Microsoft releasing almost 1 million recycled gamertags this week

Microsoft today revealed that almost 1 million inactive gamertags will be released to users that have had at least 1 year of Xbox Live Gold and currently have an active subscription. The gamertags will be released gradually over a 24 hour period, starting Wednesday May 18th ET / 11.00am PT to offer Xbox fans around the world an equal chance at getting the gamertag they want.

The inactive gamertags that are being recycled have come from the Original Xbox era and were never active on Xbox 360 consoles. Microsoft are unable to share a list of the gamertags being released for obvious reasons but shared the categories the gamertags fall under:

  • Proper Names
  • Pop culture references (Entertainment, sports, gaming)
  • Types of Food
  • Geography and Travel
  • Science and Technology
  • Math and Numbers
  • Animals
  • Some of the greatest inventions of all time

Xbox gamertags can be changed via the Xbox app on Windows 10, the Xbox One console or on Xbox.com. The recycled gamertags will not be available on Xbox 360 consoles however, meaning Xbox 360 owners are adviced to use one of the methods previously mentioned if they wish to change to one of these gamertags.

Are you pleased Microsoft is recycling inactive gamertags? Will you be attempting change to one of the recycled gamertags? Let us know below in the comments section.