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Glad I bought a PS3 instead of Xbox more than ever...
Faxxer
Member Posts: 3,247
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28284375/
'Red Ringed' Xbox 360s still dog Microsoft
Gamers grow frustrated when consoles break over and over again
Since its release in November 2005, the Xbox 360 has been plagued with general hardware failures, otherwise known as the "Red Ring of Death." Some users have received not one, but several of these failures.
By Kristin Kalning
Games editor - msnbc.com
updated 8:31 p.m. CT, Wed., Dec. 17, 2008
Travis Williams drove around Louisville, Ky. for a week with a busted Xbox 360 in his trunk. It was his third console stricken by the dreaded “Red Ring of Death” — known as “general hardware failure” in the halls of Microsoft.
If you look online, you’ll find lots of people like Travis. Really angry people. Every game enthusiast site has multiple forums dedicated to the Red Ring problem – home remedies on how to solve it, condolences for people who’ve just experienced it, and gamers claiming to be on their fourth, sixth or ninth Xbox 360.
It’s been almost a year and a half since Microsoft issued a big “I’m sorry” to consumers, extending the warranty on their Xbox 360s to three years and taking a $1 billion charge against earnings to pay for repairs and beefed-up customer service. But still, the Red Ring of Death dogs the company.
Getting Red Ringed is almost a badge of honor now, like a crushing hangover after an epic night out. Everyone I know — myself included — has gotten at least one. But after three Xboxes in two years, Williams was sick of the tell-tale red lights on the front of his console — and the refurbished consoles Microsoft sent him as replacements.
“If I had any other type of appliance that went out this quick and this often, I’d be upset,” he says. “You wouldn’t expect to get a new refrigerator and have it go out on a regular basis.”
Many industry watchers, including Dean Takahashi, a writer for VentureBeat, have speculated that Microsoft, in its haste to beat Sony and Nintendo to market, pushed the Xbox 360 out too early.
Takahashi has written two books about Microsoft, including “The Xbox 360 Uncloaked: The Real Story Behind Microsoft’s Next-Generation Video Game Console.” In it, he references internal sources and documents that show Microsoft knew the console had problems — but launched it anyway.
“Microsoft had experience with this before, with the first Xbox where they showed improvement over time,” he told me. “They sort of assumed they could do the same thing (with the 360), and it hasn’t happened.”
The Red Ring problem isn’t the only one Microsoft faces with the Xbox 360. Jason Johnson, of Madison County, Ill., has filed suit against the company alleging that his 360 has destroyed three games by scratching the discs.
A deposition of Microsoft program manager Hiroo Umeno, revealed this week in an unsealed court document, indicates that the company was aware of the problem before its November 2005 launch, and following the launch, determined that tilting the console to the left or forward would cause discs to scratch. Umeno declined to comment on the lawsuit or his deposition.
On the subject of the Red Rings, Microsoft is a bit more forthcoming. Company spokesperson David Dennis told me, via an e-mailed statement, that the company has “improved (its) manufacturing processes to improve reliability and our repair process to accelerate turn-around time for repairs.”
However, Microsoft still can’t (or won’t) identify the reasons the Red Rings happen in the first place. Takahashi says the root cause is usually a graphics chip that is overheating inside the machine. Dennis declined to get specific, saying only that “we identified a complex set of various factors and interactions that can cause the three flashing red lights error message on the console.”
It is true that Microsoft has gotten better about keeping gamers informed about the whereabouts of their busted consoles. Williams, from Louisville, got an e-mail from customer support just this week confirming the receipt of his console — complete with an apology – from “Caleb.” And from here on out, he can check the status of his repair at support.xbox.com — something Microsoft instituted in August 2007 to help earn back some of the goodwill it lost from gamers.
Chad Lawhon, from St. Joseph, Mo., is one of those gamers. He’s had six Xbox 360s Red Ring on him — and he’s plenty steamed about it. He says he and his friends, who he keeps in touch with via Xbox Live, think Microsoft is lucky that their console is “really where the games are at, and that’s where the best online experience comes from.”
“With any other consumer electronic device, there’s no way I would get another one, or even come back to that product again,” he says.
Lawhon is no fair-weather fan. He owned the first Xbox, and participated in the Xbox Live beta. He stood in line on launch day to get the Xbox 360. And he’s the owner of — get this — four of them, one for each of his family members. He loves the games for the system —it’s the hardware that’s let him down, over and over again.
“If the 360 hardware was as reliable as the PS3, I’d be a happy camper all the way around,” he says.
Speaking of Microsoft’s rival, Lawhon is expecting his new PlayStation 3 to arrive on Friday — but is mainly excited about the console because it can play Blu-ray DVDs, he says.
As for Williams, he wants his Xbox 360 back, but he’s also leaning toward a PS3. The only problem, he says, is that none of his friends have a PS3. Like Lawhon, he spends a lot of time on Xbox Live, playing games online with his friends.
“I have a friend I went to college with who lives in Chicago — we talk more on Xbox than we do on the phone or we do in person,” he laments.
Without his Xbox 360 since Nov. 28, Williams says he hasn’t “officially gone crazy yet. “ He does miss his buddies, and playing “Gears of War 2.”
“But I found out about this thing, and it’s called, like, talking to your wife,” he says with a laugh. “It’s amazing.” <<<< interviewee is a dumbass
Comments
I will never understand why people buy an Xbox knowing there's a very high probability it will break. This has got to be the most bought disfunct piece of machinery ever made.
Truth of the matter is, people who sit around and barricade themselves behind one console can't possibly represent a majority of console gamers. 'least I'd like to hope not, because it sounds like a miserable existence compared to simply owning both consoles.
That said, I own a 360 and PS3. My first 360 red-ringed, but it wasn't the reason I got a PS3, and the PS3 wasn't a reason for me to go without a 360 for awhile, I did because I decided to wait 'til they released less red-ringed prone hardware and picked up another.
There's no reason you should be "glad" to not have a 360; that's lunacy. There's a lot of fun games on it. Whenever the money's convenient for you, I'd suggest you get one if you enjoy video games more than you enjoy whatever you get from brand loyalty.
Im on my thrid 360 and will go to my 4th if I have too. IMO the 360 gets better games, Im a huge fan of the gears, fable, mass effect, and halo series. I also love xbox live. Though there are 2 games and the blu ray that have had me consider a ps3.
Hold on Snow Leopard, imma let you finish, but Windows had one of the best operating systems of all time.
If the Powerball lottery was like Lotro, nobody would win for 2 years, and then everyone in Nebraska would win on the same day.
And then Nebraska would get nerfed.-pinkwood lotro fourms
AMD 4800 2.4ghz-3GB RAM 533mhz-EVGA 9500GT 512mb-320gb HD
So I did a search on youtube for Red Ring and found this!
Cracked me up. How to fix red rings on your XBox 360
LINK
Damn, just too much hassle to drop $400 on something that has a strong possibility of failing.
Don't be terrorized! You're more likely to die of a car accident, drowning, fire, or murder! More people die every year from prescription drugs than terrorism LOL!
Meh, mine's never red ringed and my xbox only gets warm at most so i'm glad I bought an xbox 360 since coughing up extra money for a console which has 0.00002% better graphics and they've created a virtual online world but apparently hardly anyone goes online on the ps3...
We're all Geniuses. Most of us just don't know it.
I'm sure they'll fix the red ring issue. but that article is rough on MS! lol.
Though after 3 failing devices....I'd have thrown in the towel... LMAO.
I've got buddies that have both ps3 and xbox... They havn't had the red ring hit their machin, so the red ringers may be making alot of noise to get the attention.
Actually there are a whole load of people online on the PS3.
0.000002% better graphics? Sure.
well... I'm GLAD beyond belief that I have a ps3 because of the red ring issue. one guy on this very thread said he's on his THIRD xbox.....THAT, if you ask me, is lunacy.
"Insanity is doing the exact same thing over and over, yet expecting different results" --Definition of Insanity.
As for brand loyalty..... i HATE that the PS3 is sony....I'm an SWG vet and believe me...i waited a YEAR before buying a console FOR THAT VERY REASON.
now...to be fair... MS did make their warranty length THREE years!!!! THAT is noteworthy. I've dealt with Microsoft many times directly...they are VERY customer service friendly. when my sidewinder joystick broke after 2 years....I called them and they just sent me a brand new one. when a Microsoft rep came to visit (back when I was at "Computer City" years ago Bless that store may it rest in peace) he would hand out software like it was candy. I've called MS on several occasions over the years...they REALLY are a pleasure to do business with in my opinion.... perhaps some on here have had other experiences, but mine have all been good. So that being said, I'd HATE to have to send in my xbox for repair. What an inconvenience.
The current iteration of the XBox360 has a much lower probability of Red Ringing then the previous 2 versions. However, the probability is still there and won't be fixed until they correct the way the CPU attaches to the mainboard. (Soder and glue is cheaper then a stamped piece of plastic.)
PS3 is much more powerfull I read. And also, unless you are always covered by microsoft when a console breaks down, which doesn't seem to be the case for many, you will pay much more total than a PS3.
Just the thought that you buy something of poor quality is why we will never get one.
I have never had an issue with my Xbox and I bought it as soon as it came out too.
I wouldn't buy a PS3 though, too much money and no good exclusive games, the best games they have are for Xbox too, so it seems kind of moot.
And I do not like the Wii at all, everything feels like a gimick rather than a full functioning game.
I just stick to Xbox and PC to cover all possible gaming, but I seldom use either to be honest.
Don't you worry little buddy. You're dealing with a man of honor. However, honor requires a higher percentage of profit
My elite has never given me an issue to date, as for systems and their problems:
NES- the U.S. and European markets received a front loading NES, which was plagued with problems one of which most of us suffered through -the blinking light- or not being able to read the games unless you blowed into the system, blowed into the game...put a Q-Tip into it while doing a tribal dance..and so on.
Sega CD-X: By far one of the most compact (and IMHO coolest) consoles released by Sega this sucker was slammed with problems...$400.00 system and that was back in 1994...over heating issues..it was supposed to be compatible with the 32X on release...and it was, but they never released the spacer needed to plug the 32X into the system..game compatibility issues with the newer Sega CD installed on the CD-X.
Atari Jaguar- By far the worst thing Atari ever got into, the Jaguar was a flop from the word 'go'...while the system had no real tech problems, it suffered from re-hashed games and a clusmy, clunkly controller with a number pad...that was almost useless.
The bottom line folks is we could point out the faults of each and every system out there..from Sega to Neo-Geo to Nintendo but in the end it reall makes no difference.....we tinkered with the NES til we got it to play Contra...only wake up and do it again the next day....did we care? not really,no.
I bought the XBox Arcade and a refurbished 20 gig HD for about $260. I play it quite a bit and It hasn't failed yet. Although it did hang for a couple of minutes while I was playing Shadowrun the other night, but I figure that was more of a network issue.
As for the PS3, Sony had the audacity to try and get gamers to pay $700 for a fucking console! I'm not planning on forgiving that particular dick move no matter how cheap thay make the damn thing. And all that processing power doesn't mean shit if the exclusive titles don't justify buying the console. Even though I've bashed Microsoft on their handling of the XBox brand, they charge extra for everything, Sony actually matched them in the price gouging catagory. In fact, Sony beat Microsoft at price gouging since at launch a premium 360 with a year of XBox live would have only run you a little over $500.
Yeah, red ring of death is a pain but I know plenty of (normal) people that don't have a problem with it. It's the tools that play the game for 48 hour marathons that are burning the damn thing out.
The way it was meant to be....
Begun, the console wars have
Don't be terrorized! You're more likely to die of a car accident, drowning, fire, or murder! More people die every year from prescription drugs than terrorism LOL!
PS3 is much more powerfull I read. And also, unless you are always covered by microsoft when a console breaks down, which doesn't seem to be the case for many, you will pay much more total than a PS3.
Just the thought that you buy something of poor quality is why we will never get one.
Dosent matter howmutch more powerfull a system is if the games arnt made to use it. I have a 2500 dollar PC, If i were to play Wow or Warhammer it would look the same as on my brothers 700 Dollar one...
If ye love wealth greater than liberty, the tranquility of servitude; greater than the animating contest for freedom, go home from us in peace. We seek not your counsel, nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you; May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen.
Samuel Adams
Ok, true dat, not all games will take advantage of it. Anyway, we can't afford either right now. It's either a new dvd player or a console and the colsoles are a bit too expensive^^.
I fully agree with this post. I can't understand how such things can ruin one's enjoyment not only that but when you have it on warrenty and then they give you another warrenty on it, I mean I just don't understand most gamers. Hide behind the walls of one system or console and look at gameing as a war. Hell when I was a kid I was happy and blessed to have my Sega, Super Nintendo and Playstation from my parents. I didn't care about this console battle nonsense. I enjoyed what I play and I don't cry about if this game comes out here and dosen't over here.
-In memory of Laura "Taera" Genender. Passed away on Aug/13/08-
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RISING DRAGOON ~AION US ONLINE LEGION for Elyos
I have this wonderful thing called a PC. I wouldn't spend $200-400 on a console when I can use that to upgrade my PC. $59.99 a game with no free to play games doesn't help consoles either.
Only the filthy unwashed masses play consoles. I'm a member of the PC gaming master race. As Yahtzee puts it.
Seriously though- consoles are cheap toys to me. How can you live in the 21st century where everything works with a computer and not know how to build and maintain one efficiently yourself?
I'm on my third xbox, but I've had this one for a year now so the chance that it'll red light on me now is pretty low...the red light issue is mostly fixed though.
And the only game for the ps3 that has ever appealed to me at all was metal gear solid 4, and the odds that that will never find its way to the 360 are fairly low...if the past is any indication
ps. enough of the "consoles are just for kids" crap...I'm a 21 year old gamer who just got done putting together a monster of a gaming PC and I happen to also enjoy some games more on the console than I do the PC...In fact I actually prefer the 360 version of Call of Duty a bit more than the PC version, sure the more customization options for servers is nice, but the overall gameplay of the 360 is more enjoyable for me.
So yeah...console owners are anything but kids...the fact that pc exclusive gamers are so hateful of console gamers and are so vocal about it shows something about their maturity level in my opinion.
Your argument is like a two legged dog with an eating disorder...weak and unbalanced.
Agreed! The majority of my friends play 360. I've only had my 360 for 2 years now, and have only recieved 1 red light of death. Theres a much better community on 360 than there is on ps3, I think that is. You can disagree, but I feel that 360 has some of the best live games there could be.
______________________________
What if Paul Revere was like the boy who cried wolf....?
Originally posted by Hazmal
What does he say when people ask what he did? "My mommy was irking me yo - I wanted to keep pwning nubs on my xbox, so I roughed her up with a hardshell. That is just how I roll."
Most XBox360 games are shooters. Most XBox360 games are ported to the PC within 6-12 months. So... why play an XBox360. I could understand if it was for the Racing / Sports / jRPGs. But for shooters...
Console communities are so bad in general that trying to say one is better than the other is pointless
, they make WoW players look like geniuses.
Don't get me wrong, I like consoles, but going online with them is like entering an unsupervised child daycare center.
Personally I think a real gamer don't discriminate when it comes to PC, Console, Handheld, Mobile, etc. I hear people talk about hatting this and disliking that. I play everything and if I got the money to throw down on it I will and I will enjoy it. If you enjoy what what you play and don't hate but respect the popularity of this platform or that platform, then it's all good. How would it make you any better than me if I play my X360 more than my PC when you do the exact opposite? NOTHIN.
-In memory of Laura "Taera" Genender. Passed away on Aug/13/08-
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RISING DRAGOON ~AION US ONLINE LEGION for Elyos