When Your New Xbox Comes with a Side of Cockroaches

I’d describe roach smell as “musty”. I bought an OG Xbox from Facebook marketplace and when I got home I realized the thing was chock full of roaches. It was at least hundreds of them.

Ah, the joys of online shopping! You know the drill: you find that shiny new gadget, click ‘buy,’ and eagerly await the arrival of your exciting new purchase. But what happens when your exciting new Xbox comes with an unexpected bonus—in this case, a family of cockroaches? Welcome to the mildly infuriating world of online purchases gone wrong.

Recently, a Reddit user shared their unfortunate experience in the subreddit r/mildlyinfuriating, detailing how their newly purchased Xbox arrived not just with cables and controllers, but also with a full-on infestation of cockroaches. Yes, you read that right. Instead of unboxing a sleek gaming console, they unwrapped a horror show.

Now, let’s take a moment to appreciate the layers of absurdity here. First off, who thought it was a good idea to sell a console that was apparently a cozy little Airbnb for cockroaches? It’s like buying a new car only to find out it came with a raccoon in the trunk. I mean, really? Did the seller think, “Hey, let’s throw in some roaches for free; it’ll add to the value!” Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.

Imagine the look on the buyer’s face as they open the box, only to be greeted by a horde of tiny, scuttling creatures. It’s the kind of moment that could make anyone question their life choices. “Was it worth it to buy from that sketchy seller on eBay?” they might wonder, as they frantically swat at their new roommates.

Now, let’s not overlook the fact that cockroaches are not exactly the most desirable of companions. Sure, they’re resilient little critters, but they’re not the kind of friends you want hanging out in your living room while you’re trying to level up in your favorite game. They have a reputation, and it’s not a good one. If only they came with a user manual—”Step one: plug in your Xbox. Step two: call pest control.”

This unfortunate incident raises some serious questions about the state of online retail. How does something like this even happen? Did the seller just not care? Or were they blissfully unaware that their console was also a roach hotel? Either way, it’s a reminder that sometimes, the deal that seems too good to be true probably is. And sometimes, when you buy second-hand, you might end up with more than you bargained for—especially when it comes to critters.

In the end, our Reddit friend had to deal with the aftermath of this unfortunate purchase, which probably included a lot of cleaning, some serious pest control, and maybe a little bit of therapy to recover from the trauma of their new gaming setup. But hey, at least they have a story to tell, right?

So, the next time you’re tempted to buy something online, remember this tale of the roach-infested Xbox. It might just save you from ending up with a surprise infestation of your own. And if you do end up with an unexpected pest problem, just know you’re not alone—there’s a whole subreddit full of people who can relate to your mildly infuriating experience. Happy shopping, and may your purchases be pest-free!


Inspired by: “Bought an Xbox, came infested with cockroaches” (r/mildlyinfuriating)