Fans Can’t Believe How Much Microsoft Is Selling Used Xbox Consoles For

Microsoft's Refurbished Xbox Prices Raise Eyebrows, Plus More Gaming News

Welcome to your daily download of what’s happening in the world of video games. Today, we’re diving into a head-scratching move from Microsoft that has gamers talking. The company is selling used Xbox consoles, but the price tag is so close to a brand-new one that it’s leaving many wondering if it's a deal at all. But that’s not all! We’ll also cover the mysterious disappearance of a fan-favorite map in Call of Duty, a bizarre real-life fish that looks like it came straight out of Dragon Ball Z, and an important update for anyone eagerly awaiting the release of Hytale. Let's get into it.

Fans Question Microsoft's Pricing for Refurbished Xbox Series X Consoles

Getting a good deal on a gaming console is a thrill for any player. Whether it's a holiday sale or a special bundle, saving money means more to spend on games. That’s why many people turn to the refurbished market. A refurbished console is a pre-owned device that has been returned, inspected, repaired, and certified to be in full working order by the manufacturer or a trusted seller. It's a great way to get high-end tech at a lower price. So, when Microsoft announced it would be selling its own “Certified Refurbished” Xbox Series X consoles, gamers were intrigued. However, that intrigue quickly turned to confusion when the price was revealed.

Microsoft listed the refurbished Xbox Series X on its official store for $469.99. At first glance, that might seem like a decent price for the company’s flagship console. The problem? A brand-new, straight-from-the-factory Xbox Series X costs $499.99. This means that by choosing a used, albeit professionally restored, console, customers would only be saving a mere $30. This tiny discount has sparked a major debate online among the Xbox community and bargain hunters alike.

What Do You Get with a "Certified Refurbished" Xbox?

Before jumping to conclusions, it’s important to understand what Microsoft is offering. A “Certified Refurbished” product isn’t just some random used console from a third-party seller. According to Microsoft, these consoles undergo a rigorous process. Each unit is thoroughly inspected, tested, and cleaned to meet the company’s high standards. Any faulty parts are replaced with genuine Microsoft components. The console is then repackaged with all the necessary accessories, including a wireless controller and cables.

Perhaps the biggest selling point is the warranty. Microsoft includes a one-year limited warranty with its refurbished consoles, which is the same warranty you get when you buy a new one. This provides a level of security and peace of mind that you often don’t get when buying used from a private seller on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or eBay. If something goes wrong within the first year, Microsoft will handle the repairs or replacement.

Is a $30 Discount Really Worth It?

Despite the assurances of quality and a solid warranty, the gaming community remains largely unconvinced. A $30 saving is, for many, simply not enough to justify buying a pre-owned product over a new one. The psychological appeal of unboxing a completely new, untouched device is powerful. For just a little more money, you can have a console that has never been used by anyone else.

Furthermore, savvy shoppers have pointed out that sales on brand-new Xbox Series X consoles are quite common. Throughout the year, major retailers often discount new consoles to $450 or even lower, especially during holiday seasons like Black Friday. In those instances, you could actually get a new console for less than Microsoft’s current refurbished price. This makes the $470 price tag on a used machine seem even less appealing. Fans have taken to social media and forums to express their disbelief, with many calling the pricing "out of touch" and a "missed opportunity" for Microsoft to offer real value to budget-conscious gamers.

Ultimately, the value of this offer depends on the individual. For someone who wants the assurance of a manufacturer’s warranty but can’t find a new console on sale, saving $30 might be better than nothing. However, for the majority of players, the consensus seems to be that it's worth waiting for a sale on a new unit or spending the extra $30 for a fresh-out-of-the-box experience.

Where Did It Go? Call of Duty's Beloved Shipment Map Vanishes Again

In the world of Call of Duty, some maps are more than just digital battlegrounds; they are institutions. And few maps are as loved (and sometimes hated) as Shipment. This tiny, chaotic, and utterly frantic map has been a staple of the series for years, known for its non-stop action. It's the perfect place for players looking to level up their weapons quickly, complete difficult camouflage challenges, or simply enjoy some pure, unadulterated chaos. That’s why its sudden removal from Modern Warfare III has caused an uproar in the community.

A History of Disappearances

If you're a longtime Call of Duty player, this news might give you a sense of déjà vu. The developers at Activision have a habit of adding and removing specific playlists, and Shipment-focused playlists are often part of this rotation. One week, you might have a "Shipment 24/7" playlist that lets you play the map over and over again. The next, it might be gone without a trace, replaced by a different map or mode. This is often done to keep the game feeling fresh and to encourage players to try out other content.

However, that doesn't make its disappearance any less frustrating for the thousands of players who rely on it. For many, Shipment is a core part of their gaming routine. It’s an efficient, if not stressful, way to make progress in the game's extensive unlock system. When the map is suddenly unavailable, it can feel like a major part of the game has been gated off. Players took to platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) to voice their frustration, with many asking the developers to bring the map back or, even better, make a permanent Shipment playlist.

Why Players Love the Chaos of Shipment

To an outsider, the appeal of Shipment might be confusing. The map is incredibly small, essentially a grid of shipping containers. Spawns are notoriously unpredictable, and you can often be eliminated seconds after re-entering the match. It's the opposite of a tactical, strategic experience. Yet, that’s precisely why it's so popular. The constant action means you're never far from an enemy, leading to high-kill games and rapid progression. It’s the ultimate grind spot. Completing a challenge like "get 100 headshots" can take hours on a large map but can be knocked out in just a few matches on Shipment.

For now, players will have to make do with other maps and playlists while they wait for Shipment's inevitable return. The developers rarely announce a specific timeline for these playlist updates, so it could be back next week or in a month. Until then, the Call of Duty community will be waiting, eagerly anticipating the day they can once again dive back into the glorious chaos of Shipment.

Fisherman Catches a Real-Life "Super Saiyan" Fish

Every now and then, the real world gives us something so strange and wonderful that it feels like it was pulled directly from a video game or anime. Recently, the worlds of fishing and Dragon Ball Z collided in the most unexpected way when an angler caught a fish with a stunningly vibrant, golden-yellow color. The fish, a largemouth bass, was so brilliantly colored that the internet immediately nicknamed it the "Super Saiyan" bass, a nod to the iconic golden-haired transformation from the beloved anime series.

The incredible catch was made by Josh Rogers while fishing in the James River in Virginia. He initially thought he had snagged a common saltwater fish due to its unusual coloring. It was only after reeling it in that he realized it was a largemouth bass, but unlike any he had ever seen before. Instead of the typical greenish-brown, this fish was almost entirely a bright, buttery yellow.

Biologists explain that the fish's unique appearance is due to a rare genetic mutation called xanthism. This condition causes an overproduction of yellow pigments in the skin, overwhelming the other colors. While rare, it can occur in many different species of animals. In this case, it resulted in a fish that looked ready to power up and fire a Kamehameha wave.

After snapping a few pictures of his once-in-a-lifetime catch, Rogers did something that earned him praise from fellow nature lovers: he released the fish back into the river. The photos, however, quickly went viral online, especially within gaming and anime communities. Fans of Dragon Ball Z were delighted by the real-world manifestation of a Super Saiyan, sharing the image alongside pictures of Goku with a fishing rod. It was a wholesome, fun moment that brought a little bit of anime magic to life.

Hytale Confirms It Will Not Be on Steam at Launch

For years, gamers have been eagerly awaiting the release of Hytale, a highly anticipated sandbox adventure game that looks to combine the blocky creativity of Minecraft with the depth of a role-playing game. Developed by Hypixel Studios, the team behind the hugely popular Hypixel Minecraft server, the game has generated immense hype. As development continues, fans are hungry for any new information, especially regarding how and where they will be able to play it. Recently, the studio provided a major clarification: Hytale will not be available on Steam when it launches.

In a developer blog post, the team at Hypixel Studios addressed the platform question directly. They confirmed that they will be using their own dedicated game launcher for Hytale. This means players will need to download the game client directly from the official Hytale website and create a specific Hytale account to play.

Why Skip the Biggest PC Gaming Platform?

The decision to bypass Steam, the dominant platform for PC gaming, might seem strange, but it makes a lot of sense when you consider who owns Hypixel Studios. In 2020, the studio was acquired by Riot Games, the creators of global hits like League of Legends and Valorant. Riot has had enormous success using its own launcher to manage its entire ecosystem of games. By having their own platform, companies like Riot can have complete control over updates, community features, security, and, most importantly, revenue. They don't have to give a cut of their sales to Steam's owner, Valve.

By launching Hytale on its own client, Hypixel (and by extension, Riot) can build a direct relationship with its player base. It allows them to integrate features that are specifically tailored to Hytale, such as robust modding support and server browsing tools, without being limited by the structure of Steam. This approach has become increasingly common among major publishers, with companies like Epic Games, EA, and Ubisoft all pushing their own launchers.

What This Means for Players

For players, this news is a mixed bag. On one hand, having to download yet another game launcher can be a bit of a hassle. Many gamers prefer to keep their entire library consolidated on Steam for convenience. On the other hand, a dedicated launcher could lead to a more streamlined and integrated experience specifically for Hytale. The developers have emphasized their commitment to making the game accessible and easy to play with friends, and their own launcher is a key part of that strategy.

While the game won't be on Steam at launch, the studio hasn't completely ruled out a release on other platforms in the future. For now, however, anyone looking to dive into the world of Hytale on day one should be prepared to do so through its own official launcher.

The post Fans Can’t Believe How Much Microsoft Is Selling Used Xbox Consoles For appeared first on Kotaku.

from Kotaku
-via DynaSage