If the thought of going almost a month without your Xbox One sounds unbearable, there’s another option known as an “advanced exchange”. This is the fastest exchange method offered by Microsoft, but there are a couple of catches to it. The company places a $500 hold on your credit or bank card (plus taxes) and sends you a replacement console that arrives within three to five business days. You’ll have 14 days to return your defective console before Microsoft charges your credit or bank card. The company also includes a pre-paid shipping label and your new console’s shipping box doubles as a cardboard coffin for your old one. Once Microsoft receives your defective console, it releases any holds from your credit card. This is probably the best way to go if you can afford it, but not everyone has the means to do so.
The biggest drawback with using an advanced exchange is that you have to reinstall every bit of content that was saved on your previous console. Game saves are backed up to the cloud, and digital content is tied to your Xbox Live profile, but there’s no quick workaround for those massive game installs, so might have a bit of a wait on your hands before you’re completely back to 100 percent. As for your replacement unit, it will either be brand new or refurbished by Microsoft. It’s really a luck of the draw, but it never hurts to ask. The replacement console will covered for six months or will resume your stock one year warranty, whichever is the longest period of the two.
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