Xbox 360 power brick dies by red light, owner dismayed over warranty policy

Microsoft Xbox 360’s “three red lights of death” has long been the worst fear of every owner. However, a lot of us probably don’t know that the power brick could catch a similar case of the technical gremlins, too. If you’re thinking Microsoft has got your back in case this happens, you may be surprised to find out the particulars on one case in the story after the jump.

Everyone and his mom are already aware of what the Microsoft Xbox 360’s “three red lights of death” mean. Just about everyone will agree that the console’s power brick is ridiculously heavy, making travels with the console a real chore. Some have been whining about Microsoft’s warranty policies. What happens when these three issues collide? We found out today.

NeoGAF member AlxRymnd914 posted that his Xbox 360’s power brick was doing fine in the six months of ownership that he’s spent with it.

One day, he comes home and plugs the console in to play some Halo 3. The quick flashes of green on the console light up, and then nothing happens.

He notices that the usual orange light on the power brick has turned red. He says that the console was not overheated, and the unit was in a cool, ventilated spot.

AlxRymnd914 calls Microsoft customer service, and was informed that his power supply unit had died. The Microsoft rep then informs him that unlike the warranty policy on the console itself, the power brick only has three months of warranty. Since the Xbox 360 in question was bought in September of 2007, the warranty period was up, leaving the customer with only one course of action.

The Microsoft rep says AlxRymnd914 will have to order a new power brick for US$ 80. Disappointed, the owner headed to the forums to seek advice and get people’s attention to this issue.

Have you encountered similar problems with your console’s power brick? If so, it might help if you can share it with us in the comments section to get this issue out in the open.

Via NeoGAF