Microsoft is offering, yes it’s true, a nonfunctioning Xbox as part of its Final Fantasy XIV sweepstakes but that isn’t all to be had. While at first, it may seem like the grand prize is some kind of tease or prank the custom-designed Final Fantasy-themed Xbox is actually a part of a bundle that does include a working game console as well.
This is one epic Xbox
— Xbox (@Xbox) March 14, 2024
Follow @Xbox & @FF_XIV_EN & RT with #XboxFFXIVSweepstakes for a chance to win a custom FINAL FANTASY XIV console bundle, Complete Collector's Edition game & 12-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Membership
Ages 18+. Ends 3/28/24. Rules: https://t.co/yc032cRgRF pic.twitter.com/ZizIoTiBoC
As spotted by Kotaku, the devil’s in the details, and within a subsection of the rules, the prize description clearly indicates the specifics of the console(s) up for grabs in the grand prize offering. Aside from the collector’s edition of the game and the one-year Xbox Game Pass Ultimate edition, Microsoft will provide the winner with not one but two game consoles, albeit one of them is stated to be an art piece.
Per Sweepstakes Rules:
“a) One (1) Grand Prize: One (1) custom-designed “Final Fantasy XIV” Xbox Series X console bundle (NON-FUNCTIONAL, TO BE USED AS AN ART PIECE) (design elements and all other aspects of the custom console are at the sole discretion of the Sponsor), one (1) Xbox Series X console bundle (console model, features, design and all other aspects of the console are at the sole discretion of the Sponsor), one (1) “Final Fantasy XIV” Online Complete Collector’s Edition for Xbox Series X/S, and one (1) 12-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Membership.”
Like most social media-related contests those wanting to enter the sweepstakes must have a Twitter account and follow X-Box. The contest runs until March 28 and Microsoft lists the approximate value of the grand prize as $1,783.87. The lucky winner will have 120 hours to respond to a direct message to claim their prize.
Per Sweepstake Rules:
“The potential Grand Prize Winner will have one hundred twenty (120) hours from the time the direct message was deployed to respond to the direct message with their first and last names, country, daytime phone number, and email address. Within two (2) business days of receipt of the potential Grand Prize winner’s response, the potential Grand Prize winner will then be contacted via phone or email to the phone number or email address provided by the potential Grand Prize winner and will be required to respond within twenty-four (24) hours of notification to verify eligibility and provide a shipping address (no P.O. Boxes accepted).”
So there you have it. While Microsoft is offering a nonfunctional art piece the lucky winner will still get a real console, plus the game, and a one-year subscription to enjoy the arrival of FF XIV on Xbox.