Used Xbox Prices Surpass Original Launch Costs
▼ Summary
– Refurbished Xbox Series X consoles are being sold for $550 in 2025, which is $50 more than their original 2020 launch price, highlighting a trend of rising console costs.
– High used and new console prices are attributed to factors like tariffs, inflation, and corporate profit goals, making this the first generation where consoles are more expensive five years post-launch.
– The popular map “Blackheart” has been temporarily removed from *Call of Duty: Black Ops 7* as Activision investigates an unspecified issue, with plans to reinstate it in a future update.
– A newly discovered fish with bright yellow markings has been given the scientific name *Vanderhorstia Supersaiyan*, inspired by the *Dragon Ball Z* series.
– The revived game *Hytale* will not launch on Steam initially, as developers aim to focus on community feedback and avoid premature negative reviews that could harm the game’s direction.
It’s a surprising turn in the gaming market that used Xbox Series X and S consoles are now selling for more than their original launch prices. A recent Reddit discussion highlighted this unusual trend, with Microsoft itself listing refurbished Xbox Series X units for $550 and Series S consoles for $330. For comparison, these machines launched at $500 and $300 respectively back in 2020. This price inversion reflects broader economic pressures, including inflation, tariffs, and shifting corporate strategies focused on profitability. It marks the first console generation where both PlayStation and Xbox hardware have become more expensive five years after release, a situation that shows little sign of reversing for new or pre-owned systems.
In other news, the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7‘s first season has been met with a curious removal. The popular map Blackheart has been temporarily pulled from all matchmaking pools. Activision stated the removal is for investigation into an unspecified issue, promising the map will return in a future update. This fan-favorite battleground was one of the original launch maps and its absence has certainly been noticed by the player base.
From the depths of the ocean comes a discovery that will delight anime fans. A newly identified fish species found near Japan has received the scientific name Vanderhorstia Supersaiyan. The small fish’s vibrant yellow coloration inspired the Dragon Ball Z-themed moniker, adding a playful touch to the world of marine biology.
The saga of Hytale, the Minecraft-inspired survival game, continues with a new development. After being canceled by Riot Games earlier this year and subsequently revived by its original creators in November, the team has announced its early access launch will bypass Steam. In a new FAQ, developers explained this decision allows them to focus on nurturing their existing community and refining the game without the pressure of a massive, immediate influx of new players. They aim to avoid letting a wave of early “cold first impressions” steer the project’s direction off course. While the post claims avoiding negative reviews isn’t the primary motive, the strategic move highlights the challenges games face with early mixed receptions on major storefronts.
(Source: Kotaku)
