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Microsoft Complete Console Warranty Versus Upsie Protection Plan

May 24, 2023 *

The Xbox Series X is an impressive console. If you’re fortunate enough to have one, congratulations! You’re entering a new era of console gaming, and it’s going to be an exciting ride. TechRadar calls the Xbox Series X a “super-fast, surprisingly quiet” console that delivers performance on par with the highest quality gaming PCs. In short, you’re in for a treat.

If you’re still on the fence about purchasing or you’ve purchased one recently, now is the time to think about a Xbox extended warranty orprotection plan. The new Xbox console is expensive. It makes sense to guard it from defects and accidental damage. An extended warranty ore protection plan will guard your device over the next few years. But who does it best?

Microsoft has its own manufacturer's warranty program called Microsoft Complete. It looks like a pretty solid program, but is it the best extended console warranty? Let’s look at how Microsoft Complete stacks up against Upsie Protection Plans in a number of categories.

Length of Coverage

Microsoft Complete covers your Xbox for “up to 3 years” against both defects and accidental damage. They say “up to 3 years” because, if you read the fine print, their coverage is limited. Once you make enough claims to equal the purchase price of the Xbox, your coverage ends. In addition, if you lose your receipt at any point, your coverage becomes null. As a result, you need to keep your receipt safe for the entirety of your plan. Not so simple for 3 years, right?!

Upsie protection plans are available for for years after you start the plan. You get to choose how long you want protection as it's a simple $1.99/mo as long as you keep the plan running, up to 4 years. When you want to stop coverage, you log into Upsie's website and cancel it - free of charge! If you are adding coverage in the first 90 days of owning your Xbox Series X, you may upload a picture of your receipt to Upsie.com, so you make start making claims immediately. No receipt? No problem! You can start making claims after 90 days of coverage, even without a receipt.

Number of Claims

Microsoft Complete's extended manufacturer warranty offer an "unlimited number of claims" but in reality, that is just up to the full cost of replacement. Upsie will let you make up to 2 claims per rolling 12 months, so much less limiting over your many years of protecting your system.

Additionally, Microsoft does have some prohibitions in the fine print. For example, the warranty only covers one “associated power supply unit with attaching cords replacement.” After making a claim to fix a power supply issue, your Microsoft warranty ends, even if it was your one and only claim made.

Price

Microsoft and Upsie take a refreshingly simple approach to price. Microsoft Complete service costs $49 upfront for any Xbox console.

Upsie’s price is a simple $1.99/month for as long as you want coverage, up to 4 years. Upsie will also cover new, used or refurbished devices as long as you bought your Xbox Series X in the last 4 years (and as of this writing, of course you did!) and it's in working condition when you buy protection. Microsoft will only sell you protection if you bought the device in the last 45 days! So while Upsie is about $6 more expensive over three years, it covers more device options and offers up to a 4th year of coverage. For the most important differences though, be sure to read the "What Is the Coverage Like?" section below!

Deductible

If you need to make a claim, most warranty programs and protection plans will require a deductible. These can range from small to quite costly, and it’s a point of differentiation here. Microsoft does not charge a deductible for their Xbox warranties.

Upsie charges a low deductible of just $50.

What Is the Coverage Like?

Microsoft will repair broken devices or elect, at their discretion, to fully replace the damaged device. Microsoft does have a “no-lemon” provision where if the same component breaks a fourth time, they will replace the console or controller completely.

Upsie essentially takes the same approach, working with quality third-party repair shops from their nationally vetted network. In addition, Upsie’s claims representatives are refreshing to work with. In fact, Upsie has 4.5 stars on TrustPilot with thousands of satisfied customers.

Upsie’s protection plans cover manufacturing defects, drops, spills, power failure, sound failure, and more.

Coverage from Microsoft Complete and Upsie are pretty similar until you get into the fine print of Microsoft's Terms and Conditions. That is where you will notice several important differences in the coverage you are actually receiving. Microsoft Complete's fine print notes that excluded events include "normal wear and tear", "damage from freezing or overheating", "power fluctuations" and liquid submersion. Upsie finds these issues to be some of the most important and specifically covers electrical damage, water damage, normal wear and tear and overheating from all those hours of gaming. This is why Upsie has a deductible for claims, as they simply cover more cases and issues with their protection plan.

Are Controllers Covered?

With Microsoft Complete, up to two Xbox controllers are covered in the warranty cost – but only if the controllers were bundled with your console purchase.

Upsie offers coverage on bundled controllers as well.

When Can I Get It?

Microsoft Complete must be purchased at the time of sale. You cannot get your Xbox covered after the fact, period. You also can’t get coverage on used consoles or consoles purchased through some non-Microsoft retail channels. Some have had success getting coverage after the fact by calling Microsoft directly within 45 days of purchase. However, Microsoft’s site says this only applies if you get your device personally inspected by a Microsoft representative.

In contrast, Upsie offers quality coverage on both new and used Xbox consoles purchased within the last 4 years!. Where you bought it doesn’t matter to Upsie, as long as it currently is in good, working condition when you want to start your Upsie protection plan.

Get Covered Today

Considering the pros and cons listed above, we hope you’re ready to get covered with a protection plan. Upsie’s protection plans are affordable, and the coverage and terms are excellent without hidden items missing coverage in the fine print. Don’t go another day risking your gaming future. Get your Xbox Series X protected today with Upsie!