Yesterday, a significant collaboration was unveiled as iFixit teamed up with Microsoft. The goal? To offer gamers worldwide official repair parts for Xbox Series and Xbox Series X consoles, ensuring these gaming systems stay operational longer and avoid ending up as electronic waste.
Through this partnership, gamers can now access a dedicated repair parts page specifically for both the disc and digital models of the Xbox Series consoles. Accompanying the parts are detailed guides for each component’s installation. While most parts fall within a reasonable price range of $20 to $60, some critical pieces, such as the motherboard assembly, are priced as high as a new console. To put it in perspective, the motherboard for the Series S model 1883 costs $299.99, which matches the price of a brand-new Series S console. Meanwhile, the Series X motherboard for the Disk Drive Model 1882 goes for $599.99, despite the Series X console being priced at just $499.99.
This pricing strategy seems puzzling, especially considering that for the same or lower price, one could simply opt for a new console that comes with additional perks like a controller and a one-year warranty. Replacement parts for accessories, like controllers, also carry steep prices. For example, the Xbox Series S/X controller motherboard is tagged at $29.99. Oddly enough, you can snag a new Xbox wireless controller at that price when it’s on sale.
The practicality of purchasing a new Xbox motherboard is questionable unless you’re repairing a special edition. The financial and logistical hassle of repairs could easily surpass just buying a new console. Thankfully, other repair parts are more reasonably priced, though the motherboard costs remain an eye-opener. It’s a relief to note that iFixit offers replacement parts for Xbox Series controllers too, unlike previous generations where console-only parts were available.
Liz Chamberlain, iFixit’s Director of Sustainability, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, “We’re excited to be working with Microsoft to keep Xboxes running longer and out of the waste heap. Since we launched our Surface parts collaboration with Microsoft last year, we’ve been helping our customers repair their own Microsoft laptops and tablets— and it’s awesome to be able to offer Xbox owners the same opportunity.”
iFixit has been making waves in the electronics repair sector, simplifying the process for end users. Just recently, we reviewed their Fixhub Portable Soldering Station, awarding it a 4-star rating due to its excellent soldering capabilities, impressive battery life, precise power application, ease of repair, and inclusion of USB C connectors.
Console repair enthusiasts might now find this soldering station a valuable tool, especially with these official Xbox replacement parts now readily accessible through iFixit. Of course, there are more affordable options for those entering the world of soldering, and iFixit’s comprehensive guides will be just as effective regardless of whether one uses their branded repair equipment.
