Since the release of its original model by Microsoft in 2001, the Xbox has been one of the most popular gaming consoles on the market. With thousands of games available to suit every interest and age range, it’s no wonder why nearly every family home seems to have some generation of Xbox or another.
Just like any other electronic device, newly purchased Xboxes come with a warranty coverage period that allows users to receive repairs on malfunctioning parts of their device or even get replacement parts or devices when a repair isn’t feasible.
Like most warranties on tech products, an Xbox warranty protects users from having to pay the full cost of a repair or a replacement in the event of a malfunction out of their control. This usually includes things like internal technological damage, as long as it becomes apparent within a certain time frame after purchase.
There’s more to the Xbox than just the console itself, however. There are several distinct devices that you’ll need in order to get the most out of your Xbox, and some of the most important are your Xbox controllers. In fact, Xbox controllers are so crucial to the gaming experience that they have their own warranty separate from the console itself.
Maybe you’re a long-time Xbox user who wants to find out about the best way to keep your Xbox controllers covered against malfunction, damage, and loss, or maybe you’re in the market for a new gaming console and want to understand more about what Xbox ownership might entail. Either way, let’s dive into some more details about what an Xbox controller warranty entails and what you should do when the warranty expires.
What’s the Difference Between a Warranty and Gadget Insurance?
Warranties and device insurance are both great tools that provide tech device owners with notable benefits. However, each type of coverage is designed for a specific context, and warranties and insurance plans don’t typically offer the same level of coverage in all of the same circumstances.
Your device warranty is a promise made by the manufacturer that if the product you purchase is defective in some way, you will either be reimbursed, receive a replacement product, or get repair services free of charge, depending on the specific issue.
Most warranties are valid for around 90 days to one year after the date of purchase, though some companies allow customers to opt for an extended warranty that might last for a longer period of time or cover additional device issues that aren’t included in the basic warranty. Additionally, most warranties are paid for upfront rather than in an installment plan.
Unlike warranties, gadget insurance is not often provided by the product’s manufacturer but rather can be attained through a third-party service. Gadget insurance has no time limit on its coverage, is generally paid for month to month rather than in one lump sum, and usually covers much more than just device malfunction caused by a defective part. This can include accidental damage, loss, theft, and more.
How Long Is the Warranty on an Xbox One Controller?
The Xbox One is an extremely popular Xbox model with distinctive gear designed to be used with this specific console, one of which is the Xbox One controller. You can purchase Xbox One consoles together or separately, but after buying a new Xbox One controller, you automatically receive a 90-day manufacturer warranty.
The Xbox controller warranty for this model includes many of the common malfunctions that Xbox One users experience, including stick drift, stuck buttons, or any other defect that prevents proper gameplay.
If you notice a defect with your Xbox One controller that occurs within 90 days after your purchase date, you can contact the manufacturer with your warranty information to get a replacement controller.
How Long Is the Warranty on an Xbox Elite 2 Controller?
What if you’re a serious gamer with a newer model of Xbox, such as the Xbox Elite Series 2? Luckily, Microsoft offers new purchase warranties for every generation of console and controller to ensure your satisfaction with their products.
For the Xbox Elite 2 in particular, Microsoft extended the basic controller warranty from 90 days to one year for all users after a significant number of cases of hardware malfunction started to emerge shortly after the model came out.
Common User Issues
Some of the issues that Xbox Elite 2 users reported included face buttons becoming stuck and unusable, joystick drift, and buttons not registering presses, making it nearly impossible to enjoy your gaming console to its full potential. In fact, Microsoft made this change to its Xbox controller warranty after facing a class-action lawsuit from unsatisfied customers.
Is There a Warranty Extension?
The warranty extension from Microsoft made it possible for some users who had already timed out of their original warranty to receive the replacements or repairs they deserved.
How Often Do Xbox Controllers Need to Be Replaced?
Like any tech device, the lifespan of your Xbox controller will largely depend on how frequently you use it and how well you take care of it day-to-day. If you throw your Xbox controller around or handle it roughly on a regular basis, you’re more likely to have functionality issues. These will crop up within a few years or even within several months of purchase.
Remember, your Xbox controller warranty will generally only cover issues that lie outside of the owner’s control, such as internal malfunctions and inherent product defects. Therefore, if your controller issues stem from mishandling or accidental loss or damage, you may not be able to qualify for a manufacturer repair or replacement even if you’re still within the coverage time frame of your warranty.
The best way to make sure that your Xbox controller lasts is to avoid drops, spills, and other accidental damages as much as possible and replace the batteries whenever needed.
Xbox controllers can last for years when properly cared for. However, if you are experiencing mechanical issues that have nothing to do with your own handling, make sure to contact the manufacturer or the retailer that you purchased from.
How Do I Insure My Xbox Controllers Once the Warranty Expires?
Are you interested in device insurance but not sure where to get it? It’s important to seek device insurance as soon as your manufacturer warranty expires, or even sooner if you want to make sure your gadgets are always protected in the event of an accident or theft. Consider a company like AKKO that’s dedicated to protecting devices of all kinds from all of the issues that life can throw at you.
Whether you’re an avid everyday gamer or just a casual Xbox user, your gaming console is likely not your only piece of valuable tech equipment. Besides the fact that nearly everyone has a smartphone these days for work, socializing, and staying connected, many also own a myriad of other gadgets such as tablets, stereos, audio and video equipment, cameras, and much more.
What if you could bundle smartphone insurance with protection for up to 25 of your most precious personal items, including your Xbox console and controllers? With AKKO’s “Everything Protected” Plan, you can insure your smartphone against accidental damage, theft, loss, and more for a monthly fee as low as $15 while simultaneously providing the same level of protection for 25 items of your choice.
Want to make sure the whole family’s devices are protected by high-quality device insurance in the event of an emergency? AKKO’s family plans make it easy to bundle coverage for multiple people for a reduced rate, with students receiving particularly great deals.
Plus, AKKO insures new, used, and refurbished phones with some of the lowest deductibles in the industry compared to major gadget insurance providers like AppleCare, Verizon, and SquareTrade.
Why You Should Choose AKKO Gadget Insurance
You could take the time to find a comprehensive insurance plan for each of your most valuable items, but you won’t be able to beat the pricing or the convenience of the AKKO “Everything Protected” Plan.
With no deductibles ranging over $100, insurance against a huge variety of malfunctions and damages, and excellent coverage for as little as $12 per line, you’ll love the peace of mind knowing that an AKKO plan guarantees for the whole family.
Keep Your Devices Safe
Your Xbox controller warranty might protect you from device malfunctions that are out of your control, but there’s much more that can go wrong with such a complex device that your warranty won’t cover. Leaving your valuable devices uninsured could cost you hundreds in unnecessary repair and replacement costs.
We know that managing yet another insurance plan in addition to things like home, auto, and healthcare policies can feel daunting. That’s why we bundled comprehensive smartphone insurance with high-quality protection for up to 25 of your most precious items.
At AKKO, we prioritize your convenience and satisfaction just as highly as we prioritize high-quality device protection at a low cost.
