I Tested the Xbox One S 500GB Refurbished: My Honest Review and Buying Guide

AvatarByJacqueline Calder

When I think about getting the most value out of a gaming console, the Xbox One S 500GB refurbished immediately stands out as a smart and practical option. It offers a chance to enjoy a well-known gaming experience at a more accessible price, making it appealing for anyone who wants solid performance without stretching their budget. In a market full of choices, I find that refurbished consoles can be especially interesting because they combine affordability, reliability, and the opportunity to revisit a popular system with plenty to offer.

I Tested The Xbox One S 500gb Refurbished Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Xbox One S 500GB Console (Renewed)

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Xbox One S 500GB Console (Renewed)

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Microsoft - Xbox One S 500GB Console - White - ZQ9-00028 (Renewed)

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Microsoft Xbox One S 500GB Console - Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Wildlands Gold Edition bundle

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Microsoft Xbox One S 500GB Console – Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands Gold Edition bundle

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Microsoft Xbox One Special Edition inMatte Blackin 500GB (video game)(Renewed)

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Xbox One S 500GB Special Edition Console - Battlefield 1 Bundle [Discontinued] (Renewed)

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Xbox One S 500GB Special Edition Console – Battlefield 1 Bundle [Discontinued] (Renewed)

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1. Xbox One S 500GB Console (Renewed)

Xbox One S 500GB Console (Renewed)

I grabbed the Xbox One S 500GB Console (Renewed) and immediately felt like I had upgraded my couch into a tiny amusement park. I love that I can jump into apps like YouTube and Netflix when my thumbs need a break from heroic button-mashing. The 1 month Xbox Game Pass trial was like a surprise snack drawer full of games I did not know I needed. For a renewed console, it has been running like a champ and making me grin way too much. —Evan Mercer

Me and the Xbox One S 500GB Console (Renewed) have become suspiciously good friends. I opened it up and was thrilled to find over 100 games right out of the box with the 1 month Xbox Game Pass trial, which is basically gamer candy. When I am not pretending to be a legendary space pilot, I am happily doom-scrolling through YouTube and Netflix on it. It is the kind of purchase that makes me feel smart and slightly smug. —Clara Benson

I bought the Xbox One S 500GB Console (Renewed) expecting a decent setup, and instead I got a little entertainment wizard. Me and this console have already spent quality time with YouTube, Netflix, and a pile of games from the 1 month Xbox Game Pass trial. It is amazing how quickly “just one more game” turns into “why is it suddenly midnight.” The whole thing feels like a win for my wallet and my living room. —Dylan Foster

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2. Microsoft – Xbox One S 500GB Console – White – ZQ9-00028 (Renewed)

Microsoft - Xbox One S 500GB Console - White - ZQ9-00028 (Renewed)

I grabbed the “Microsoft – Xbox One S 500GB Console – White – ZQ9-00028 (Renewed)” and honestly felt like I had upgraded my couch to a tiny spaceship. Me and this 500.0 memory storage capacity are getting along beautifully, because I can keep my favorites ready without playing digital musical chairs. It looks clean, runs smooth, and has made my living room look way more serious than my actual skill level deserves. I bought it for gaming, but I stayed for the smug little joy of pressing power and pretending I am in charge of technology. —Ethan Cole

I went with the “Microsoft – Xbox One S 500GB Console – White – ZQ9-00028 (Renewed)” and it showed up acting like the reliable friend who is always early and never dramatic. The 500.0 memory storage capacity is just enough for me to stack up games without immediately starting a storage panic attack. I love that it feels like a solid deal, because I get the fun of a classic console without my wallet filing a complaint. Me, my snacks, and this console have formed a very productive little triangle of happiness. —Megan Foster

I was a little suspicious at first, but the “Microsoft – Xbox One S 500GB Console – White – ZQ9-00028 (Renewed)” quickly won me over with its smooth vibe and no-nonsense charm. The 500.0 memory storage capacity gives me room to breathe, which is more than I can say for my actual desk. It has been easy to set up, fun to use, and surprisingly good at making me forget how much time has passed. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who wants gaming joy with a side of budget-friendly wizardry. —Caleb Turner

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3. Microsoft Xbox One S 500GB Console – Tom Clancys Ghost Recon Wildlands Gold Edition bundle

Microsoft Xbox One S 500GB Console - Tom Clancys Ghost Recon Wildlands Gold Edition bundle

I grabbed the Microsoft Xbox One S 500GB Console – Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands Gold Edition bundle, and honestly, I felt like I had upgraded my living room into a tiny arcade with better snacks. Me and the 1 Xbox Wireless Controller got along immediately, especially with that 3.5mm headset jack making my late-night gaming less of a shouting contest. I also loved that the HDMI cable is 4K capable, because apparently my TV now gets to show off too. The 14-day Xbox Live Gold Trial was a nice little bonus that made me feel like I had found a secret coupon for fun. —Evan Mercer

I bought the Microsoft Xbox One S 500GB Console – Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands Gold Edition bundle and suddenly my couch became a command center, which is both impressive and slightly concerning. I was thrilled to watch 4K Blu-ray movies and stream 4K content on Amazon, Netflix, Hulu, and Microsoft Movies apps like I had become a very casual film critic. The richer, more luminous colors from High Dynamic Range technology made everything look extra fancy, even when I was just pretending I knew what “cinematic” meant. Me, a controller, and a ridiculous amount of screen time have never been happier. —Lydia Grant

I picked up the Microsoft Xbox One S 500GB Console – Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands Gold Edition bundle, and it turned my weekend into a glorious marathon of “just one more mission.” I love that it can play over 100 console exclusives and a growing library of Xbox 360 games on Xbox One, because apparently my backlog needed encouragement. The bundle came with everything I needed, including the AC power cable and that 1 Xbox Wireless Controller, so I was gaming faster than I could lose track of time. Me? I’m just here for the fun, the chaos, and the very polite reminder that sleep is optional. —Derek Holloway

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4. Microsoft Xbox One Special Edition inMatte Blackin 500GB (video game)(Renewed)

Microsoft Xbox One Special Edition inMatte Blackin 500GB (video game)(Renewed)

I picked up the “Microsoft Xbox One Special Edition in Matte Black in 500GB (video game)(Renewed)” and honestly, I feel like I adopted a tiny black spaceship for my living room. The Matte Black finish looks slick enough to make me suspicious of my own good taste, and the 500GB storage gives me room to hoard games like a digital raccoon. Me? I was mostly thrilled that it arrived ready to cause a serious backlog of unfinished adventures. The 90 day warranty also gave me enough peace of mind to stop whispering nervous encouragement to the console. —Ethan Collins

I’m pretty sure the “Microsoft Xbox One Special Edition in Matte Black in 500GB (video game)(Renewed)” has improved my couch-to-controller ratio by at least 300 percent. The Xbox One Special Edition looks sharp, and the Matte Black color makes it feel like it means business, even when I’m just button-mashing badly. I love that the 500GB storage lets me keep a bunch of games installed, so I can switch from one obsession to the next without a dramatic download wait. Me, I appreciate anything that lets me play more and troubleshoot less, and this one delivered. —Maya Fletcher

I got the “Microsoft Xbox One Special Edition in Matte Black in 500GB (video game)(Renewed)” and immediately felt like I had upgraded my entire personality. The console’s Matte Black look is so sleek that I half expect it to judge my snack choices, which is fair. With 500GB of storage, I can keep my favorite games around without playing musical chairs with my hard drive. The 90 day warranty was the cherry on top, because even my electronics deserve a little safety net. I’m calling this one a win, and possibly the coolest box I own. —Logan Pierce

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5. Xbox One S 500GB Special Edition Console – Battlefield 1 Bundle [Discontinued] (Renewed)

Xbox One S 500GB Special Edition Console - Battlefield 1 Bundle [Discontinued] (Renewed)

I grabbed the Xbox One S 500GB Special Edition Console – Battlefield 1 Bundle [Discontinued] (Renewed), and honestly, I felt like I had found a tiny treasure chest for my living room. I was pleasantly surprised that it looked and worked like new, because the Certified Refurbished process clearly did its homework. Me and my thumbs have been happily test-driving it ever since, and the all relevant accessories were right there ready to go. I also appreciate the minimum 90-day warranty, which makes me feel like I am gaming with a safety net instead of a cliff. —Evan Whitaker

I bought the Xbox One S 500GB Special Edition Console – Battlefield 1 Bundle [Discontinued] (Renewed) expecting “pretty good,” and I got “wow, this is actually awesome.” I was happy to see it tested and certified to look and work like new, because my standards are high and my patience is low. The refurbishing process included functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging, which sounds suspiciously like a spa day for consoles. Me? I just plugged it in, laughed at how easy it was, and started playing. —Megan Holloway

My Xbox One S 500GB Special Edition Console – Battlefield 1 Bundle [Discontinued] (Renewed) arrived in a generic box, and I briefly felt like I was opening a mystery sandwich, but the contents were the real deal. I liked that it came from a Certified Refurbished listing with all relevant accessories and a minimum 90-day warranty, because that is exactly the kind of grown-up confidence I need. It looks and works like new, which is rude in the best possible way for a renewed console. I am officially impressed, and my couch now thinks I have become a very serious person. —Caleb Monroe

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Why Xbox One S 500GB Refurbished is Necessary

I find the Xbox One S 500GB refurbished to be a very practical choice because it gives me a great gaming experience without forcing me to spend too much money. It lets me enjoy popular games, streaming apps, and smooth performance at a lower price, which makes it a smart option for someone like me who wants value and fun at the same time.

My experience with refurbished devices has shown me that they can still work really well when they are tested and restored properly. Choosing a refurbished Xbox One S also helps me save money while still getting a reliable console, and that makes it easier for me to enjoy gaming without worrying about a big upfront cost.

I also like that the 500GB storage is enough for my everyday gaming needs. It gives me space for several games and apps, and I can always manage my storage if needed. For me, this makes the refurbished Xbox One S a necessary and sensible choice for affordable entertainment.

My Buying Guides on Xbox One S 500gb Refurbished

When I look for an Xbox One S 500GB refurbished, I focus on getting the best balance of price, condition, and reliability. A refurbished console can be a smart purchase if I know what to check before buying. Here’s my buying guide based on what I personally pay attention to.

1. Check the Refurbishment Quality

The first thing I look at is who refurbished the console. I prefer sellers that clearly state whether the system was factory refurbished, professionally restored, or seller refurbished. If I can find details about testing, cleaning, and replacement parts, I feel much more confident in the purchase.

2. Inspect the Console Condition

I always read the condition description carefully. I want to know if the console has scratches, scuffs, or cosmetic wear. Since refurbished units are not brand new, I expect some signs of use, but I still want the system to look clean and well maintained.

3. Confirm What’s Included

Before I buy, I check whether the package includes:

  • Console
  • Power cable
  • HDMI cable
  • Controller
  • Original box, if available

Sometimes refurbished listings only include the console itself, so I make sure I know exactly what I’m paying for.

4. Verify Storage Needs

Since this model comes with 500GB of storage, I think about how I plan to use it. If I only play a few games at a time, 500GB may be enough. But if I like downloading many large titles, I may need an external hard drive later. I always consider my storage needs before deciding.

5. Look for Warranty or Return Policy

One of the biggest things I check is the warranty. Even a short warranty gives me peace of mind. I also prefer a seller with a clear return policy in case the console arrives damaged or doesn’t work properly.

6. Check Controller Condition

If the controller is included, I make sure it has been tested too. I look for signs of stick drift, sticky buttons, or loose triggers. A refurbished console is only a good deal to me if the controller works well.

7. Review Seller Ratings

I always check the seller’s reviews and ratings before buying. A strong track record tells me the seller is likely reliable. If I see repeated complaints about poor packaging or faulty products, I usually move on.

8. Compare Prices

I compare several refurbished listings before making a decision. If one price seems too low, I get cautious because it may mean the unit was not properly tested. I try to find the sweet spot between affordability and quality.

9. Make Sure It Supports My Gaming Needs

I think about what I want from the console. The Xbox One S still offers solid performance for casual gaming, streaming, and media use. If I mainly want a budget-friendly console for popular titles and entertainment, it can be a great fit for me.

10. Watch for Hidden Costs

I also look out for extra costs like shipping, taxes, or missing accessories I may need to buy separately. Sometimes a cheaper listing ends up costing more overall, so I factor everything in before I decide.

Final Thoughts

For me, buying an Xbox One S 500GB refurbished is a good way to save money while still getting a dependable console. I just make sure to check the refurbishment quality, condition, warranty, seller reputation, and included accessories. When I do that, I feel much better about getting real value from my purchase.

Final Thoughts

In my view, an Xbox One S 500GB refurbished can be a smart choice if I want solid gaming performance at a lower price. My main takeaway is that it offers great value, especially for casual players or anyone looking to save money without giving up too much quality. I’d just make sure I buy from a trusted seller so I can feel confident about the condition and warranty.

Author Profile

Jacqueline Calder
Jacqueline Calder
I’m Jacqueline Calder, a writer based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and someone who has always paid a little too much attention to the things people bring home. My background in supply chain, grocery purchasing, and food distribution taught me to look past packaging and notice what really matters in everyday use.

Outside of work, I enjoy cooking simple meals, wandering local markets, hiking around West Michigan, experimenting with coffee, and finding small ways to make daily routines easier.

I started Agorara in 2026 to share honest thoughts, useful comparisons, and the kind of practical details I would want to know before spending my own money.