Microsoft and iFixit Partner to Provide Official Xbox Repair Parts

Microsoft has partnered with iFixit to provide genuine replacement parts for Xbox Series X and S consoles. The collaboration enables console owners to conduct self-repairs using authentic components, available exclusively through iFixit’s Microsoft Repair Hub. This initiative is accompanied by detailed step-by-step guides and specialized tools, making it accessible even to less experienced users.

Back in October 2021, Microsoft made a commitment to make Surface devices more repairable, after shareholders forced the company with a Right to Repair initiative. As part of the initiative, the company has released tools with iFixit to help self-repair and will allow third-party locations to fix hardware. Furthermore, the company made a commitment to an independent study to assess the environmental impact of Right to Repair.

“We’re excited to be working with Microsoft to keep Xboxes running longer and out of the waste heap,” said Elizabeth Chamberlain, director of sustainability at iFixit. The partnership reflects Microsoft’s commitment to empowering users while supporting global efforts to reduce electronic waste.

The Xbox Repair Parts Catalog

The repair parts offered by iFixit cater to both the Series X and Series S, covering digital-only and disc-drive models. These parts address a wide range of potential hardware issues:

• Wi-Fi Boards: To resolve connectivity problems with components designed to handle wireless networking functions.
• Power Supplies: To replace malfunctioning modules to restore power consistency.
• Motherboard Assemblies: To address critical internal failures with region-specific options for Europe and the United States.
• Controller Accessories: From joystick replacements to bumper assemblies, these parts ensure controllers remain functional.

To facilitate repairs, users can purchase tools like the Xbox Toolkit, which includes precision screwdrivers and bits. For advanced fixes, products like thermal paste (€21.95) ensure proper heat dissipation, crucial for preventing processor overheating.

“Since we launched Surface parts with Microsoft last year, we’ve helped customers repair their own devices, and we’re thrilled to now offer Xbox owners the same opportunity,” Chamberlain noted, emphasizing the extension of iFixit’s successful repair model to gaming consoles. In June iFixit praised the improved repairability of the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 rating it high with a 8/10 score.

Xbox Series S Parts

Xbox Series X Parts

Shared Parts for Xbox Series X/S Controllers

A Step Forward in Repairability

Microsoft’s partnership with iFixit underscores its evolving stance on the right-to-repair movement, a global push to make repair options accessible to consumers. Traditionally, the gaming industry has restricted access to official parts, forcing users to rely on third-party repairs or replacements.

By providing genuine parts directly to consumers, Microsoft is breaking with tradition and aligning itself with consumer advocacy trends.

Valve, a competitor in the gaming space, set a precedent by offering nearly all components for its Steam Deck through iFixit. Microsoft’s Xbox initiative builds on this momentum, ensuring both consoles and controllers are covered under its repair program.

Additionally, the company’s first-party support for Elite Series 2 controllers highlights its comprehensive approach.

Sustainability and Consumer Empowerment

Reducing electronic waste is at the core of this partnership. By extending the lifespan of Xbox hardware, Microsoft and iFixit contribute to sustainability efforts aimed at mitigating the environmental impact of consumer electronics.

This move aligns with broader regulatory trends, as governments worldwide introduce laws mandating repairability in electronic devices.

The collaboration is also a response to shifting consumer expectations. As tech-savvy users demand more autonomy over their devices, offering repairable hardware has become a competitive advantage for companies.

A Broader Industry Context

Microsoft’s engagement with repairability comes at a time of increasing regulatory scrutiny. Laws in regions like the European Union and certain U.S. states require manufacturers to provide access to repair information and genuine parts. Microsoft’s proactive stance positions it as a leader in this evolving landscape, setting a benchmark for competitors.

Valve’s partnership with iFixit for the Steam Deck demonstrates how the gaming industry is responding to these pressures. However, not all manufacturers have embraced repairability. Microsoft’s actions may influence lagging companies to reconsider their approaches.

By providing genuine parts and repair tools, Microsoft and iFixit are paving the way for a more sustainable and consumer-friendly future in gaming hardware.