Hold onto your wallets, gamers, because the used console market is getting wild! Welcome to today's edition of Morning Checkpoint, where we dive into the latest buzz in the gaming world. And trust me, you won't believe what's happening with those pre-owned Xbox consoles. Plus, we'll explore a missing Black Ops 7 map, a Dragon Ball Z-inspired fish, and the surprising platform choice for the resurrected Hytale.
First up, let's talk about the price of used Xbox consoles. Microsoft is selling refurbished Xbox Series X consoles for a staggering $550 in 2025. Remember when you could snag one for $500 at launch back in 2020? And the smaller Xbox Series S is going for $330, even though it launched at $300, often available for less with deals.
But here's where it gets controversial... These prices are high, but not entirely shocking. Factors like tariffs, inflation, and even AI-driven demand are pushing prices up. It's tough to swallow that this is the first console generation where the machines are more expensive years after launch. And with the rising costs of components, prices for both new and used consoles are likely to keep climbing.
Next, let's switch gears to Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. The first season is live, bringing new content, but also taking something away: the popular map, Blackheart. Activision says the map is temporarily removed due to an undisclosed issue. It's expected to return in a future update.
Now, for something completely different: a newly discovered fish species has been given the scientific name Vanderhorstia Supersaiyan. The name is inspired by Dragon Ball Z, thanks to its bright yellow markings.
Finally, the resurrected Hytale is skipping Steam for its early access launch. The developers want to focus on their existing community and refine the game before facing potential negative first impressions on Steam.
What are your thoughts on these developments? Are you shocked by the used console prices? Do you think the Hytale team is making the right call by avoiding Steam initially? Share your opinions in the comments below! Let's get a discussion going!
