If you’re an avid gamer or even just a casual player, you’ve at least heard of the Xbox (if you don’t already own one). When the Xbox by Microsoft came into the gaming console market in 2001, it quickly became a mainstay and has leveled up with several new generations over the past 20 years.
Current and potential Xbox owners know that even though the console can be well worth it for its many capabilities and the high-quality games designed for its usage, these consoles tend to be expensive, especially when purchased new.
If any issues occur with your new Xbox that renders it unusable and you have to seek a repair or replacement, you can end up spending much more than you expected.
Luckily, like many devices of its caliber, the purchase of an Xbox comes with a manufacturer warranty. This warranty can help to protect you from spending extra money on costly repairs or replacements in the event of a hardware malfunction that’s out of your control.
Though warranties and device insurance serve a similar purpose, they are meant to be used in different contexts and don’t always cover the same issues.
What Is a Device Warranty and How Is It Different from Insurance?
Just like you can insure your car or home against different types of damages and theft, you can protect your valuable electronic devices such as a smartphone, laptop computer, gaming console, or camera from similar issues. That way, you won’t have to simply pay out of pocket when life happens and your expensive equipment becomes damaged or lost.
Your manufacturer warranty and your insurance policy can be extremely useful in saving you money and heartache when something happens to your device. However, the two have some key differences. Warranties are almost always included with the total cost (at the time of purchase) of your device, and their coverage conditions last for a set amount of time, such as 90 days to one year.
In some cases, you can opt for an extended warranty, which lasts longer than the basic warranty and may even offer some additional protections. Either way, the function of the warranty is to cover replacement or repair costs in the event of a product defect or internal malfunction.
Typically, if a product is defective, it will become apparent soon after purchase. This is why warranties only last for a set amount of time after the purchase date.
Device insurance is offered by some product manufacturers or major electronics retailers (think Best Buy’s GeekSquad), but this type of coverage can be purchased at any time and lasts as long as you choose.
Device insurance policies usually cover product issues like malfunctions and defects. They also cover issues that warranties don’t, such as accidental breaks or spills, theft, and even loss in some cases.
Make sure to check the warranty on your specific Xbox model to see how long you’ll have manufacturer coverage and exactly what your warranty covers. We recommend replacing your Xbox warranty with high-quality device insurance as soon as your coverage expires.
You may even want to sign up for gadget insurance to make sure you’re protected against every potential issue.
How Long Is an Xbox One Warranty?
The standard warranty for an Xbox One is one year, which means that any internal malfunctions will be repaired, or the device will be replaced if necessary up to one calendar year after the purchase date.
Generally, you won’t need to show a receipt if you take your console back to the retailer or point of purchase. A representative can look up your device’s serial number to make sure it’s still under Xbox warranty coverage.
How Long Is an Xbox Series X Warranty?
Even though the Xbox Series X is a newer model than the Xbox One, the standard manufacturer warranty period is the same: one year. You can opt for the extended warranty through Microsoft if you prefer, and some electronics retailers offer their own warranties that may extend past the standard one-year timeframe.
Are Xbox Controllers Under Warranty, Too?
There’s much more to Xbox ownership than just the console alone. Getting the most out of your Xbox means investing in the device’s accessories, some of the most important of which are the controllers. Xbox controllers are highly technical devices all their own that can experience internal malfunctions and wear and tear, just like the console itself.
The standard warranty coverage period for Xbox controllers is 90 days. However, Microsoft specifically extended the warranty of Xbox Elite 2 controllers from 90 days to one year because a significant number of customers were noticing malfunctions with the Xbox Elite wireless controller.
Some of these issues included stick drift, stuck buttons, and unresponsive buttons, and the company was even facing a class-action lawsuit due to the number of people experiencing mechanical issues.
Therefore, if you have an Xbox Elite 2 controller that you purchased within the last year, you can enjoy extended Xbox warranty coverage against defects and manufacturer errors.
How Much Is It to Repair an Xbox One or Series X?
Without an Xbox warranty or device insurance, repairing your device can get expensive, depending on which generation of the console you have. If your device has aged out of its Xbox warranty coverage, you can receive Microsoft repair service for a set fee.
In order to receive repair service from Microsoft, you’ll have to log into the device services portal with your account information and submit a service order request for the device that needs repair. Once you receive a confirmation email, you’ll have to pack and ship your device to the service facility securely.
To receive service on your Xbox One, U.S. residents will pay either $179 or $249, depending on if they have the Xbox One S or the Xbox One X. Service for the Xbox Series X costs $299 in the U.S. Repairs for the Elite Wireless Controller 2 cost $99, and you can also replace the ear cups on your Xbox Wireless Headset for $10.
With costs like this, it’s clear to see why device insurance can be extremely useful after your Xbox warranty has expired. Let’s dive into the details of gadget insurance with AKKO and how you can protect much more than just your Xbox console with our plans.
How Do I Insure My Xbox Once the Warranty Expires?
Is your Xbox warranty about to expire? Don’t worry! Finding excellent device protection is easier than you might think. Plus, you can combine insurance for your Xbox with insurance for your smartphone as well as several other personal items of your choice.
Smartphones help to keep us connected to friends, family, and colleagues, which is why losing or damaging your device can cause such a significant disruption to your life.
However, if you own multiple electronic devices or personal items that you feel are equally valuable, you won’t have to seek an insurance plan for each one. You can cover them all for one low monthly fee with AKKO.
Insuring your smartphone only costs as low as $5 a month with AKKO. However, you can level up to our “Everything Protected” Plan and receive high-quality device protection for your phone as well as up to 25 personal items of your choice, including your gaming consoles, for just $15 per month!
With low deductible costs, coverage for new, used, and refurbished phones, and additional protection for so many valuable items, it’s clear to see why tech device owners are choosing AKKO over similar plans from companies like AppleCare, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
Plus, with your phone and 25 of your most precious items covered on the same insurance policy, the convenience of the AKKO “Everything Protected” Plan is unmatched.
Why AKKO Gadget Insurance Is the Best Choice for Xbox Protection
Many device insurance companies promise protection against theft, loss, and damage, only to charge incredibly high deductibles or limit the number of claims you can file each year. AKKO keeps deductibles below $100 in all cases and offers unlimited claims as well as no changes to your rate based on claims filed.
Plus, you can save even more when you bundle coverage for the whole household on a family plan.
Your Xbox warranty could save you hundreds in repair or replacement costs in the event of an internal malfunction with your console. However, there’s a lot more than just defects that can affect the functionality of your Xbox, and you need device insurance to protect you from all of the possibilities. Your warranty can only offer protection for a limited time.
Taking great care of your tech equipment and valuable personal items can help to prevent damage, but sometimes, issues out of your control can end up costing you money and peace of mind. When life happens, don’t let yourself get caught off guard. Trust AKKO to keep your devices protected 24/7, no matter what.
