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We got an old Xbox at an auction yesterday. Seems to be the original model. Plugged it in and it seems to turn on.
I notice that sold listings are crazy:
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=original+xbox&_sacat=0&LH_Sold=1&LH_Complete=1&_sop=16Does anyone here specialize in video game tech? What should we be looking for and what should we test?
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I am in no way an expert on video game tech, but my son does have an Xbox One. The obvious test would be to take a game (I assume the system came with one), and you and Ryanne can try to play it!
The other thing that comes to mind is the online component. I don’t know if the older Xbox uses WiFi or a physical connection, but you should check that it connects properly. Normally, you would sign up for an account and use it to update the software and other online stuff, but, if you can just check that it connects, that would be good enough.
My son now has Xbox live and plays multi-player games, but you don’t need to test that thoroughly!
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Thanks. Upon further looking, this is the first version of the Xbox (2004):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xbox_(console)We’ll pop in a game and test it.
Just curious why some of the boxes sell for hundreds of dollars.
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Here’s a listing for the typical original Xbox you’ll see in thrift stores:
Additionally, this is the search query I’d use:
There’s a few things that help boost the price:
1) They’re modified to play Nintendo, Sega Genesis, or other retro console games.
2) It’s in a color other than black.
3) Someone has gone to the trouble of setting up software to allow media to be streamed from it. These make good “set top” boxes for watching movies or TV shows.
4) People who build home arcade cabinets use these.To test, you’ll need a game and a controller. Play far enough into the game for it to save to ensure the hard drive inside still works. I’d also check to see what size the hard drive is and include it in the listing.
That’s all I would do if I were planning on selling it for $25 or less.
edit: I should clarify that I don’t sell video game systems usually, but I recently watched a mini-documentary on these particular units recently.
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I’m not an X-Box expert (but I am for older and Playstation consoles) but the value varies based on serial numbers, release dates, and anything unique it would come with.
Some consoles may look identical, but collectors are looking for different variations – some are rarer then others, and some really rare. They are also interested in special editions, launch (original version out) editions, etc.
Check out the serial number / model number and it will give you more information if it is a common console, or a rarer one.
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Normally these aren’t worth a whole lot 30-60 depending on how you bundle it.
The ones you are looking at in the sold are eitherA.) Special Edition – limited print run/very rare
B.) Heavily modded – Modified to play other games/systems with a whole lot of memorySome of those solds are for Brand New (Deadstock) ones.
The only special version that’s common is the Halo one (green translucent shell)Testing is easy, all you need is power supply/av cables and put a game in. If it starts up and runs it’s usually pretty good. Pop in a game and if goes to the load screen you should be fine. Xboxes are made well. PS2 slims are the only one’s I’ve had problems with due to the cheap way they are made and the disc spinning device can be finicky.
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Thanks everyone for the replies. You guys are correct that only the special editions and modded ones are valuable. But we’ll take $20 if we can get it work properly.
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Original plain vanilla models are worth about $50 (with free ship) with all the cables and at least one controller. Hook it up to make sure it works and if its good try to sell local on offerup or let go, since they are big and heavy to ship. (won’t fit in a flat rate box)
If the unit does not work you can sell the controller(s) for $10-$15 each (free ship) and the power brick / power cord for maybe $10-$15.
Broken non working original xbox units still have value though since some people are looking for parts. If the unit doesn’t work I would dissemble all the plastic (outer shell) which can be tough to do without breaking and sell just the shell. People are always looking for the plastic parts.
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Special editions (look for any color variation from standard), modded consoles, older consoles in the original boxes.
Cleaning, testing though can be time consuming…my son always helps with that though.
That can be a good or a bad thing some days. LOL…some don’t make it to auction for awhile.
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Look up what firmware version you have when you sell it. Home brew modders pay more for specific firmware versions.
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Another thing if it doesn’t work. I’ve sold many non-working consoles for parts. I just fully disclose and state that it doesn’t work and picture any damage. I sell the games, accessories, controllers separate after testing them on a working system. They do sell.
Some of the older handheld’s like the Sega game gear are suffering from leaky caps due to age now, they might not power on, or they might power on with a wall adapter but not with batteries. But they are still desired by modders who replace the caps and upgrade the screens. In the junk box for a $1.00 at a yard sale, rummage sale, or mixed in an auction lot, non working consoles and the accessories they might come with can still be a good flip.
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