Xbox finally acknowledges hardware problems, offers extended warranty

After all the frustration, the agonizing, the days of staring at the ring of death, the stalled games and the unnecessary expenses, Xbox 360 owners who have long been airing out their grievances regarding their problems with their consoles will finally get some recompense. This is because Microsoft has FINALLY come out and acknowledged the hardware problems of their units, particularly the ones that were sold at launch.

After finally admitting that the launch units were indeed plagued with problems regarding hardware failure, Microsoft noted that what pointed them in this direction was the “higher than usual repair rate” among launch 360s. And so Microsoft is now offering extended warranties to Xbox 360 owners whose units were manufactured before January 1, 2006, therefore extending the warranty from 90 days to a full year. This service will be considered as an “out of warranty repair” and will be free of charge.

On the other hand, people who have units which fall within that criteria but have already paid $ 129 to have the launch units repaired will receive refunds. The only ones that will NOT be covered by this offer will be Xbox 360s manufactured on or after January 1, 2006.

This is a complete turn-around from Microsoft’s previous statements that the return rates of launch 360s were only between 3% to 5%. However, the company still cannot explain the exact reason why these units are having problems in the first place.

Anyone who has a broken system that falls within the criteria stated above can call 1-800-4MY-XBOX for details on how to avail of either the refund or the warranty.

Via IGN

After all the frustration, the agonizing, the days of staring at the ring of death, the stalled games and the unnecessary expenses, Xbox 360 owners who have long been airing out their grievances regarding their problems with their consoles will finally get some recompense. This is because Microsoft has FINALLY come out and acknowledged the hardware problems of their units, particularly the ones that were sold at launch.

After finally admitting that the launch units were indeed plagued with problems regarding hardware failure, Microsoft noted that what pointed them in this direction was the “higher than usual repair rate” among launch 360s. And so Microsoft is now offering extended warranties to Xbox 360 owners whose units were manufactured before January 1, 2006, therefore extending the warranty from 90 days to a full year. This service will be considered as an “out of warranty repair” and will be free of charge.

On the other hand, people who have units which fall within that criteria but have already paid $ 129 to have the launch units repaired will receive refunds. The only ones that will NOT be covered by this offer will be Xbox 360s manufactured on or after January 1, 2006.

This is a complete turn-around from Microsoft’s previous statements that the return rates of launch 360s were only between 3% to 5%. However, the company still cannot explain the exact reason why these units are having problems in the first place.

Anyone who has a broken system that falls within the criteria stated above can call 1-800-4MY-XBOX for details on how to avail of either the refund or the warranty.

Via IGN