Should You Buy a Xbox Series S Second Hand? Pros and Cons

Not everyone’s got £250–£300 just lying around for a brand-new console. So, when you spot a Xbox Series S Second Hand online or at your local shop, it’s hard not to pause and think, “Hmm, is this actually worth it?” We’ve all been there — tempted by the price but unsure about what’s hiding behind that “refurbished” or “pre-owned” label.

Now, the Series S has been around for a few years, and it’s proven itself to be a solid performer. But when it comes to buying it used, there’s always that tug-of-war between saving money and risking reliability.

Let’s break it down properly — no sugarcoating, no fancy marketing talk — just the real stuff you should know about Xbox Series S Second Hand before pulling the trigger.

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The Appeal of Buying a Used Xbox Series S

The first thing that grabs most people is obvious — the price tag. A new Xbox Series S usually goes for around £250–£300, depending on where you shop. But hop onto CEX, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace, and you’ll easily find one Xbox Series S Second Hand for around £150–£200, sometimes even less if you’re lucky.

That’s a big chunk of savings, especially if you’re not too bothered about having a brand-new box smell.

For casual gamers, that saving can mean extra cash for Game Pass or maybe a second controller. And let’s not forget — performance-wise, a used Series S still plays the same games, runs at the same speeds, and loads your worlds just as fast. It’s the same console, just… lived a little.

If the seller’s honest and the console’s been looked after, it can be a steal. Many people sell their consoles just to upgrade to the Series X, so you might actually end up with a system that’s barely been used.

Where You Buy Makes a Big Difference

Here’s the tricky part about Xbox Series S Second Hand — not all used consoles are treated equally. Buying from a verified retailer like CEX or Game often gives you some peace of mind.

They usually run tests, wipe the data, and provide a 12-month warranty. Sure, it might cost a bit more than buying off Facebook Marketplace, but it’s safer.

If you’re thinking about buying from private sellers, tread carefully. Always test the console if you can — check for overheating, weird noises, or loose ports. Ask about the console’s history. Was it repaired before? Any replacements done? Even small details like storage condition can matter in the long run.

Pros of Buying Second Hand

1. Big Savings
This one’s obvious. You’re easily shaving off 30–40% of the retail price. That’s money you can throw into accessories, a Game Pass Ultimate subscription, or just keep in your pocket.

2. Same Performance
Unlike older consoles, the Series S doesn’t lose performance over time unless it’s damaged. It’s a digital console with a solid build. So, if it’s well-maintained, it’ll still run games at 1440p up to 120fps, just like a new one.

3. Eco-Friendly Choice
Buying used is great for the planet. You’re reducing electronic waste and giving tech another life. It’s a small thing, but it matters.

4. Easy to Find
Because the Series S is fairly popular, it’s everywhere — pawn shops, eBay, CEX, local listings. That makes it easy to compare prices and snag a bargain.

Cons You Need to Think About

1. No Warranty (in many cases)
Unless you’re buying from a store that offers one, you’re on your own. If it breaks a week later, that’s your problem, not the seller’s.

2. Hidden Wear and Tear
Consoles can look fine on the outside but have issues inside — dust buildup, overheating problems, or even dodgy HDMI ports. You might not notice them right away.

3. Potential Account Issues
If the previous owner didn’t properly reset or unlink their account, it can create a headache. Always do a factory reset the moment you get your hands on it.

4. No Refund Guarantee (usually)
Private sales rarely allow returns. Once you hand over the cash, that’s that.

Signs of a Well-Maintained Series S

Before you buy Xbox Series S Second Hand, keep an eye out for a few green flags:

• Console is clean, no scratches or dents.

• Fan runs quietly.

• Controller sticks are responsive and don’t drift.

• HDMI and power ports feel firm.

• Comes with original cables.

• Seller seems upfront and knows what they’re selling.

If the console’s dusty, noisy, or the controller feels loose, it’s a red flag.

Refurbished vs Second Hand – There’s a Difference

A refurbished Xbox Series S usually means it’s been professionally cleaned, repaired (if needed), and tested before resale. 

You’ll often find these from retailers or repair services that offer some kind of warranty. On the other hand, “Xbox Series S Second Hand” could mean anything from “lightly used” to “barely surviving.”

If you’re planning to keep the console for a few years, go refurbished. The bit of extra cost is worth the peace of mind.

When to Consider Repairs Instead

Now, this is where we at Gadget Surgery come in. Sometimes, buying second-hand isn’t the best call — especially if your current console just needs a little TLC. Instead of gambling on a used one, you can repair your existing Xbox Series S and bring it back to life for less.

At Gadget Surgery, we don’t sell or resell consoles — our focus is repair and restoration. Whether your Series S has a faulty HDMI port, won’t power on, or keeps overheating, our techs can fix it. We use professional-grade tools and handle every console with care. It’s fast, affordable, and saves you from the uncertainty of used gear.

Plus, we’re transparent — no hidden fees, no unnecessary upsells. We’ll tell you exactly what’s wrong, what it’ll cost, and how long it’ll take.

So, Is Buying Second Hand Worth It?

It depends on your priorities. If you’re tight on budget and manage to find a well-kept Series S from a reliable source, it’s absolutely worth it. You’ll save money and still enjoy next-gen gaming. But if you value reliability and long-term peace of mind — or already own a broken one — consider repairing it instead.

In short:
If you’re after savings, go used (but smartly).
If you’re after stability, go for a repair.

And if your console’s acting up — bring it to us at Gadget Surgery. We’ll treat it like our own and make sure it’s running smooth again.

Xbox Series S Second Hand Price Guide and Buying Tips

Let’s be real for a second — not everyone wants to drop full retail money on a console. With prices going up left and right, finding a Xbox Series S Second Hand for a good deal feels like a small victory. But let’s not sugarcoat it: buying second-hand is a bit like rolling dice. 

Sometimes you strike gold with a barely-used system; other times, you end up with something that’s seen better days. So, if you’re thinking of picking up a used Series S, here’s everything you need to know — from real-world prices to the do’s and don’ts that’ll save you from regret later.

Why People Go for a Second-Hand Xbox Series S

The most obvious reason? Money.
The Xbox Series S is already the cheaper sibling of the Series X, but a second-hand unit takes it even lower. On average, you’ll find used ones floating around £150 to £200, sometimes even less if you don’t mind a few scratches or missing cables. 

Compare that to the new price of £250–£300, and you’re saving enough to grab a couple of new games or an extra controller.

Plus, if you’re mainly using Game Pass, you don’t really need the Series X’s power boost. The Series S can still handle all the latest titles with impressive performance — fast loading, solid frame rates, and that super-silent operation. For casual and budget-conscious gamers, it’s a no-brainer.

But of course, not every cheap console is a good deal. That’s where being a bit cautious helps.

The Current Market for Used Xbox Series S Consoles

So, how much should you actually pay? Let’s break down what you’ll see depending on where you buy:

• CEX or Game: These stores usually price a second-hand Series S between £180–£210, depending on condition. You get a 12-month warranty, which is a big plus if something goes wrong.

• Facebook Marketplace / Gumtree: Expect prices anywhere from £130–£170, but it’s a gamble. Some consoles are practically new, others… not so much. Always meet in person and test before you buy.

• eBay: It’s hit or miss. You can find bargains at around £150, but factor in shipping and the risk of getting a console that doesn’t match the listing.

• Pawn shops / local listings: Around £160–£190, depending on how desperate the seller is. You might get lucky if someone’s offloading theirs quickly.

So yeah, if you’re paying anything above £200 for a second-hand Xbox Series S, it better be mint condition or come with extras like a controller and cables.

How to Spot a Fair Price

A good rule of thumb: if the console looks brand-new and comes with the original controller, paying around £180–£190 is fair.
If it’s got cosmetic wear, no box, or a third-party controller, aim closer to £150–£160.

Also, check for bundle deals — sometimes sellers include extra accessories or preloaded games. Just make sure those digital games are linked to your account, not theirs.

The Hidden Risks of Buying Used

Now here’s where most people mess up.
They see a low price, get excited, and skip the inspection. A few days later, the console starts overheating, or worse — it won’t even power on.

Before you buy, check for these red flags:

• Loud or rattling fan sounds.

• HDMI port feels loose or damaged.

• Random shutdowns when playing.

• Scratches near the vents (sign of dust buildup).

• Controller drift — that one’s annoying and expensive to fix.

If any of these pop up, walk away. You’re not buying a bargain; you’re buying a headache.

Second-Hand vs Refurbished — Know the Difference

People often mix these two up, but they’re not the same.
A refurbished Xbox Series S has been professionally cleaned, tested, and repaired if needed — usually by a store or repair centre. You’ll get a warranty, which adds peace of mind.

A second-hand console, on the other hand, could just be someone’s old unit they wiped and boxed up. No checks, no guarantees — just “works fine” written in the description.

If you’re spending close to £200, go for refurbished. That extra £20–£30 can save you from a lot of stress down the road.

Pro Tips Before You Hand Over the Cash

Here’s a quick list that’ll make you sound like a pro buyer:

1. Ask about age: When did they buy it? Older consoles may have more wear.

2. Check the ports: Wiggle the HDMI and power port — any looseness is bad news.

3. Inspect the controller: Joystick drift or sticky buttons are common.

4. Turn it on: See how fast it boots, how loud it sounds, and if it heats up too quickly.

5. Look for a factory reset: Always reset it once you buy it. Never keep someone else’s data or account info on your device.

And please — if someone says “it just needs a new cable” or “it turns on sometimes,” just move on. That’s code for broken.

Repair vs Replace — When It’s Smarter to Fix

Here’s the thing: sometimes your current console might just need a quick fix instead of you hunting for a used one.
That’s where Gadget Surgery steps in.

At Gadget Surgery, we don’t sell consoles — we repair them. Whether it’s an HDMI port that’s come loose, a power issue, or your Series S suddenly refusing to turn on, we’ve seen it all. Our team works fast, charges fair, and keeps things transparent. No hidden fees, no fake promises — just solid, honest repairs.

Instead of taking a chance on a random seller, you could have your existing console repaired and running like new again. It’s safer, cheaper in most cases, and you know what you’re getting.

When Buying Second Hand Makes Sense

There are times when second-hand is actually the smarter move.

If you’re buying for a kid, using it as a backup console, or just don’t need top-tier graphics, the Series S is perfect. Even used, it can handle Fortnite, FIFA, Call of Duty, or any new Game Pass release without breaking a sweat.

It’s small, easy to set up, and doesn’t sound like a jet engine when it’s running. So, if you find one in good shape from a trusted seller — go for it.

What You Should Never Do

• Don’t buy a console without testing it first.

• Don’t trust listings with vague pictures.

• Don’t skip asking about the warranty or return policy.

• Don’t ignore your gut — if something feels off, it probably is.

Conclusion

Buying a Xbox Series S Second Hand isn’t a bad move — it’s just one that requires caution. Test it, check the seller, and don’t rush. The deal might look sweet, but always think long-term. A console is meant to last you years, not months.

And remember — sometimes fixing what you already have is smarter (and cheaper) than chasing a new one. If that’s the case, Gadget Surgery’s repair experts are just a call away. We’ve seen it all, fixed it all, and we’ll make sure your console’s back in business before you miss another game night.