Microsoft Extends 360 Warranty, Admits Stuff

I had to preempt my usual Arcade post to bring you this face-melting news. Move over, Missile Command, because this is big.

It finally happened: hell froze over. Dogs also began laying with cats. And those rotund, flesh-coloured creatures soaring through the clouds? Yup, winged pigs, my friend. If the article title hasn't tipped you off enough, I'll clarify. Microsoft announced today that they are extending warranties of all Xbox 360s to 3 years. This policy is effective immediately and it also applies retroactively to all consoles sold since launch.

Socks not blown off yet? Then please proceed to the jump. There's more...

The following is an excerpt from Microsoft's statement:

"As a result of what Microsoft views as an unacceptable number of repairs to Xbox 360 consoles, the company conducted extensive investigations into potential sources of general hardware failures... Having identified a number of factors which can cause general hardware failures indicated by three red flashing lights on the console, Microsoft has made improvements to the console and is enhancing its Xbox 360 warranty policy for existing and new customers."

"The majority of Xbox 360 owners are having a great experience with their console and have from day one. But, this problem has caused frustration for some of our customers and for that, we sincerely apologize," said Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft's Entertainment & Devices Division. "We value our community tremendously and look at this as an investment in our customer base. We look forward to great things to come."

This is it. Now we know Microsoft is a real man who can admit to his mistakes. Was there any doubt otherwise? All it really took was Microsoft to recognize his failings, a little public pressure, bitching and whining before he was finally able to come clean.

I for one am tickled pink by the news, not to mention relieved beyond all measure. My box has run flawlessly since purchase back in December 2006 but the fear has begun to creep in recently. It gets a rigorous daily workout, there's no avoiding that. And now that I've used it for more than 6 months, well, using a 6-month old 360 is akin to driving a car that has racked up more than 200,000km in mileage. The dreadful feeling of inevitability hangs over you! It also hasn't helped that my copy of Rainbow Six: Vegas insists on crashing my box an average of once every 20 minutes. I exaggerate of course, although the sentiment remains: that game will be the death of my 360 sooner or later.

I hope this news fulfills your ZOMG! WTF! OMGZ!! LOLOLOL!!! quota for the day. It sure as hell fulfilled mine.


Microsoft Extends Hardware Issue, Extends 360 Warranty

Source: 1UP, Adrenaline Vault forums (props to enfestid for posting the story)