Game Informer: Xbox 360 at 54.2 percent failure rate

by Griffin McElroy { Aug 17th 2009 at 4:01PM }

The latest issue of Game Informer contains a surprising statistic for anyone who's ever loved and lost their Microsoft-branded home console – according to their survey, in which over 5,000 console owners participated, the Xbox 360's current failure rate due to the Red Ring of Death, E74 or other hardware failure is 54.2 percent. They also calculated the relative death toll for PS3s due to the Yellow Light of Death (10.3 percent) and Wiis, due to ... well, we're not actually sure what color the Wii's light turns to upon its demise (6.8 percent).

Unfortunately, for having the highest failure rate, survey participants also pinned Microsoft for having the least helpful customer service representatives. Not that it matters – later in the survey, only 3.8 percent of participants said they'd never buy another Xbox 360 due to its high failure rate.

Speaking of which, we're not sure what future techno-utopia this poll was conducted in, but a 54.2 percent Xbox 360 failure rate sounds awfully low. Had the survey's participants been comprised entirely of Joystiq staffers, it would have been a bone-chilling 100 percent.

[Via Consumerist]

Tags: e74, failure, failure-rate, game-informer, hardware, rrod, survey

Related From Joystiq

UK retailers confident in strong 2010 games sales
18 days ago
Australian Attorney General offers insight into Aliens vs. Predator classification refusal
19 days ago
Rumor: Gaming conventions to convene in Xbox Live
29 days ago

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 9)

Eric @ Aug 17th 2009 4:03PM

Fuck that's alot! Way to go guys.

SpyderTaco (PSN: Ar4chNova89) @ Aug 17th 2009 4:14PM

Yeah, they're really making progress.
Keep up the good work, Microsoft.

/s

itbekevin2010 @ Aug 17th 2009 4:16PM

my 360 got the e 74 last night ahhhhh

thank god i kno how to fix it

ClarkyAC @ Aug 17th 2009 4:31PM

Yeah, i'm thinking is it in Microsoft's best interest to fix this issue?

I mean, it breaks outside the warranty, meaning some people buy a new one, meaning figures sold go up. Meaning Microsoft can show glorious sales increases, meaning more people buy the 360 because sales make it look like a popular choice.

I'm not saying this is what they do, Just saying its a good tactic (if not at all sleazy)

Cody @ Aug 17th 2009 4:36PM

What I wanna know is how many of the 360 sales to date numbers are in fact people purchasing their 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th 360?

WiredKnight @ Aug 17th 2009 4:40PM

@Clarky

They also have the option to pay to have it fixed.
Also, if they *don't* buy a new one, then Microsoft is also not getting money from any games they would have bought in the future.

avan @ Aug 17th 2009 4:48PM

Id say Failure rate is 100% too, is going to happen to you sooner or later that's all. my box dies on and off all the time, about 50 times the last year (the same box) but i too have managed to keep it alive for that long since initial outbreak.

ClarkyAC @ Aug 17th 2009 4:48PM

But there are a plentiful number of people in the world that won't pay for a repair, and just buy a new one. I know a fair few people that feel that a failed item has more of a chance of failing again than a new on, while i know others that think opposite.

I'm not saying that its common nor am i saying its the only reason for a high sales figure. Just saying - "you can count a certain amount because....."

Paul @ Aug 17th 2009 4:49PM

haha damn. 54%!! that must be embarrassing for them!

Ballistic H @ Aug 17th 2009 4:52PM

Dudes, the Xbox 360 owners are LUCKY considering the power supply is OUTSIDE of the console. Think of what would have happened if the power supply was inside the console case like the PS3...

WiredKnight @ Aug 17th 2009 4:58PM

That's true, but there are also some people out there who have managed to get their consoles repaired for free, even when they're out of warranty. I should know, I'm one of them. :)

bioadam @ Aug 17th 2009 5:01PM

My Halo 3 Edition had a bad disc drive and MS replaced it with Halo 3 edition that has a loose piece inside. You can hear it rattle when you shake. Please don't shake it!

Taylorman222 @ Aug 17th 2009 5:24PM

Im on my third, and i will continue to buy a new one/have repaired until the new xbox comes out. I have all three consoles and my ps3 only gets love when my xbox is down, and dont get me started on my wii. like 400 dollars of accessories and no games to use them with.

If my xbox was as much fun as my ps3 i would have just thrown it out when it broke and never picked up another controller again.

fundando @ Aug 17th 2009 5:13PM

I can't believe people are dumb enough to keep buying these thins. I mean there are other options there.

Silicon Siren @ Aug 17th 2009 5:16PM

@itbekevin2010

Microsoft started covering the E74 repairs for free now.

I'm on my 7th console, my most recent hardware failure on my Elite the other 5 being on my Pro. I haven't once had to pay a cent for repairs and generally the turn around is about 2 weeks. This recent elite failure I had to purcahse a 5 dollar box but it was more than worth it, from the day I sent it out it got back in 6 days time, so I am more than happy with their service. I have a PS3 and a Wii, my PS3 having to be replaced due to the popular GTAIV related failutre (that wasn't covered by warrenty) out of pocket and I have to say I couldn't do without my 360, it's just the superior console because it has the games and the best online service, even if the hardware is shitty.

Nando @ Aug 17th 2009 5:36PM

So microsoft's real install base is 15M as oposed to 30M?

CTC XBL-supapaypamawio PSN-ctclaw @ Aug 17th 2009 5:37PM

I'm actually surprised it's so low. I'm guessing the people who took this poll were people that game a lot...Everyone I know that games a lot on their 360 has had it break multiple times. I'm on my 5th I think...it really is a pretty bad problem when you can't remember how many different Xbox 360's you've owned this gen.

phinnvr6 @ Aug 17th 2009 5:38PM

Wow what a piece of junk. I own a PS3 currently and I've never known a single person who had a PS3 or Wii fail. I guess Microsoft should stay away from hardware and just keep with software, then again, they aren't known for good software either... lol.

TinyTim121 @ Aug 17th 2009 6:03PM

Worryingly, i question if next generation Consoles will also have frequent breakdowns to encourage constant repurchase from consumers

Mr Clickerson @ Aug 17th 2009 6:33PM

Phinn, the original Xbox had a lower failure rate than the PS2. They can do hardware just fine... There's just a myriad of issues that they didn't compensate for. They chose a design, and stuck to it. Then added the actual hardware, and that hardware gets FAR too hot to last. If they would have designed it so they could use bigger, better heat sinks there would be no problem. The reason the components in the 360 get hotter than those in the PS3 (mainly the GPU) is simply because it's more powerful... Well, the GPU is at least- the CPU's in over all performance are about even. I've had 2 Xbox's, and my first one suffered from a bad disc drive. I've since destroyed it, but when I was working on it, I noticed that there were burn marks in the metal on the bottom side of the disc drive from the GPU heat sink. The problem with the drive was lubrication on the spindle- tried about everything but nothing worked consistently... Should have tried graphite powder, as I believe that's what they use from the factory, but that's beside the point. The Xbox's downfall is heat and the inability to remove that heat from the case efficiently, and I'm 100% certain that a majority of the 360's issues are directly related to that heat. The air temperature from the exhaust fans on launch consoles have been as high 100*C.

itbekevin2010 @ Aug 17th 2009 6:35PM

@ silicon

yeah well my 360 is modded hahaha so i cant send it in , they might not return it

Silicon Siren @ Aug 17th 2009 6:54PM

Voted down for truth. I can't help it, I was always a Sony/Nintendo fangirl, and I hated the original Xbox with a passion and wouldn't even give it a chance. The PS2 was the superior machine thanks to its amazing lineup of games. This time around it is the Xbox 360, anyone who denies that is diluted (or just not among Western society).

Paul @ Aug 17th 2009 7:14PM

@Silicon Siren

LBP, infamous, MGS4, last guardian, KZ2, resistance, flow, flower, fat princess, echochrome, motorstorm, modnation, uncharted, heavy rain, ratchet and clank, god of war, mlb'09, wipeout, gt5, final fantasy 14, and MAG... say you are delusional

Anticrawl @ Aug 17th 2009 7:25PM

@Paul

LittleBigPlanet is indeed awesome and I still play it from time to time, inFamous made me rage at how moronic the moral choices and platforming were (it was as if they thought you were a small child or retard who needed their held hand throughout the game), Metal Gear Solid 4 would have been much more entertaining as a CGI movie for 20 dollars because the gameplay was dull at best, Last Guardian I never played, Killzone 2 had severe button lag online/tunneled vision to keep your eyes focused away from the visual flaws/generic story/and terrible ambient audio though the classes online were very cool as were the weapons, Resistance was fun but not my thing, Flow/Flower were fucking stupid, Fat Princess was a refreshing change of pace and I love it to death but there are terrible network issues, Echocrome is annoying, Motorstorm is so average I'd rather play Excite Bike or Pure, Modnation I never played, Uncharted was awesome but the beta for multplayer in part 2 was awful and hopefully they focus more on the singleplayer experience, Heavy Rain looks interesting but it doesn't count as it's not out, God of War 3 is vaporware until I get my hands on a live demo, MLB is no better than the Bigs, Ratchet and Clank is a personal favorite of mine as I'm big in to platformers but there are more R&C's than there are Mario platformers, Wipeout is just a so-so arcadey game, GT5 is going to be outclassed by Forza 3, FF14 is multiplatform, and MAG is one game I'm super excited for because SOCOM 4 (different dev) was a huge letdown and I'm looking for a new Zipper game. I play all the systems, have a large disposable income to purchase most games and am a huge PC gamer, don't give me bullshit lists. The 360 has the best library and online bar none.

Sweatshopsammy @ Aug 17th 2009 8:09PM

I'll be the first one to say it:

what the fuck is wrong with you people? why are you taking this abuse of such shitty hardware? now its not to attack this comment specifically but if one was to read further into this comment thread the comments are fucking ridiculous. why are you proud you're on you're 3rd or 4th xbox 360? why arent you up in arms demanding a better product?

now i'm not saying everyone should dump their xboxs in favour of wii's or ps3's but for gods sake get angry! make microsoft know you won't take this bullshit. you're just giving them the excuse to release shitty pieces of equipment knowing full well every person with $200 - $300 bucks to spend will just scoop it up just becuase it plays "teh haloz"

xbox 360 has been out for how many years? not to mention the the speed of which modern technology develops, this shit shouldve been taken care of a year after the problems started but 54%? all that time and its still 54%?

why isn't there more outcry from the consumer?

all i hear is "lulz im on my 3rd 360" "im going to buy a 2nd one next month" are you serious? you bought a whole new 360, no discount or reparation from a company that knew it sold you a product with a 50% failure rate, is doing little to rectify the situation and you still handed a wad of fucking cash to them?

I will never understand the mindset of the modern consumer
fucking ridiculous

Markez @ Aug 17th 2009 8:15PM

@ Einstein

Not a single person in this thread has said either "I'm proud to be on my 3rd/4th xbox or "lulz I'm on my 3rd/4th xbox"

It's shitty hardware. No one denies it. Although I'm sure if video game blog commenters get together and complain to Microsoft like you ask, that'll change everything about the current gen of consoles, great point.

Markez @ Aug 17th 2009 8:17PM

Hey, btw, does anyone want better Miracle Whip? I know I do. Let's all get together and ask for better Miracle Whip.

Sweatshopsammy @ Aug 17th 2009 8:35PM

for a person who "read so deeply" into my comment and take it so literally you really didnt read it very well

I did not claim that "joystiq commenters" must complain to the company i said "consumers" meaning everyone who rrods should have the common sense to chew out customer service for their shitty purchase and should probably fight for a full refund

everyones ready to complain about micro transactions and new drm systems that in the long run cost people just a few dollars yet when a very big problem with hardware costs almost every single consumer $200 to $300+ everyone just shrugs their shoulders

also are you really comparing a console hardware problem to your opinion on a food product? nice

Markez @ Aug 17th 2009 8:43PM

Both are sandwich spreads.

Paul @ Aug 17th 2009 8:47PM

@anticrawl

here's the thing about everything you just said...IT'S FUCKING OPINION!

and those games I mentioned are why I think sony has the best console there are literally like 30 exclusives that I am interested just from sony.

I know it's hard to believe but I think halo is terribly mediocre with terrible character design, gears is incredible but it has a terrible story, mass effect was boring, crackdown was great one of my favorties, fable was boring, I'm really looking forward to Alan wake and Shadow Complex, oh PGR is ok too.... but here's the thing it's all fucking opinion and those games I like on 360 are not enough for me to buy another 360 especially when there is a 54% chance it will break...haha

360 doesn't have the best library bar none- it did in 2006 and 2007 but not now. two years ago I would have no argument, but now...it's even...you can't deny the fact that all of those games I mentioned are great. you may not like them but they are quality. I'm bored with halo but it is a well done game, same with the others I mentioned.

Kadamon @ Aug 17th 2009 9:31PM

I'm one of those people that also have a failed console...I actually have to send mine in right now for the second time because, out of the blue...the drive just stopped working.

Discs don't spin, get a small whirring noise like it's attempting to start and then putters out almost 3 seconds later.

At least I can still play XBLA games, but at the same time I'm pissed off because I just bought Rock Band 2 for it and a few other games to play with my fiance...now it's going to cost me 100 bucks to get it shipped to them and fixed.

I'm pissed off about it, but there's not much I can do about it...

Silencio @ Aug 17th 2009 10:10PM

@ sweatshopsammy

It doesn't cost anywhere near every single consumer $200-$300. My box has rrod'd twice and i haven't had to pay anything to get them fixed. Also, take it easy on the customer service folks. They're just people who answer the phone. Bitching them out is a bitch thing to do. Only a bitch would suggest that. Think you're so fucking enlightened. Bitch-ass bitch.

Levi @ Aug 17th 2009 10:36PM

this is why I won't buy one. I was on the fence a while back, but I just can't justify buying something like that when I know it's likely to break due to such poor manufacturing. This is regardless of a warantee; I shouldn't have to box my console up and ship it every year or two.

Maybe they'll rectify the situation by coming out with XBox 7. It'll look just like the 360, except it'll have bits and pieces that are translucent. It'll act just like the 360 with minimal feature increments. It'll be called 7, even though there are a million reasons it shouldn't be called 7. But this time it will work, and work well, unlike Vist--the 360.

Papa Midnight @ Aug 17th 2009 11:50PM

@Silicon: If I'm not mistaken, you were voted down for the same reason as Taylorman: Because you're on your 7th Xbox 360.

What I don't understand is why people keep going back to the same failing console. 1 replacement is enough. Some people are on their 5th, 6th, and 10th (and counting) Xbox 360 units and keep coming back for more knowing good and well their unit is likely to fail.

Now I personally don't own any consoles but if I had a 360 and it failed, I would recognize the fact that their are 2 other competing platforms, not counting the PC, out there with a considerably lower hardware failure rate.

I don't get it. Nobody took this shit from Sony. There was a lawsuit filed over it and Sony was forced to pay restitution AND repair PS2 consoles for free.

Meanwhile, Xbox 360's have been known to destroy optical media, faulty disc drives which do not open or close properly, and in general suffer hardware failures; sometimes errors are caused by Microsoft's own updates. Yet, what I don't understand is that people seem perfectly willing - with the exception of one or two stand-alone lawsuits which failed to reach or maintain class action status - to bend over and take it in the ass.

In that sense, I'm fully with Sweatshopsammy on this one.

Phil Fauble @ Aug 18th 2009 2:46AM

@phinnvr6

My Wii broke

But we can't really call that a failure.. it's my damn fault!

I do know a few people that have had issues with their PS3's.. but I think I am the only person I know with a 360 that hasn't failed.

My old boss has gone through 2... my brother is on his second, my friend Andy gave up.. and that's not all of them.

I know one other person with a broken Wii... and that was his fault, like mine was my fault!

But this is definitely obnoxious, I'm kind of starting to wonder if I should have gotten a PS3 in stead... heh.. I guess as long as mine works it's fine

Phil Fauble @ Aug 18th 2009 2:53AM

SimbaDogg @ Aug 18th 2009 3:45AM

thats when u know something is wrong, where in that survey only 3% say they wouldn't buy a known to fail product. i mean, normally that would be reserved for products that are in on way or another, incredibly unique (think ferrari's of years past when). to be honest, there isn't anything too terribly unique about the 360. there aren't THAT many exclusives to the 360 anymore, performance is about the same (as compared to the ps3), i'd say one of the things it really has that trumps the competition is netflix streaming. i guess some people are just super fanboys i guess. because there's no other consumer product i can think of that would still have fans after experiencing failure rates that high. tvs, cars, computers...anything. i think even the iphone wouldn't have as many fans if its failure rate were that high.

Marty @ Aug 18th 2009 12:25PM

"...according to their survey, in which over 5,000 console owners participated, the Xbox 360's current failure rate due to the Red Ring of Death, E74 or other hardware failure is 54.2 percent."

Does that mean the failure rate of 5,000 people is at 54.2%, or the failure rate attributed to RRoD / E74 is at 54.2%?

Also, who were these 5,000 people? Was this an online survey? Was it of people in a particular region? Etc, etc.

The source link doesn't lead to anything but the Game Informer website, and no other details were provided. Not enough info for me.

TinyTim121 @ Aug 19th 2009 8:16PM

@ Eric

Hope you didn't tick the "E-Mail me when someone replies to this comment" when you posted first lol

21centuryboy @ Sep 2nd 2009 7:45PM

the power of halo 3

Not THAT Matt @ Sep 18th 2009 12:30AM

In our house we have 3 360's and none have died so far. 2 Premiums and an Elite. One from early 2006, right after launch supply had been replenished.

All I can say is when my EB was open, fuck if we didn't see a couple DOZEN DRE'd PS2s per week, back in 2005, years after the system came out. I always thought the failure rate on the PS2 was probably 100% - I went through two systems within a couple of years.

All I can say is that if Sony wasn't sue for the bastardly act of selling knowingly-faulty PS2's that would have their lense mis-align even to this day, then I find it a tad unfair that Microsoft would be so bothered either, particularly considering they've gone through several hardware revisions of the Xbox 360 to at least try and fix the problem, and have ADMITTED it.

I always wondered how many people just said F-it and bought a new one - I know I did. Had to.

Also, I wonder how legit this study is - regardless of the 360's reported failure rate, I think 11% for the PS3 sounds a bit high, and I fail to believe the Wii would be 7% - the thing is based on such aged hardware, what in God's name could possibly fail on that system?