Microsoft announced today that the 360's 90 day warranty in the US and Canada has been officially expanded to an entire year. Even better, Microsoft has stated that the new warranty is retroactive, and all customers who were forced to pay for repairs out-of-warranty will be reimbursed. Reimbursements are to be automatically distributed and no action is required on the end of the customer. Reimbursement checks should be distributed within 10 weeks. It wasn't that long ago that Microsoft offered free repairs to owners of consoles that were manufactured in 2005, and we think this new warranty extension is a great move on Microsoft's part. Sure, it seems generous, but a 1 year warranty will also make prospective buyers much more comfortable when deciding to plunk down $400. It's probably not a coincidence that the new warranty now matches the PS3's warranty either.
How many of our readers are expecting a check from MS?
Full press release after the break.
Microsoft Extends Xbox 360 Warranty to One Year
Shoppers can buy with added confidence this holiday season as Microsoft expands its warranty for Xbox 360 from 90 days to one year.
REDMOND, Wash. - Dec. 22, 2006 - In a move to benefit customers, Microsoft Corp. announced today that it will change the Xbox 360™ warranty from 90 days to one year from the date of purchase in the United States and Canada. Microsoft extended the warranty in these territories to be consistent with the standard one-year Xbox 360 warranty that is available throughout most of the world. The news is reason to celebrate this holiday season; it applies to both would-be purchasers and those who already have Xbox 360 and are still within their first year of ownership.
Effective today, the one-year warranty is now the standard for the Xbox 360 console. Customers who experience hardware issues with their Xbox 360 within one year of purchase can have their consoles repaired at no cost. Moreover, the new warranty policy is retroactive, so consumers who may have already paid for an out-of-warranty Xbox 360 repair within one year of purchase will be eligible for reimbursement of their console repair charges.
"Customer satisfaction is a central focus and priority for the Xbox 360 system," said Jeff Bell, corporate vice president of Global Marketing for the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. "In addition to jaw-dropping features such as high-definition graphics, an amazing catalog of over 160 games, and social online and entertainment experiences on Xbox Live ®, the Xbox 360 system now offers this extended warranty upgrade. It is truly the industry's most compelling home entertainment offering."
Customers who have already paid out-of-warranty repair charges within their first year of ownership can expect reimbursement checks for the amount of their console repair in approximately 10 weeks. Reimbursements will be automatically distributed, so customers need not contact Microsoft. Customers who have questions regarding this policy change or experience any hardware issues should visit http://www.xbox.com/en-US
