | Kinect integration less impactful today |
| Versatile entertainment hub (apps, streaming) | Bulky design compared to newer, slimmer models |
Claims vs Reality
Microsoft’s marketing emphasizes “fully functional renewed units with performance like new” and “500GB of ample storage.” While many buyers confirm the first claim, the second sees pushback. Best Buy reviewer “roger” said: "Xbox worked great out of the box, one year warranty... price can’t be beat," reinforcing the “like new” promise. However, the storage claim often meets reality with quick fill-ups; one Best Buy buyer warned, "500GB fills up quickly; I definitely recommend an external hard drive."
The “quiet operation” claim is spot on — Reddit user choi still my boy remarked, "to my surprise, is just how silent the Xbox is... even started up AC Unity… still nothing." This matches marketing pitch about efficient cooling without noise.
Conversely, Kinect functionality — touted as voice command and motion control magic — left some owners underwhelmed. One Amazon reviewer admitted, "I expected more from Kinect... technology improved but not much so the games." While voice recognition accuracy earned praise once properly set up, the limited new software support dims its relevance.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Best Buy, Amazon, and Reddit, affordability is repeatedly cited as a win. “Boat spine 45” called it "just like new… runs fine, no scratches… can’t go bad with the price." For families, it’s a low-barrier entry to modern gaming — waters 2015 wrote, "this made my grandson's day… he and his sister play for hours." Controller ergonomics also draw consistent praise; Reddit user choi still my boy loved the immersive feedback in Forza Horizon 3, saying it "does wonders for immersion… didn’t even know it was a thing."
For streaming and entertainment, buyers say the console transcends gaming. One Amazon customer leveraged it heavily for fitness apps: "I probably use my Xbox to exercise more than anything… it’s fit seamlessly into our lifestyle." Integration with services like Netflix, Hulu, Pandora, and Plex makes it a central media hub for casual users as well as gamers.
Common Complaints
The 500GB storage fills alarmingly fast for heavy downloaders. In Best Buy’s “Name Your Game” bundle reviews, at least four owners recommended an external drive, with one noting, "I have about 8 games… only used 20% of my 500GB" — but that’s atypical without large AAA installs. Internet speed requirements also frustrate rural users; one Amazon reviewer lamented, "without 5Mb/s... most games are either 'online' play or simply update often, making Xbox almost useless."
Physical condition of renewed units varies widely. Back Market buyers reported extremes: "received worst condition item... covered in scratches and dirt," versus others calling theirs "great condition, safely packed." Sticker residue from refurbished labeling is a minor but frequent gripe.
Divisive Features
Kinect splits opinion — some cherish its hands-free commands, others see it as vestigial tech with dwindling game support. Voice control accuracy is praised when calibrated, but one Amazon buyer wrote, "I often find myself frustrated and grabbing a controller… Google still waaay better at voice recognition."
Microsoft’s multifunction dashboard earns kudos from users blending gaming with media consumption, yet pure gamers sometimes resent navigating non-game screens. One Best Buy user confessed, "Microsoft wants it to be more than a gaming system… can be annoying if you just want to game."
Trust & Reliability
On Trustpilot and similar platforms, reliability perceptions hinge on seller quality. Best Buy buyers generally report “like new” machines running for years without hardware failure. One Amazon owner noted, four years post-purchase, "I forget that I bought it refurbished… faster and more responsive after updates."
However, poor refurbishment practices are evident in scattered reports — Back Market had cases of consoles arriving with loose panels, grime, or rattling pieces inside. These underscore the importance of vendor reputation and warranty coverage. Many seasoned buyers lock in extra protection plans; Best Buy’s Geek Squad coverage and Amazon Renewed guarantees are cited as peace-of-mind essentials.
Alternatives
When buyers compare to PS4, the deciding factors often involve friends' ecosystems and Xbox’s unique features like backward compatibility and Game Pass. One Best Buy reviewer admitted, "always been a Sony guy… pleasantly surprised… online gameplay fantastic, wish Sony had 5GHz Wi-Fi and replaceable controller batteries."
Newer Xbox One S models add 4K output and slimmer design, but cost more even when renewed. Owners upgrading to One S mention visual improvements and Bluetooth controller benefits as main gains, without major gameplay change for non-4K gamers.
Price & Value
On eBay, refurbished Xbox One 500GB units range from $70 to $150, with Kinect bundles under $300 — far below One S or Series X pricing. This affordability allows entry into modern gaming while keeping funds available for accessories or external drives.
Resale values are modest; expect depreciation to accelerate as the Series line matures. Community buying tips stress watching for bundle deals — consoles packaged with multiple games or accessories deliver extra value, and checking serial numbers on Microsoft’s warranty site can confirm extended coverage for refurbished hardware.
FAQ
Q: Does the renewed Xbox One 500GB perform like a new console?
A: Most owners say yes — performance is smooth and responsive. Buyers on Best Buy and Amazon report their units “worked great out of the box” and ran for years with no major issues.
Q: Is 500GB of storage enough?
A: For light to moderate gamers, it’s workable. Heavy downloaders will need an external USB 3.0 drive; modern AAA titles can consume 50–100GB each.
Q: What is the condition of renewed units?
A: Ranges from “like new” to visibly worn. Trusted sellers deliver clean, fully functional consoles, but some marketplaces ship scratched or dirty units — check warranty terms.
Q: Is Kinect worth getting today?
A: Only if you value voice/motion control or have specific games in mind. Limited new game support means many skip it.
Q: Can it play Xbox 360 games?
A: Yes, select titles via backward compatibility — boosting value for players with existing 360 libraries.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a budget-conscious gamer, family user, or media consumer who values Game Pass and compatibility features. Avoid if you lack fast internet or need extensive internal storage for large game libraries. Pro tip from Reddit: sign up for Game Pass trial early — "the value I'm getting… is really surprising and I can't wait to keep playing."
