An old Xbox 360 is still worth something, so do not toss it. You can sell it to retro gamers, trade it in, donate it, or recycle it if it is dead. First, sign out and reset it so your account and saves do not leave with the console.
The Xbox 360 has a real fan base now that it is a retro system, which keeps prices up for working units. Here is how to wipe it and pick the best path.
First: Remove Your Account and Reset It
- Delete your profile from the console. Go to Settings, System, Storage, then your profile, and remove it. Your gamertag stays safe on Xbox Live.
- Clear local saves and data. In Settings, System, Storage, you can format the hard drive to wipe everything.
- Pull the hard drive if you are selling and want to keep your saved games. The 360 hard drive slides off the side.
Sell It
This is where the 360 shines, since collectors and gamers want them.
- eBay and Swappa reach buyers who pay for working consoles, controllers, and bundles.
- Facebook Marketplace is great for selling the console with games as a local bundle.
- A console with the power supply, a controller, and a few games sells for more than the console alone, so group them.
Have games to move too? See what to do with old console games and old video games.
Trade In or Donate It
GameStop and similar shops take consoles for store credit, though you will usually get more selling it yourself. To give back, a working 360 makes a fun donation to a youth center, a family, or a thrift store. Kids and new retro fans love them.
Recycle a Dead Xbox 360
If it has the red ring of death or will not power on and is not worth repairing, recycle it as electronic waste. Best Buy accepts game consoles, Microsoft runs a free mail-back recycling program, and most city e-waste events take them. Do not put it in the trash, the same way you would not trash a broken laptop.
Repurpose It
A working 360 can become a dedicated retro game station hooked to a spare TV, or a simple media player for streaming apps that still load on it. It is a cheap way to give an old TV in the guest room something to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an old Xbox 360 worth anything?
Yes. Working consoles still sell well to retro gamers, especially bundled with a controller and games. Limited editions can bring even more.
How do I wipe an Xbox 360 before selling it?
Remove your profile and format the hard drive under Settings, System, Storage. Pull the hard drive first if you want to keep your saved games.
Where can I recycle an Xbox 360?
Best Buy, Microsoft’s free mail-back program, and local e-waste drop-off events all accept game consoles. Keep it out of the regular trash.
Will my gamertag be deleted if I reset the console?
No. Your gamertag and saves tied to Xbox Live stay on your account. Removing your profile only takes it off that one console.
Can I donate an old Xbox 360?
Yes. Once it is wiped, youth centers, families, and thrift stores are happy to take a working console and controller.