The Xbox Mini Fridge can't escape the scalpers either

This story about embracing viral memes, boiled down, in 1:16 minutes.

What's the fuss?

Xbox's new mini fridge may seem like a successful "meme marketing" bet, but it has certainly gotten some fans upset as scalpers beat them to the punch.

The situation

Upon the release of the new generation of Xbox last year, fans were quick to compare the shape of the newest Xbox to a fridge. 

• Instead of dejecting the comparison, Microsoft embraced the viral meme by actually creating a full-sized refrigerator in the exact shape of an Xbox Series X. 
• These one-of-a-kind appliances were gifted to certain famous individuals such as YouTuber iJustine and rapper Snoop Dogg.

For us regular folk, Xbox created similarly-shaped mini fridges equipped with LED lights and space for 12 cans. 

• Upon being available for pre-order, Xbox fans were excited to get their hands on them, but were soon disappointed when scalpers caused stock to sell out fast.
• Scalpers have since posted their own pre-orders for sale at double to triple the original cost of the units. 

Boiling it down

Embracing internet culture, even if it pokes fun at your own expense, seems to do wonders when it comes to selling. 

• Clearly it has worked for Xbox, given their mini-fridges sold out in less than a minute. 
• It could be safe to assume that this effort has also increased sales for their consoles, but remains unproven since Microsoft doesn't release their sales numbers.

This event also may have proven that the current scalping problem, exacerbated due to COVID, has gone beyond tech. 

• It seems that anything released by a gaming company, even chairs, is not immune to scalpers.

Thank you so much for reading! Please consider subscribing if you enjoy stories like this delivered directly to you every Tuesday and Friday morning!

Any and all feedback is valid and welcome.