Xbox One Special Edition Matte Black Review Verdict
When refurbished right, the Microsoft Xbox One Special Edition Matte Black 500GB (Renewed) delivers a gaming experience that many owners say rivals brand-new units – but the user data shows a more complicated picture. Scoring an overall 8.4/10 across platforms, its mix of sleek design, solid performance, and affordability has brought joy to a wide range of gamers, though inconsistency in refurbishment quality leaves some buyers less than impressed.
Quick Verdict: Conditional – great value if from a trusted seller, but inspect on arrival.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable alternative to new units | Variable refurbishment quality |
| 500GB storage suits casual to moderate gamers | Occasional functionality issues out of the box |
| Sleek matte black design praised | Some arrive with cosmetic blemishes |
| Plays a vast Xbox One and backward-compatible library | Kinect not included |
| Strong online performance via Xbox Live | Refurbished stickers can be hard to remove |
| Professionally tested when from reputable sellers | Bundled accessory condition varies |
Claims vs Reality
Microsoft’s marketing promised “true-to-life graphics,” “seamless switching between games and apps,” and “access to millions of gamers via Xbox Live.” On paper, the Special Edition Matte Black ticks each of these boxes. The specs back the 500GB of storage and multiplayer infrastructure powered by 300,000 servers.
Digging deeper into user reports reveals these claims mostly hold up when the refurbishment is done well. Reddit user Molly Patterson said her renewed console “really brings my games to life with stunning, true-to-life graphics… jumping seamlessly between my favorite game and a TV show feels like magic.” Best Buy buyers similarly praised its “excellent performance” and ability to “run just like a new console.”
However, while Microsoft stresses professionalism in its “Amazon Renewed” vetting, multiple Back Market buyers received units “absolutely covered in scratches and dirt… damaged controller” or with “front and side panel not attached.” This variance means the reality of “like-new” hinges heavily on the seller’s reconditioning standards.
The promise of “most advanced multiplayer” is one of the most consistently confirmed claims. Ethan Sullivan noted, “I can play with millions of other gamers across the web with Xbox Live — it’s like having friends everywhere!” Even refurbished, the online infrastructure remains a standout and differentiator over older systems.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The low price for what many call “as good as new” performance is the most echoed praise. A verified Best Buy buyer wrote: “Factory refurbished… worked right out of the box! And we have more money for games.” For budget-conscious parents, this was a game-changer: Waters2015 described how it “made my grandson’s day” and had him playing for hours with his sister.
The 500GB storage hits a sweet spot for moderate gamers. Calvin Brooks appreciated having “room for a ton of games” without constant deletion, and Best Buy reviewers liked the balance between capacity and cost. Owners also highlight the console’s aesthetics – Megan Foster called the matte finish “so smooth I almost want to keep it on my desk just for show.”
Multiplayer stability and graphics fidelity are nearly always praised when the hardware is in good condition. Sophie Martinez lauded its “smooth graphics and flawless connection — those 300,000 servers really do the trick.” Even the discontinuation status of some variants is seen as a perk by collectors, with Maya Turner calling hers “a rare gem.”
Common Complaints
Inconsistent refurbishment quality is the primary pitfall. Back Market reviews range from “brilliant bargain” to “rattles when I move it… filthy ports.” While minor surface wear is expected in used hardware, some shipments arrived with loose panels or damaged controllers, frustrating buyers who expected “excellent grade.”
Aesthetic gripes include the large, hard-to-remove refurbished stickers. Best Buy customer BoatSpine45 struggled with residue, while Blink Byte noted the label was “difficult to remove” without tools. These markings undermine the “looks like new” claim for display-conscious owners.
A smaller but repeated issue is cosmetic dirt missed in cleaning, as reported by multiple buyers who had to clean their unit upon arrival. Functionally, a minority reported black screen glitches that required power cycling — users like Molly Jenkins stress this quick fix restores normal play.
Divisive Features
The Kinect’s absence splits opinion. Ethan Clarke “barely noticed” it missing due to immersion in multiplayer, but for those coming from Kinect-based setups, this omission adds extra cost if desired.
Storage capacity satisfies light-to-moderate buyers but may be insufficient for digital hoarders. Community tips often recommend adding an external drive later. As one buying guide contributor noted, “If you plan to download many large games… consider external storage options.”
Trust & Reliability
Trust in the renewed model appears closely tied to the seller. Amazon Renewed units from “qualified suppliers” and Best Buy’s Geek Squad-backed refurbs receive strong marks for arriving in “like new” condition and functioning without issues for over a year. GamerZJ reported, “It’s been over a year and I still have no problems with this console.”
Where sourcing is less controlled, risk rises. Back Market’s varied supplier network led to some receiving consoles “covered in scratches… rattling,” sparking calls for stricter vetting. Trustpilot-style feedback highlights occasional “mismatch between the received product and the product description.” That said, even with inconsistent cosmetics, many fault-free units function perfectly long-term, suggesting the underlying build is durable when intact.
Alternatives
The Xbox One S 500GB (Renewed) draws praise for its slimmer design and 4K Ultra HD video output. Maya Collins called hers “like my old games got a brand-new glow-up,” but beyond the resolution and size differences, both systems handle games similarly.
Within older generation options, the discontinued Xbox One 500GB standard Black edition remains collectible for some, offering identical performance in a glossier finish. Ethan Brooks described his as “smooth and responsive” and valued the larger perceived rarity.
For those who want more headroom, 1TB variants reduce storage management headaches but typically run higher in cost. Guides from Reddit and Trustpilot users recommend assessing your library size before deciding.
Price & Value
Value is the recurring theme in positive reviews. Best Buy’s $149.99 clearance on refurbs drew raves: “Totally worth the price,” wrote Tori Jona. Amazon Renewed units often close under $200, while Walmart’s refurbished listing sat near $124 — a fraction of launch prices.
On eBay, used and “launch edition” 500GB consoles range wildly from $115 for a worn unit to $355+ in excellent shape, with sealed Day One editions reaching $600–$999. This supports the advice that discontinued and clean-condition models can hold collector value. Community buying tips stress picking sellers with return policies and solid feedback, even if it costs a bit more.
FAQ
Q: Is 500GB enough storage for an Xbox One?
A: For casual to moderate gamers, yes — it holds several large games plus apps and saves. Heavy digital buyers often add an external drive later for convenience.
Q: Does the renewed Special Edition include Kinect?
A: No, Kinect is sold separately. Some prefer this since it lowers the upfront cost, while Kinect fans need to budget for the accessory.
Q: Can I play Xbox 360 games on it?
A: Yes, through backward compatibility on supported titles, letting you play select Xbox 360 and original Xbox discs or downloads.
Q: Are refurbished consoles reliable?
A: When sourced from reputable sellers like Amazon Renewed or Best Buy, users report performance “as good as new.” Quality varies more from lesser-vetted marketplaces.
Q: How can I fix the black screen glitch?
A: Multiple owners suggest a full power cycle — unplug the console, wait, then reconnect — which often resolves the issue.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a value-focused gamer or parent looking for a capable Xbox One in stylish matte black without paying new prices — especially if purchased from a seller with proven refurbishment standards. Avoid if you prioritize flawless cosmetics or need guaranteed large storage out of the box.
Pro tip from the community: Always inspect on arrival, test all ports and included accessories immediately, and don’t fear using the return policy if the unit’s condition doesn’t match the listing. The right renewed unit can be a long-lasting bargain; the wrong one can be a hassle.
