The Xbox Mini fridge shouldn’t exist, but we’re grateful for it. It is rare for a prank to lead to a real idea for a product in the video game industry, especially when it is at the company’s expense. But that’s exactly what happened with the Xbox Mini Fridge, which is now available for purchase.
When the Xbox Series X was revealed to the world – with its towering, rectangular shape – social media quickly hit Semi refrigerator console. So rather than go back to design, Microsoft embraced the fun and went so far as to create a giant Xbox Series X fridge for gamers to keep their snacks cold during any gaming session.
It wasn’t long ago that gamers were desperate to produce an Xbox mini fridge, and at E3 2021, Microsoft made the commitment. The company announced that the Xbox Series X Mini Fridge would then be produced, and the rest is history. A desirable collector’s item for any Xbox fan, the Xbox Mini Fridge has been in high demand since its release.
Xbox Mini Fridge: Cut to the chase
- What is this? Replica of an Xbox Series X mini fridge.
- How much does it cost? $99.99 / £89.99
- When was it released? January 2022
Xbox Mini Fridge price and release date
The Xbox Mini Refrigerator is available now. It was supposed to be launched during the 2021 holidays (that is, between November and December), but it has been pushed back to January 2022.
Xbox Mini Refrigerator available at Target only (Opens in a new tab) in the US and Game (Opens in a new tab) in the UK, and the latter encountered supply issues which subsequently led to delays. It costs $99.99 / £89.99. It’s worth noting that if you don’t pick up your Xbox Mini fridge from a store, you could face a hefty delivery fee due to the unit’s size.
Xbox mini fridge design
The Xbox Mini Fridge is designed to look exactly like the Xbox Series X, and in many ways, it nails that aspect. You’ll find everything you’d see on Microsoft’s home console here, including a working front USB port that can power a device like your smartphone. The Xbox Mini Fridge’s power button and top vent can also be independently illuminated, giving the console a more sophisticated look.
On the back of the Xbox Mini Fridge is a switch that lets you turn on the device and choose either Eco mode or Max mode. Both modes show a fairly audible amount of fan noise, but Eco mode isn’t excessive.
Inside, there’s room to store up to 12 soda cans thanks to its 10-liter capacity, and a couple of removable shelves to house a few in-the-door snacks. The Xbox Mini fridge does a good job of keeping everything cool, but condensation can build up inside, as indicated by the warning label inside.
Xbox Mini Refrigerator: Where to buy
The Xbox Mini Fridge is only available at Target in the US and Game in the UK. Both retailers have struggled to keep the product in stock, as it’s proving very popular with fans who want a piece of unique keepsake or simply want a mini-fridge as part of their setup.
Why did Microsoft make the Xbox Mini fridge?
The Xbox Mini refrigerator got the green light after Xbox marketing chief Aaron Greenberg promised to manufacture the product if the company won the #BestofTweets Twitter competition, which it did by the narrowest of margins from 50.5% to 49.5%. To encourage more votes, Greenberg said Xbox mini fridges would go into production if the brand came out on top. The rest, as they say, is history.
Is the Xbox Mini refrigerator worth it?
The Xbox Mini Fridge is a new product that will surely appeal to Xbox fans. Yes, it does function as a mini-fridge but it’s not a class-leading appliance, so keep that in mind. Fan noise may be a distraction for some, but if you have an Xbox Series X Mini Fridge set up in another room, it shouldn’t be an issue. However, there are some great design flourishes like the illuminated power button and top fan, along with a working USB port that add a lot to the Xbox Mini Fridge’s appeal.