Yesterday, Microsoft teamed up with iFixit to bring official repair parts for Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X consoles to gamers everywhere. The goal? To keep these consoles ticking longer and cut down on electronic waste.
This partnership launches a new repair parts storefront, catering to both disc and digital versions of the Xbox Series consoles. Alongside the listings are guides that walk you through installation, making the repair process easier for everyone. Most components are priced between $20 and $60, but some vital parts, like the motherboard assembly, could set you back around the cost of a whole new console. For instance, the motherboard for the Series S (model 1883) is priced at $299.99, matching the cost of a brand-new Series S. The Series X motherboard costs even more at $599.99, while a new Xbox Series X goes for $499.99.
The pricing is a head-scratcher, as purchasing a new console—complete with a controller and one-year warranty—is often the same price or cheaper than replacing a motherboard. The cost of replacement parts for accessories like controllers is also high. For example, an Xbox Series S/X controller motherboard is priced at $29.99—the same amount you might spend on a new wireless controller when it’s on sale.
Unless you’re intent on repairing a special edition console, buying a replacement motherboard seems less convenient and more expensive than just buying a whole new console. Luckily, other parts are much more reasonably priced, though the steep cost of motherboards is still surprising. iFixit isn’t just about consoles, either—they’re offering parts for Xbox Series controllers too, beyond the core console repairs of previous Xbox models.
“We’re thrilled to team up with Microsoft to extend the life of Xboxes and reduce waste,” shared Liz Chamberlain, iFixit’s Director of Sustainability. “Since we partnered with Microsoft last year on Surface parts, we’ve been empowering customers to fix their own laptops and tablets. Now, Xbox owners can enjoy the same options.”
iFixit consistently strives to make electronic repairs user-friendly and accessible, and their recent offerings reflect that. For instance, we reviewed their Fixhub Portable Soldering Station, awarding it a 4-star rating for its outstanding soldering capabilities, large battery, accurate power delivery, ease of repair, and convenient USB C connectors.
It’s easy to imagine console repair pros snapping up that soldering station for use with these newly available Xbox spare parts from iFixit. However, there are more budget-friendly ways to dive into soldering than investing in high-end equipment. Even without their branded tools, iFixit’s guides are perfectly effective.
