As the Xbox 360 gets ready to fulfill the purpose of its existence as a Halo delivery device to the masses, the New York Times takes the two most prominent things about the Xbox 360 and mixes it into one brew: Halo 3 and the Red Ring of Death. The NYT essentially gets a bunch of fanboys to talk about how the system fails on them, but all will be fine if they just get Halo 3.
Speaking of fanboys, did we mention Richard Mitchell at sister-site Xbox 360 Fanboy (X3F) is chronicling his repair experience following his visit by the RROD? Like we said before, we're not going to tell you about every RROD we have within a degree of separation from us because we'd be writing one every couple weeks -- but anecodtally, the number has gone up quickly recently. Despite the wait in the turnaround, at least the repairs are free now.
The NYT piece basically gives a mainstream audience the condensed version of the last few months. They still couldn't get an answer from Microsoft to what's actually wrong with the system. One of the more interesting parts of the piece is they speak with Richard Doherty, an analyst for Envisionneering Group, a technology assessment and market research firm who says consumers (not fanboys) are getting frustrated with the system's reliability and their waning patience and stories is turning off potential Xbox 360 buyers. He also says the situation "is going to get worse before it gets better."
Reader Comments (52)
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 12:37PM mr nimblewick said
Somehow I doubt that the un-video-game-news-washed masses know or care about the RRoD, much less be put off by it.
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 1:07PM mr nimblewick said
But who is reading this article? Are potential xbox buyers, Halo-players, reading the new york times? I suppose maybe their parents read it and mention it, or have some reservations about buying it for christmas.
Reply
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 1:09PM Stevorino said
The only console I haven't owned since NES was the PS2-- and the only one that didn't die on me at least once was the Gamecube (and that's because I played it for less than 30 hours).
I'm not saying that my history w/ consoles excuses the ridiculous rate of the X360-- but in general: consoles break, and replacing/repairing them usually isn't cheap.
IMO, a 2-3 week hiatus from your console is a small price to pay for a full 3 year warranty.
Reply
I'm not saying that my history w/ consoles excuses the ridiculous rate of the X360-- but in general: consoles break, and replacing/repairing them usually isn't cheap.
IMO, a 2-3 week hiatus from your console is a small price to pay for a full 3 year warranty.
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 1:59PM samfish said
"But who is reading this article? Are potential xbox buyers, Halo-players, reading the new york times? I suppose maybe their parents read it and mention it, or have some reservations about buying it for christmas."
This news becoming so public is more likely to effect the people who are/were going to buy a 360 to play Madden and GTA4. The Halo people are the hardcore ones. They don't seem to care all that much if their console breaks.
But the "casual" players and parents who only buy games like Madden and maybe one other game a year are going to hear "The 360 is a piece of crap and breaks easily". That potentially gives those buyers a reason to look at the PS3 or Wii for their gaming needs.
If Microsoft can't expand beyond their hardcore base by attracting the Madden gamers (the ones who largely made the PS2 so successful), than they're likely going to top out around 25-30 million consoles sold.
Reply
This news becoming so public is more likely to effect the people who are/were going to buy a 360 to play Madden and GTA4. The Halo people are the hardcore ones. They don't seem to care all that much if their console breaks.
But the "casual" players and parents who only buy games like Madden and maybe one other game a year are going to hear "The 360 is a piece of crap and breaks easily". That potentially gives those buyers a reason to look at the PS3 or Wii for their gaming needs.
If Microsoft can't expand beyond their hardcore base by attracting the Madden gamers (the ones who largely made the PS2 so successful), than they're likely going to top out around 25-30 million consoles sold.
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 3:15PM mr nimblewick said
I agree that casual gamers would do that, but I guess I didn't really anticipate any of them buying an xbox anyway.
Reply
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 3:43PM (Unverified) said
I think anyone would be put-off by the dysfunctional nature of a product they planned to buy. It doesn't matter what it is, people expect it to work properly for a good length of time.
Reply
Posted: Aug 14th 2007 4:30PM (Unverified) said
Word of mouth goes a long way. Casual video gamers I know are very much aware of the RROD and when people discuss their major purchases, as most people do, the RROD inevitably comes up every time. M$ is on very thin ice right now and I hope that they are able to remedy this problem quickly, or post-Christmas could be a disaster.
Reply
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 12:39PM hotpuck6 said
well i have to agree with the fact that consumer confidence is dropping.
if this sort of issue happened with any other consumer electronic, i would avoid it like the black plague.
but i guess being a fan of a console is a labor of love, and i'm lucky enough to have only had to have 1 refurb since i got my console on launch.
heres to hoping that the new heatsinks and 65nm chip(whenever they finally put it in) solves alot of the issues, but until then, theres still a couple million consoles out there with these current potential problems.
if this sort of issue happened with any other consumer electronic, i would avoid it like the black plague.
but i guess being a fan of a console is a labor of love, and i'm lucky enough to have only had to have 1 refurb since i got my console on launch.
heres to hoping that the new heatsinks and 65nm chip(whenever they finally put it in) solves alot of the issues, but until then, theres still a couple million consoles out there with these current potential problems.
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 12:52PM sand0789 said
With a 3 year warranty, I really don't see what the big deal is. A 360 has a greater chance of dying than a PS3, but you are also not out any money if it dies in year 1-3 whereas the PS3 you would be screwed.
It still comes down to the games. I have a 360 right now and see almost nothing in PS3 exclusives that cater to my tastes. The 360 is just stacked with games I want this fall. Once GT5, MGS4, Killzone, and FFXIII are all on shelves, picking up a PS3 will be a no-brainer.
Until then, I am not getting it just for Warhawk and Uncharted, which are the only two games that I want to play badly.
Reply
It still comes down to the games. I have a 360 right now and see almost nothing in PS3 exclusives that cater to my tastes. The 360 is just stacked with games I want this fall. Once GT5, MGS4, Killzone, and FFXIII are all on shelves, picking up a PS3 will be a no-brainer.
Until then, I am not getting it just for Warhawk and Uncharted, which are the only two games that I want to play badly.
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 1:02PM samfish said
"With a 3 year warranty, I really don't see what the big deal is. A 360 has a greater chance of dying than a PS3, but you are also not out any money if it dies in year 1-3 whereas the PS3 you would be screwed."
Personally, I just refuse to buy a crappy product. I don't drive a Kia or a Daewoo, I won't use a $50 dollar iPod knockoff or anything else that's cheap.
When I buy something, especially if it's that expensive, I expect it to work. The 360 currently doesn't fit that description, sadly. If I buy a 360 and it Red Rings on me, I'll send it in, sure. But as soon as I get it back- to Hell with it! It's going right on eBay. I could buy a DS and a PSP and have money left over for games, if I'm lucky.
Reply
Personally, I just refuse to buy a crappy product. I don't drive a Kia or a Daewoo, I won't use a $50 dollar iPod knockoff or anything else that's cheap.
When I buy something, especially if it's that expensive, I expect it to work. The 360 currently doesn't fit that description, sadly. If I buy a 360 and it Red Rings on me, I'll send it in, sure. But as soon as I get it back- to Hell with it! It's going right on eBay. I could buy a DS and a PSP and have money left over for games, if I'm lucky.
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 12:42PM Triforceowner said
"is going to get worse before it gets better."
WTF does that mean? Really, how could it get worse? Maybe he is referring to the fact that EVERYONE's 360 will die before everyone has a durable unit.
WTF does that mean? Really, how could it get worse? Maybe he is referring to the fact that EVERYONE's 360 will die before everyone has a durable unit.
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 12:45PM Shalabi said
Funny that the NY Times called it the "three red rings of death" and not the correct "three red lights of death".
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 1:31PM (Unverified) said
Everyone seems to call it differently. I still don't understand how people say *ring* of death when it's just 3 lights.
Reply
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 12:52PM FrankTheCrank said
"consumers (not fanboys) are getting frustrated with the system's reliability and their waning patience and stories is turning off potential Xbox 360 buyers."
I want one badly, but I do not want to go through RROD hell. I keep waiting and waiting for this 65nm processor and I PRAY it fixes things.
BTW, stop FANBOYISM now!
I want one badly, but I do not want to go through RROD hell. I keep waiting and waiting for this 65nm processor and I PRAY it fixes things.
BTW, stop FANBOYISM now!
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 1:12PM (Unverified) said
I wouldn't really call it "hell". More like disappointment. You hear about the stories, but somehow put it in your mind that the owners must be doing something wrong, because yours is working fine.
Then the fall update of '06 comes along, and everything seems normal. Of course you really didn't play your 360 that much because of school. About a week later, crackdown starts freezing on you 10 minutes into the game. You let it cool off for a while, thinking it was a fluke. Only to be greeted by three red lights the next time you turn it on.
Happened to me 3 days before Gears of War.
I will say though, my experience with MS' customer service wasn't bad at all. I think a lot of the customer service horror stories are related to how you treat the other person on the phone. Speaking calmly, explaining your situation, and not copping an attitude usually tends to produce more desirable results, than raising your voice, and being an ass.
Reply
Then the fall update of '06 comes along, and everything seems normal. Of course you really didn't play your 360 that much because of school. About a week later, crackdown starts freezing on you 10 minutes into the game. You let it cool off for a while, thinking it was a fluke. Only to be greeted by three red lights the next time you turn it on.
Happened to me 3 days before Gears of War.
I will say though, my experience with MS' customer service wasn't bad at all. I think a lot of the customer service horror stories are related to how you treat the other person on the phone. Speaking calmly, explaining your situation, and not copping an attitude usually tends to produce more desirable results, than raising your voice, and being an ass.
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 1:08PM copa said
Frank, I have been a vocal critic of RROD, but I believe that models under the current production line have got this under control. I wouldn't hesitate to pick up a new pro SKU with an HDMI port.
My anger has been with Microsoft's inbreed 'refurbishment' program, where the service center keeps sending everyone's older production models to each other as some sort of incestuous excuse for a service plan.
I believe that a lot of Microsoft's heralded 'billion-dollar charge' is going to be getting these sloppy second units off of the merry-go-round, and sending people newer, more reliable replacement models.
Reply
My anger has been with Microsoft's inbreed 'refurbishment' program, where the service center keeps sending everyone's older production models to each other as some sort of incestuous excuse for a service plan.
I believe that a lot of Microsoft's heralded 'billion-dollar charge' is going to be getting these sloppy second units off of the merry-go-round, and sending people newer, more reliable replacement models.
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 12:57PM copa said
There is a Halo 3 angle to the story. Remember that every time a big game was released, like Gears of War or Guitar Hero II, you would get much heavier usage of the system. Statistically, this meant more RROD's, followed by an avalanche of forums posts saying, "GH2 bricked my system!" or somesuch.
So get ready for a lot of disappointed consumers next month that expected to 'Finish the Fight', but who instead will be introduced to the great city of McAllen, TX.
Joystiq editors can right now start prepping the headlines and images for their "Is Halo 3 bricking the XBox 360?" story so that they can get it posted promptly on September 25th.
So get ready for a lot of disappointed consumers next month that expected to 'Finish the Fight', but who instead will be introduced to the great city of McAllen, TX.
Joystiq editors can right now start prepping the headlines and images for their "Is Halo 3 bricking the XBox 360?" story so that they can get it posted promptly on September 25th.
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 12:59PM (Unverified) said
On second thought I'm just not going to say anything...lol.
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 1:05PM (Unverified) said
I have gotten the one ring of death e 74 error message which isn't covered under the new three year warranty, how gay is that?
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 1:27PM (Unverified) said
Unless it's attracted to another e74 error of the same gender, it's not gay at all.
Thanks for playing!
Reply
Thanks for playing!
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 1:18PM JimmyTheMonkey said
"who says consumers (not fanboys) are getting frustrated with the system's reliability and their waning patience and stories is turning off potential Xbox 360 buyers"
This is definitely the case for me. I would have purchased one when Forza2 came out. I am still waiting for the issue to be fixed reasonably (and buying a Wii in the meantime).
This is definitely the case for me. I would have purchased one when Forza2 came out. I am still waiting for the issue to be fixed reasonably (and buying a Wii in the meantime).
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 1:20PM (Unverified) said
ive said it before and ill say it again: if MS were confident with their current hardware revision, they would *only* extend the 3 year warranty to people who own older 360s and not the "improved" ones. Also the 3 year warranty does not cover damaged disc repairs/replacements (even when the console is stationary).
Multiplatform games on the 360 may have slightly better graphics/performance, but they dont have the best value: that honor goes to the PS3, which offers free online gaming on a system thats built rock solid and can run for days on end with no problems.
Multiplatform games on the 360 may have slightly better graphics/performance, but they dont have the best value: that honor goes to the PS3, which offers free online gaming on a system thats built rock solid and can run for days on end with no problems.
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 1:26PM Neon Jebus said
If they were to not offer the 3 year coverage with the new systems people would complain about it. Though it is in place because too many systems break down, people will still consider it a benefit.
I know it's crazy but it's true. I would also think that not having two different coverage types would keep them out of hot water with a lot of State Attorney Generals.
Reply
I know it's crazy but it's true. I would also think that not having two different coverage types would keep them out of hot water with a lot of State Attorney Generals.
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 1:21PM Neon Jebus said
I did some heavy playing this weekend and I noticed my system was having major problems. It's getting slow / sluggish and is making a little more noise than it used to. I have a bad feeling my system will soon fail.
But it's covered and as much as turn around time sucks, it will be fixed. It is the coverage that makes this even remotely acceptable to me.
But it's covered and as much as turn around time sucks, it will be fixed. It is the coverage that makes this even remotely acceptable to me.
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 4:09PM The Fuzz 53 said
I had the same problem this weekend, without the noise, but it was very slow. I was playing Marathon and evertime I tried to save it took like minute for the save files to show up. Also was slow to start playing videos. If this thing craps out on Sept. 24th, I may go on a rampage.
Reply
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 1:22PM 007craft said
im pretty sure the worst is already over. The new heatsinks are out and they fix the problem, as well as 65nm coming soon. MS would not extend warrenty 3 years if they were not planing on fixing the problem. These new heat sinks have been out since around may and no1 has reported getting a RROD yet with one. That right threre proves their working. Im sure its still possible to get it, but it will be alot more rare now.
So yeah, the problem is fixed, theres been a price drop, and this fall has the best game line up in history. Theres no excuse not to buy a 360 now.
So yeah, the problem is fixed, theres been a price drop, and this fall has the best game line up in history. Theres no excuse not to buy a 360 now.
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 1:27PM (Unverified) said
MS just isn't a hardware company, look at the brick of a PS and how loud it is along with the failure rates. They rushed to market, that was their approach, on the other hand they catered to the game developers and made it easy to develop for and crafted a great onlince service.
On the other side Sony made some slick slick next gen hardware, but the games and online service aren't quite there "yet"...
They all took a different approach...
On the other side Sony made some slick slick next gen hardware, but the games and online service aren't quite there "yet"...
They all took a different approach...
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 1:30PM Altairio said
"Mom, can I have an Xbox360 for Christmas?"
"Oh, well, honey...there is a hardware issue causing higher than expected failure rates in those machines."
"...I want an Xbox360 for Christmas."
"Oh, well, honey...there is a hardware issue causing higher than expected failure rates in those machines."
"...I want an Xbox360 for Christmas."
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 1:31PM (Unverified) said
Sorry Mike, that's not accurate...
If they've only been out since May then the units haven't had a "chance" to fail yet. Remember, a console needs to be able to run more than 3 months w/out being replaced.
Also, where exactly did you confirm that that is the case and that all the facts you state are accurate...?
Either way, you could spend a little more and get a slick machine like the PS3, or do like me and own all 3.
If they've only been out since May then the units haven't had a "chance" to fail yet. Remember, a console needs to be able to run more than 3 months w/out being replaced.
Also, where exactly did you confirm that that is the case and that all the facts you state are accurate...?
Either way, you could spend a little more and get a slick machine like the PS3, or do like me and own all 3.
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 3:51PM BIGGEN said
"Also, where exactly did you confirm that that is the case and that all the facts you state are accurate...?"
i was wondering the same thing about your post, or more importantly, what the hell you're talking about.
anyway, i've got the RROD, but only after i took it apart to see why the disc tray wouldn't stay closed. i was out of warranty and figured, what the hell. i'll open her up. put it back together and RROD. manufactured in 12/05. so, i sold the broken one on ebay for $150. put that $150 down towards a new one + HD DVD player, both for $300 + shipping off ebay. the new one i have is quieter, runs cooler, the disc tray stays closed, and i got an HD DVD player with it. $300 well spent (actually $150), again, because RROD or not, it's still the best console, with the best games, the best online, and media hub. i do have a ps3 and a wii. the ps3 plays movies great. and the wii, well, the wii has RE4...
Reply
i was wondering the same thing about your post, or more importantly, what the hell you're talking about.
anyway, i've got the RROD, but only after i took it apart to see why the disc tray wouldn't stay closed. i was out of warranty and figured, what the hell. i'll open her up. put it back together and RROD. manufactured in 12/05. so, i sold the broken one on ebay for $150. put that $150 down towards a new one + HD DVD player, both for $300 + shipping off ebay. the new one i have is quieter, runs cooler, the disc tray stays closed, and i got an HD DVD player with it. $300 well spent (actually $150), again, because RROD or not, it's still the best console, with the best games, the best online, and media hub. i do have a ps3 and a wii. the ps3 plays movies great. and the wii, well, the wii has RE4...
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 1:59PM deaftly said
ps2's had their share of problems also, it still didnt stop every person on the planet from buying one and that didnt even include a 3 year warranty. the 360 will be fine people, nothing to see here
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 2:28PM (Unverified) said
You are so right about the ps2 thing. Why do you all think the ps2 sold well over 100 million systems, because everyone had to re-purchase one at some point. I love my ps1 and I adored my ps2, I loved my ps2 so much that when it died I just bought another one(hated dealing with sony's customer service). As a matter of fact, since the ps2 launched I have purchased 5, thats right, 5 ps2 systems and that was because I enjoyed the many games that were available on the system. I am sure that every person posting who had a ps2 has bought more than one since it launched years ago. The issues and the many revisions of the ps2 never changed anyone buying habits so why would the 360 be any different.
Reply
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 3:58PM FrankTheCrank said
I'm on my second PS2. I sold the first one to my brother. It's still working. I got the second one when they were redesigned. And the one I sold to my brother was bought at launch in 2000.
And you know what, PS2 still has life left in it. I've been playing a few games here and there. It's still got game. Sorry bout the pun.
Reply
And you know what, PS2 still has life left in it. I've been playing a few games here and there. It's still got game. Sorry bout the pun.
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 2:12PM hvnlysoldr said
3 or 4 rings?
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 2:26PM (Unverified) said
I see what you are doing, NYT.
I'd like to know, why so LATE about the RRoD?
And why happen to time it a month before, say, the biggest title release for the 360 platform?
If the Wall Street Journal did a section on this, I would fear for the Xbox "MicroSerfineers" that will be commiting suppuku.
However, I feel, and as a 360 owner (Having had 2 original xboxes, and now on 2nd repaired 360) this is now moot. MS extended a decent warranty. They are finally fixing the cooling of the GPU (meanwhile we've read about smaller PPC chips, and smaller GPUs coming). And thanks to the intertubes, the issue is front and center.
"Microsoft's Xbox 360 is like a GM product: eventually, they'll get it right. Just not now."
I'd like to know, why so LATE about the RRoD?
And why happen to time it a month before, say, the biggest title release for the 360 platform?
If the Wall Street Journal did a section on this, I would fear for the Xbox "MicroSerfineers" that will be commiting suppuku.
However, I feel, and as a 360 owner (Having had 2 original xboxes, and now on 2nd repaired 360) this is now moot. MS extended a decent warranty. They are finally fixing the cooling of the GPU (meanwhile we've read about smaller PPC chips, and smaller GPUs coming). And thanks to the intertubes, the issue is front and center.
"Microsoft's Xbox 360 is like a GM product: eventually, they'll get it right. Just not now."
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 2:34PM (Unverified) said
And we both know Ford will never get it right.
(speaking from personal experience)
Reply
(speaking from personal experience)
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 2:30PM (Unverified) said
well despite all the rrod's (which i unfortunately am a victim of) i still cant imagine my gaming life without my 360. my ps3 is literally collecting dust and judging by egm's review of lair... it looks like its going to continue to collect dust. so i guess my point is... take the good with the bad...
p.s. not a 360 fanboy... just honest with myself
p.s. not a 360 fanboy... just honest with myself
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 3:17PM (Unverified) said
So the NYT's opinion can't sway you, but EGM's can?
Reply
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 4:21PM (Unverified) said
yea i'd say so. i mean i don't ALWAYS trust their reviews and a few of the games they have given mediocre scores to, i have loved... but they are a GAMING publication (and in my opinion the most trustworthy out there) and i have been getting that magazine in my mailbox for as long as i can remember. so they def hold a lot more sway with me than some liberal driven media outlet like the NY Times
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 3:58PM mpl said
My Xbox360's DVD drive went caput on the 6th. I call MS they take a week to send me an empty box? Fine...whatever.
Whats more pathetic is I take my boxed up 360 to the local UPS depot (i live in Boston's North End, so i can drop off a box and get a red bull or a slushy
Whats more pathetic is I take my boxed up 360 to the local UPS depot (i live in Boston's North End, so i can drop off a box and get a red bull or a slushy
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 5:38PM Espyonage said
Some more anecdotal evidence FWIW: I just sent off a RROD 360 about 1.5 weeks after the warranty was extended, and it was shipped back to me in 2 weeks. I was so surprised at the quick turnaround compared to what I had read about online. Much to my surprise, the mystery was quickly solved when I realized that they had sent me a brand new 360. Also, this was my first return, so this wasn't to satisfy a multiple-returner. Just thought I'd let you know.
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 6:26PM (Unverified) said
Just got the RRoD on my second system last night. Coffin enroute to me.I wish they would fix the damn things already
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 7:18PM FrankTheCrank said
I'm in utter disbelief at the RROD situation. It's mind boggling that this even happened.
And the thing that really puts the whole situation over the top is that, well, OK, your first one craps out, you send it back....great, done...right? No, the second and then third, fourth...fifth.....this is CRAZY.
I don't think consumers should stand for this. We should be demanding Microsoft ULTIMATELY FIX the problem for once and for all.
I have a TV that's 15 years old. It's never needed repair. It's logged more time on than any car I've ever owned. Are you going to tell me that television is an anomaly? This is the way you make electronics. It's SOLID STATE. You build it and it works FOREVER.
Reply
And the thing that really puts the whole situation over the top is that, well, OK, your first one craps out, you send it back....great, done...right? No, the second and then third, fourth...fifth.....this is CRAZY.
I don't think consumers should stand for this. We should be demanding Microsoft ULTIMATELY FIX the problem for once and for all.
I have a TV that's 15 years old. It's never needed repair. It's logged more time on than any car I've ever owned. Are you going to tell me that television is an anomaly? This is the way you make electronics. It's SOLID STATE. You build it and it works FOREVER.
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 5:57PM (Unverified) said
"My anger has been with Microsoft's inbreed 'refurbishment' program, where the service center keeps sending everyone's older production models to each other as some sort of incestuous excuse for a service plan.
I believe that a lot of Microsoft's heralded 'billion-dollar charge' is going to be getting these sloppy second units off of the merry-go-round, and sending people newer, more reliable replacement models."
Agreed. Their old program with the refurbished systems sucked. I would recommend a new 360 to anyone that wants one. Esspecially the newer models with the HDMI support. I own an Elite and have had no problems at all since day one. Not even so much as a freeze. Any ridiculous remark such as "The 360 is a cheap piece of crap" is obviously a PS3 FANBOY trying to feel great about their $600 movie player. Bioshock kicks ass... just played the demo. Halo 3 comes out next month. This fall looks fantastic for games and hardware on the 360. PS3 has nothing to brag about over 360. Wow, LAIR. I'll give you Heavenly Sword. But MGS4 looks like it could EASILY be ported to 360. It looks like a high res version of the titles on PS2. All hype and all PS3 fanboys measuring the greatness of their unit... too bad they come up short.
I believe that a lot of Microsoft's heralded 'billion-dollar charge' is going to be getting these sloppy second units off of the merry-go-round, and sending people newer, more reliable replacement models."
Agreed. Their old program with the refurbished systems sucked. I would recommend a new 360 to anyone that wants one. Esspecially the newer models with the HDMI support. I own an Elite and have had no problems at all since day one. Not even so much as a freeze. Any ridiculous remark such as "The 360 is a cheap piece of crap" is obviously a PS3 FANBOY trying to feel great about their $600 movie player. Bioshock kicks ass... just played the demo. Halo 3 comes out next month. This fall looks fantastic for games and hardware on the 360. PS3 has nothing to brag about over 360. Wow, LAIR. I'll give you Heavenly Sword. But MGS4 looks like it could EASILY be ported to 360. It looks like a high res version of the titles on PS2. All hype and all PS3 fanboys measuring the greatness of their unit... too bad they come up short.
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 6:35PM (Unverified) said
I actually had a one week turnaround for my console. So I think Microsoft is fixing the consoles pretty quickly, or they are just sending out new consoles rather than fixing the ones you send in.
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 8:02PM Catprog said
Or brightly colored or happy.
Posted: Aug 13th 2007 8:10PM Catprog said
was meant to be replied to this comment
http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/13/ny-times-combines-halo-3-and-rrod--in-volatile-mix/#c6694378
Reply
http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/13/ny-times-combines-halo-3-and-rrod--in-volatile-mix/#c6694378
Posted: Aug 14th 2007 4:58PM (Unverified) said
Until recently I was on the fence on this issue. I have a launch unit (Manuf Date 11-7-2005) that was humming along just fine. My system got a LOT of use including well over 40 hours on Forza 2. Never had any crashes or issues with it. It has been extremely well taken care of.
I was beginning to think this problem may have been blown out of proportion or maybe I was just lucky somehow. Then a couple days ago I go to turn on my 360 and I get the RROD. I had played it only days before with no problems and no one had gone near it since then.
I am now waiting for a box to return my system and I can't play the Bioshock demo (sigh). I no longer question the RROD defect and I am sure it is only a matter of time until all first gen 360's will have this problem. 2 of my friends have also gone through 2 and 3 systems each respectively.
I think it's really unconscionable for Microsoft to not admit the scope of the problems and not initiate a full recall. Waiting until peoples systems fail, as they must know they all will eventually, is NOT providing good customer support as they claim.
I was beginning to think this problem may have been blown out of proportion or maybe I was just lucky somehow. Then a couple days ago I go to turn on my 360 and I get the RROD. I had played it only days before with no problems and no one had gone near it since then.
I am now waiting for a box to return my system and I can't play the Bioshock demo (sigh). I no longer question the RROD defect and I am sure it is only a matter of time until all first gen 360's will have this problem. 2 of my friends have also gone through 2 and 3 systems each respectively.
I think it's really unconscionable for Microsoft to not admit the scope of the problems and not initiate a full recall. Waiting until peoples systems fail, as they must know they all will eventually, is NOT providing good customer support as they claim.
Featured Stories
Super Joystiq Podcast 004: 38 Studios meltdown, Gravity Rush, Civilization 5: Gods & Kings, Dragon's Dogma
Posted on May 25th 2012 3:30PM






