How Much is Xbox Series S CEX Worth Today?

When the Xbox Series S launched, it quickly became known as the little powerhouse of the next-gen family. Small, sleek, and far more affordable than the Series X, it gave gamers a way to experience new titles without breaking the bank. But now that a few years have passed, many players are wondering: how much is my Xbox Series S CEX worth today?

Whether you’re planning to upgrade, switch platforms, or just cash in on unused gear, CEX (Complete Entertainment Exchange) has become one of the go-to places in the UK for selling and trading consoles. 

The only catch? Prices change all the time depending on demand, condition, and market stock. So let’s dig into what you can expect right now.

Book a Repair

Why Gamers Turn to CEX

For years, CEX has been one of the most popular outlets for selling or trading tech—especially gaming hardware. Instead of messing around with online marketplaces or waiting forever for a buyer, CEX offers instant valuation, store credit, or cash on the spot.

The trade-off, of course, is that you won’t get the same amount you’d make selling privately. But for gamers who just want speed, convenience, and the reassurance of a trusted high-street chain, CEX is still a solid option.

The Current Xbox Series S Resale Scene

The Series S has aged surprisingly well. With Game Pass backing it up, plenty of digital-first players still see it as the perfect entry point into Xbox gaming. That demand keeps its resale value steady compared to older consoles that fall off a cliff after a few years.

But here’s where reality hits: CEX doesn’t pay anywhere near retail price. The value depends on:

• Condition – Pristine with box and controller fetches more than a scratched-up unit.

• Stock Levels – If they’re swimming in Series S consoles, the trade price drops.

• Cash vs Voucher – Store credit always gives you more than cash.

• Market Trends – Discounts on new units from Microsoft or big retailers can drag down the trade-in value.

How Much Can You Expect from CEX Today?

On average right now, a used Xbox Series S at CEX tends to land in the range of:

• Cash: Around £90 – £110 depending on condition.

• Voucher/Store Credit: Closer to £120 – £130.

That might not sound huge compared to the original £249 launch price, but considering how much the console is still in demand, it’s not bad for quick money. And if you’re planning to trade up to something else in their store—like a Series X or even a PS5—the voucher option stretches your value further.

Is It Better to Sell Privately?

The truth is, you can usually squeeze more money out by selling privately on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or other platforms. Series S consoles often go for £150–£180 depending on bundles and condition.

But the flip side? Selling privately can be a hassle. Dealing with buyers, arranging meetups or shipping, and handling payment risk isn’t for everyone. That’s why CEX still appeals—it’s quick, simple, and guaranteed.

Tips to Maximise Your Xbox Series S Value at CEX

If you do go down the CEX route, here are a few easy tricks to make sure you get the best possible payout:

• Bring the Box – Consoles with original packaging often fetch a higher value.

• Include Official Controller – Missing controllers knock money off.

• Factory Reset Beforehand – Saves time and shows your console is clean and ready.

• Polish It Up – A quick clean makes it look newer, which can influence the staff’s condition rating.

• Check Prices Online – CEX lists current valuations on their website—know what to expect before you walk in.

How Does the Series S Compare to the Series X in Trade Value?

This is where things get interesting. The Series X still sells new for about £480, so its resale value at CEX naturally sits higher—usually £200+ for cash or £250–£270 in vouchers. The Series S, being the cheaper digital-only model, trades for less but still holds up fairly well considering its original lower price tag.

For gamers upgrading, trading in a Series S at CEX can cover almost half the cost of a Series X if you opt for vouchers. Not a bad deal if you’ve had a couple of years of solid use out of it.

Should You Hold On or Trade Now?

This is the big question. The Series S is still perfectly capable of handling next-gen titles at 1440p with quick load times and support for Game Pass. If you’re happy with performance and don’t need 4K or the disc drive, holding onto it still makes sense.

But if you’ve been eyeing the extra power of the Series X, or even considering jumping to a PS5, then trading in now isn’t a bad move. Prices tend to slide gradually over time as more hardware floods the second-hand market.

Xbox Series S CEX Guide – Buy, Sell or Trade Easily

If you’ve been gaming for a while, you’ll know one big truth: consoles don’t stay with us forever. Sometimes you upgrade to the latest model, sometimes you just need the cash, and other times you’ve got your eye on a new stack of games. 

That’s exactly where CEX (Complete Entertainment Exchange) steps in. For Xbox players—especially those with the Xbox Series S CEX is one of the most popular spots in the UK to buy, sell, or trade your gaming gear without endless hassle.

But before you walk into a store with your console under your arm, it’s worth knowing how the whole process works, what kind of money or credit you can expect, and whether it’s even the best move. Let’s break it down in plain, no-nonsense terms.

Why Gamers Choose CEX

CEX has been part of the gaming and tech scene for decades. Unlike selling on Facebook Marketplace or eBay—where you risk time-wasters and dodgy buyers—CEX offers something simpler:

• Immediate cash or store credit (no waiting for someone to send payment).

• Tested, refurbished stock with warranty for buyers.

• A huge second-hand market with games, consoles, accessories, and even phones.

For Xbox Series S owners, this means you can hand in your console and either leave with cash in your pocket or a tidy bit of store credit to splash on games, accessories, or even a bigger console like the Series X.

Selling Your Xbox Series S at CEX

If you’ve decided it’s time to part ways with your Series S, here’s the usual flow:

1. Check the CEX Website/App First – Before you head into the store, type “Xbox Series S” into their site or app. You’ll instantly see the cash value and the trade-in value. It saves awkward surprises.

2. Know the Grades – CEX doesn’t pay a flat fee. Consoles are graded:

• Grade A = Like new. No scratches, full working condition, with official cables.

• Grade B = Good condition but light signs of use.

• Grade C = More noticeable wear and tear.

3. The cleaner your console looks and the better it works, the more they’ll pay.

4. Cash or Credit? – You’ll always be given two options:

• Cash: Lower value, but you get the money straight away.

• Store Credit: Usually 20–30% more, but it can only be used in CEX.

5. Example: If CEX offers you £100 cash, you might see £130 credit on the table.

6. Bring Your ID – CEX is strict about logging trades and sales. Without ID, you won’t be able to sell.

Trading In vs. Selling – Which Is Smarter?

Plenty of gamers ask: “Should I just take the cash, or is credit really worth it?” Honestly, it depends.

• Selling for cash works if you need quick money—say, for bills or shopping outside gaming.

• Trading for credit makes more sense if you’re planning to stick around in the gaming scene.

Here’s a simple comparison:

• Cash Offer: £95

• Store Credit: £120

That £25 difference isn’t small. If you’re already eyeing a new controller, a stack of used games, or even trading up to a Series X, credit gives you more buying power.

Buying a Series S from CEX

CEX isn’t just about selling; plenty of people actually buy their Xbox Series S from here too. Why?

• Lower Prices – Pre-owned consoles often cost less than buying new.

• Peace of Mind – Every console comes with a 24-month warranty. That’s something you won’t always get if you buy second-hand from random sellers online.

• Stock Availability – With Series S consoles frequently traded in, it’s easier to find one compared to retail stores during peak demand.

Sure, you won’t get the “fresh out of the box” excitement of peeling off brand-new plastic, but if you’re more concerned about value than packaging, it’s a sensible choice.

What Affects the Value of Your Xbox Series S?

CEX isn’t pulling numbers out of thin air—they’ve got a system. Here’s what impacts the trade-in or selling price:

• Condition – Scratches, dents, or missing parts knock down the value.

• Accessories – Consoles with official controllers, HDMI cables, and power leads are worth more.

• Storage – The Series S only has 512GB by default, but if you’re bundling in an expansion card, that can bump the price.

• Timing – During Christmas, big sales periods, or when new games release, demand shoots up. That can slightly improve trade-in prices.

Tips Before You Walk Into CEX

To get the most out of your Series S, do a little prep:

1. Factory Reset – Wipe your account and data before handing it over.

2. Clean It Up – A quick dust and wipe makes it look better and can bump the grade.

3. Check Online Prices – Sometimes, the in-store price doesn’t exactly match the online listing.

4. Bring Everything Together – Original controller, power cable, and HDMI all add up in value.

5. Consider Timing – Trading before Christmas often fetches better offers than doing it in the summer lull.

Is CEX Worth It Compared to Other Options?

This is where gamers get divided. On one hand, you know you’re not going to get “top dollar” at Xbox Series S CEX. A console you paid £250 for might fetch £100–120 in cash today. That can sting.

But here’s the thing: with private selling (eBay, Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace), you might get a bit more money, but you’re also risking time-wasters, scammers, and endless back-and-forth messages. With CEX, you just walk in, hand over the console, and leave with cash or credit. It’s convenience you’re paying for.

Hidden Perks of Trading with CEX

One thing that often gets overlooked is the extras you unlock when trading at CEX. Beyond the instant money or store credit, you also get that 24-month warranty if you decide to use your credit for another console or gadget. 

That kind of peace of mind is worth more than people realise—especially compared to buying second-hand on Facebook, where once it’s gone, it’s gone. With CEX, if something goes wrong a year down the line, you’re not left out in the cold.

What Gamers Say About the Process

If you spend time on forums or Reddit, you’ll see plenty of mixed reviews about selling Xbox Series S CEX and other consoles at CEX. Some gamers say they were pleasantly surprised at the fairness of the credit offers, while others admit they were disappointed with the cash side. 

The truth usually lands in the middle: you’re paying for convenience. And for many, especially those who don’t want to deal with haggling online, that trade-off feels completely worth it.

When CEX Might Not Be Your Best Option

That said, it’s not always sunshine and roses. If your Series S is in immaculate condition—practically new—you might want to explore selling privately first. Platforms like eBay sometimes bring in £30–50 more than CEX. 

But with private sales comes the headache of shipping, returns, or meeting strangers. That’s why CEX fits best for people who value speed and certainty over squeezing every last pound out of their console.

The Xbox Series S is a fantastic little console, and while its resale value has naturally dipped over the years, it still holds plenty of appeal on the second-hand market. If you’re ready to sell or trade, CEX gives you a safe, fast, and reliable option.

So, whether you’re moving on to the Series X, picking up some fresh games, or just need extra cash, Xbox Series S CEX remains one of the easiest routes. For casual gamers who want speed and peace of mind, it’s hard to beat.

Conclusion

So, how much is the Xbox Series S CEX worth today? Realistically, you’re looking at around £90–£110 cash or £120–£130 in store credit, depending on condition and stock levels. It’s not top dollar, but it’s instant, hassle-free, and reliable.

If squeezing every penny is your goal, selling privately is still the way to go. But for convenience and peace of mind, CEX remains one of the easiest trade-in options available.

Either way, the Series S continues to hold value better than expected, and for many players, it’s still the perfect budget-friendly console to keep around.