Yesterday marked an exciting development as iFixit teamed up with Microsoft to deliver genuine repair parts for Xbox Series and Xbox Series X consoles all over the globe. Their mission? To extend the lifespan of these gaming machines and keep them from prematurely ending up as e-waste.
The collaboration has given rise to an online store filled with repair parts specifically for both disc-based and digital versions of the Xbox Series consoles. Along with these, they’ve also provided handy guides to help with installing each piece. Most of these parts are reasonably priced between $20 and $60. However, a few key components, like the motherboard assembly, come with a hefty price tag—almost the cost of an entire console. Take, for instance, the Series S motherboard assembly for model 1883 in the US; it’s priced at $299.99, which matches the cost of a new Series S console. On the other hand, the Series X motherboard assembly (Disk Drive Model 1882) carries a price of $599.99, yet you can get a full, brand-new Xbox Series X for just $499.99.
This pricing strategy seems quite baffling. Why settle for a pricey replacement when a fresh console, along with a controller and a one-year warranty, could cost the same, or even less in the case of the Series X? The same goes for accessory parts, like the Xbox Series S/X controller motherboard. It sells for around $29.99, which is what you might pay for a brand-new Xbox wireless controller during a sale.
If you’re not trying to breathe life into a limited-edition console, opting for a new Xbox console instead of its motherboard might just save you a headache and some cash. Luckily, for the more minor repairs, the cost is far more manageable, though it’s surprising how steep the motherboard prices are. Thankfully, iFixit has expanded its offerings beyond the console itself, including parts for Xbox Series controllers now, unlike previous iterations.
Liz Chamberlain, iFixit’s Director of Sustainability, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership, exclaiming, “We’re thrilled to join forces with Microsoft to keep Xboxes working longer and out of landfills. Ever since we kicked off our Surface parts venture with Microsoft last year, our customers have been able to repair their Microsoft laptops and tablets– it’s fantastic to now offer Xbox owners that same opportunity.”
iFixit’s commitment to simplifying electronic repairs and making them more beginner-friendly is clear. Not long ago, we evaluated their Fixhub Portable Soldering Station, giving it a solid 4-star review for its top-notch soldering capabilities, robust battery, customized power usage, simplicity in repairs, and USB-C connectors.
It’s easy to envision a console repair specialist picking up that portable soldering station to tackle repairs with these newly available Xbox replacement parts from iFixit. That being said, there are more budget-friendly options for those new to soldering. Plus, iFixit’s guides will prove just as helpful whether you’re using their branded tools or not.
