Xbox 360 Complaint

[mduda]

The console failed after several months of use - my situation is not unique. Failure was most likely a result of cheap components on the boards, which were selected to bring down recurring production costs.

Microsoft should improve on quality control or consider a product redesign; if not, they should expect to see more returns, pay for more extended warranties and upset customers resulting in reduced earnings in hardware and software sales and liscensing.

Any thoughts, anyone?

Best,
Mike Duda

[j_garcia]

What do you mean pay for extended warranties? They extended all 360 owners warranties to 2yrs didn't they? I would think that with the length of time that it has been out, they would have ironed out most of the bugs by now, but lemons still do get by.

Can you describe the conditions under which you use it? How many hours /day in use, is it in a properly ventilated location, etc...?

[mduda]

Microsoft has opted to further extend the warranty on the Xbox 360 product for all owners - that is, beyond the original product warranty that was offered at date of purchase.

As far as bugs go, I'm not referring to software issues, but I am referring to hardware failures. The catastrophic failures didn't occur until several months of gameplay on the unit - a very short lifespan for a product that should have continued to operate for at least another couple of years.

Microsoft extended the original product warranty timeframe, which is an indication of many other console owners having similar problems - total system failure.

[j_garcia]

I have heard that the hardware failure rate was still quite high. Thus far my brother hasn't had any issues with his. Note that these are not built by Microsoft, they are outsourced to a contract manufacturer who is likely the one choosing the components that go onto the boards and such. Regardless of that, it is Microsoft's product, thus the warranty extensions.

[mduda]

The production team probably won't select components unless their is a manufacturing issue that requires a component change to accomodate the product production.

The designer/designing company is 90% responsible for selecting the unit's parts list; the parts list selection takes into consideration design functionality, cost issues, logistics and marketing approach.

After designing several electronics products for military applications, I have rarely seen a component changed because the production team mandated the change.

[j_garcia]

I've worked directly with one of the contract manufacturers they're using and for some reason they seemed to think they could do whatever they wanted once we turned over the documentation to them....

[mduda]

Then that seems to support the argument about poor quality control. Seems to be a disconnect from the design to the final product release.

Sorry to hear that. I bet you're frustrated! :eek:

[angstadt530]

I read on either ign.com or teamxbox.com that all the new 360s are being made with different parts now to fix the problem. I can't remember the exact details, but if anyone is interested I could try to find the article again.

[Emusica]

The console failed after several months of use - my situation is not unique. Failure was most likely a result of cheap components on the boards, which were selected to bring down recurring production costs.

Microsoft should improve on quality control or consider a product redesign; if not, they should expect to see more returns, pay for more extended warranties and upset customers resulting in reduced earnings in hardware and software sales and liscensing.

Any thoughts, anyone?

Best,
Mike Duda
Call the Microsoft Xbox360 line and they will take down your info. You will receive a box in the mail with a pre-paid UPS label with wich you will go to the UPS store and send it on its merry way. You will get your 360 back in probably less than two weeks. All this will be free of charge plus you will more than likely get one of the newer models that has the improved dvd-drives that are more quiet;)

[mduda]

Thanks angstadt530 and Emusica for the feedback!

angstadt530, if you do come across the article, I would love to read it.

I certainly hope the newer consoles will perform for the better...

[abboudc]

You will receive a box in the mail with a pre-paid UPS label with wich you will go to the UPS store and send it on its merry way. Y

Also known as the "cardboard coffin".

The 360 is the most fragile console ever released. I could throw my PS2/DC/Wii/GC and almost any other console in a dufflebag and take it somewhere for the weekend. I'm afraid to even dust my 360. It's very noisy, has a ridiculous power brick, and needs an inordinate amount of space to "breathe". The hardware design team should never be allowed to design hardware ever again. It's ridiculous.

[Bigsilvs]

There have been rumors about a new model 360 with a bigger hard drive, HDMI, and maybe a built in HD DVD drive. If this happens, I will be forced to purchase and HDMI switcher :(

[angstadt530]

There have been rumors about a new model 360 with a bigger hard drive, HDMI, and maybe a built in HD DVD drive. If this happens, I will be forced to purchase and HDMI switcher :(

These upgrades won't happen for quite some time. (Again, can't remember the reasoning behind it, but I read it somewhere on ign.com.)

[mduda]

Has anyone opened up either the Xbox 360 or PS3?

I would like to see pics of the boards and the architecture layout.

[Tom Andry]

Has anyone opened up either the Xbox 360 or PS3?

I would like to see pics of the boards and the architecture layout.

If someone would send me one for review I would. But I sure as heck not going to open mine :eek: . I would think that there would be some internal pics on one of those gaming sites out there. I know that the mag I used to get back in the day (Next Generation I think - went out of business) used to open all the new consoles when they came out.

[mikeyj92]

I have had my 360 now since around New Years Day, I can't remember exactly...

It has froze up or shut itself off on me at least once per week since I have owned it...mostly freeze ups, I think there was only 1 shut down.

Now, I have owned: Atari 2600, ColecoVision, Nintendo, Sega Master System, Sega Genesis, Playstation, XBOX & PS2. If I add up all the freeze ups/shut downs on all of those systems that I can remember, I don't think it totals what my 360 has done in the last 9 weeks. 9 f'n weeks. I fear that my unit will soon stop working completely and I'll have to jump through hoops to get it fixed.

I was going to go the PS3 route until the itch to play Oblivion on my 56" TV was too great and mentioned one day to my wife, "I think I'm gonna get a 360 before a PS3...". Within 2 days, she came home with said console/game. (she rocks, btw).

Just thought I'd share my little experience with this system...it does seem to be pretty unreliable.

[mduda]

I was going to go the PS3 route until the itch to play Oblivion on my 56" TV was too great and mentioned one day to my wife, "I think I'm gonna get a 360 before a PS3...". Within 2 days, she came home with said console/game. (she rocks, btw).



I've had freeze-ups with the PS3, also. Fortunately, they're not as frequent as what I had experienced on the Xbox 360, but I'm monitoring the problem. The Xbox 360 problems became more frequent until the system eventually had a total system failure and didn't run at all.

[abboudc]

If someone would send me one for review I would. But I sure as heck not going to open mine :eek: . I would think that there would be some internal pics on one of those gaming sites out there. I know that the mag I used to get back in the day (Next Generation I think - went out of business) used to open all the new consoles when they came out.

Those Next Generation reviews were awesome. They did one on the innards of the Jaguar, Saturn, PS, and N64. Really showed how archaic the Saturn really was.

There are plenty of pics of the inside of the 360 out there if you search. Some guy even watercooled his.

[Tom Andry]

Those Next Generation reviews were awesome. They did one on the innards of the Jaguar, Saturn, PS, and N64. Really showed how archaic the Saturn really was.

Even though I've been out of the console game for a while (just got a 360 and haven't even had a chance to hook it up yet), I would still read that mag if they published it. They'd review the same game on all systems, compare and contrast versions, talk about the pluses and minuses of the different consoles... it was an all around great mag. I think that's why it failed - it didn't make any of the consoles happy so I'm betting they lost a lot of advertising. When they shut it down they switched my subscription over to a playstation specific mag. Kinda a bummer.

Anyhow, to stay around the topic, I found this article (http://www.anandtech.com/systems/showdoc.aspx?i=2610) which had a lot of really detailed pics. Hope that helps.

[Bigsilvs]

I've had freeze-ups with the PS3, also. Fortunately, they're not as frequent as what I had experienced on the Xbox 360, but I'm monitoring the problem. The Xbox 360 problems became more frequent until the system eventually had a total system failure and didn't run at all.


I was wondering do your PS3 freeze ups happen while playing PS2 games? Just wondering because there are supposedly around 200 PS2 games that are not fully compatible to play on PS3. I have yet to have a freeze up while playing a PS3 game or watching a Blu-ray movie.

[mduda]

I was wondering do your PS3 freeze ups happen while playing PS2 games? Just wondering because there are supposedly around 200 PS2 games that are not fully compatible to play on PS3. I have yet to have a freeze up while playing a PS3 game or watching a Blu-ray movie.

Never had a problem with a PS2 game, but a freeze up did happen a few times while playing Resistance:Fall of Man. A shame, since the game is a lot of multiplayer fun! Have you heard of any software issues with this game?

[mikeyj92]

Small update on my 360. For the last 3+ weeks, I have not had a freeze up or anything. It has ran supurb.

I hope I don't jinx myself.

I did remove the electronics from the shelf below it and reorganized my stuff, it now can't be any more well ventilated unless I put it outside. :p

[gene]

Add me to the list of Xbox 360 owners whose unit suffered complete failure after only a few months of usage. Now I have to deal with Microsoft on getting a replacement unit. This sucks :mad:

[Clint DeBoer]

That stinks - I did get that Cooler unit that straps onto the back - maybe that will help so it doesn't overheat (heat seems to be the culprit from everything I've read).

[mikeyj92]

That stinks - I did get that Cooler unit that straps onto the back - maybe that will help so it doesn't overheat (heat seems to be the culprit from everything I've read).


Which cooler unit did you get specifically?

The Nyko one will "burn" right to the back of the 360...it has happened to MANY Nyko fan owners...I've read a ton of horror stories. If you have it placed in a area where it can ventialte properly without sucking in already 'hot' air, you should be fine.

Here is a pic of what the Nyko can do, AND it does this to people that haven't experience any obvious issues with their 360's while it has been connected to it...until they check the connection in back. Some have been unable to get it off the back of the 360...it melted on.
http://www.tricktape.com/intercooler2.jpg

Here is just one forum thread (of many) on the Nyko intercooler...
Xbox Forums (http://forums.xbox.com/1/6077580/ShowPost.aspx#6077580)

[GlocksRock]

Which cooler unit did you get specifically?

The Nyko one will "burn" right to the back of the 360...it has happened to MANY Nyko fan owners...I've read a ton of horror stories. If you have it placed in a area where it can ventialte properly without sucking in already 'hot' air, you should be fine.

Here is a pic of what the Nyko can do, AND it does this to people that haven't experience any obvious issues with their 360's while it has been connected to it...until they check the connection in back. Some have been unable to get it off the back of the 360...it melted on.
http://www.tricktape.com/intercooler2.jpg

Here is just one forum thread (of many) on the Nyko intercooler...
Xbox Forums (http://forums.xbox.com/1/6077580/ShowPost.aspx#6077580)

That's scary... I think I'm gonna go home and take mine off and check it out.

[kaseaman]

I got my XBOX 360 for Christmas, after only five months the thing broke on me. I have the unit on the top of my component rack, underneath it is my DVD player, underneath that is my CD Player, then my reciever is underneath that. In other words i do not feel that heat was a problem. I use my system for no more than two hours in one day, somedays i do not even use it. I am fairly furstrated with what has occured and then I had to deal with microsoft's help line. When i brought my broken xbox 360 into the UPS store to ship out the guy at the counter said "oh you need to ship back your xbox". I asked him how he knew, he said that they get at least one in a day to be shipped back, some times as many as five. Wow microsoft what is going on. Has anyone heard of the PS3s being repaired that often??

[avaserfi]

The 360 is notorious for overheating and breaking down. Since the ps3 came out nearly a year later sony was careful abou the situation and filled the thing with quiet a few extra fans, which is very nice. The xbox has the worst track record of any console, I know three seperate people who have had theirs replaced. They are the only three people I know with 360's and one of them had theirs for only two weeks.

PS3s still occasionally have problems, but it is not close as common with the majority of overheating units being display units kept in confined areas and on playing games most all the time.

[mikeyj92]

From my understanding, the PS3 is a pretty well built piece of equipment and the issues people have are well in line with consoles historically. The 360, on the other hand, already owns the "worst made console" title, imo.

I enjoy playing my 360...but the freezes I got last week again angered me into a break from using it for the last 10 days or so...this is rediculous.

[davo]

I suppose x-box 360 owners could do the obvious thing..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLOPW1Qe1HU

:D:D

[mikeyj92]

OK. So it's been a little bit since I turned my 360 on...the last freeze while playing Oblivion irked me as I hadn't saved in a little bit, so I turned it off and left it off.

So, last night I popped in MLB2k7. Top of the 2nd inning...freeze.

WTF?!?!

I've had it now for about 5 and a half months...and I swear, it has frozen on me about 30 times. I'm not kidding. From the first freeze within a couple days of playing it until now...what is with it? Only freezes during gameplay, not when I'm listening to music through it or downloading stuff or chatting.

My launch PS2 runs like new compared to it. I think in March my 360 ran pretty well...that was the only string of reliability I've had with it.

Very frustrating.

[avaserfi]

It probably freezes during gameplay due to overheating since it takes far more processing power to run a game versus a song.

[mikeyj92]

It probably freezes during gameplay due to overheating since it takes far more processing power to run a game versus a song.

Overheating after being on for a grand total of 6 minutes in an air-conditioned house and not a piece of equipment within 5 inches of it and plenty of space around the vents to allow for easy passthrough of air?


The freezes happen at completely random times AND I usually try to reset the console and continue playing for a while with no other issue that play-session...it's just recently I've grown tired and impatient and have just shut it off after a freeze.

My 5 year old PC that runs like crap still runs better than my 360...

[mikeyj92]

OK, it's been a week so last night I popped in my MLB2K7 into my 360 to play a game with my Brew Crew. The disc is immaculate, no dust, no scratches.

I am crushing the Pirates, in the top of the 8th, I go to warm up a reliever...I select D-Bow and the game freezes...and freezes...tick tock, tick tock...I'm saying the usual, "WTF, not AGAIN!"...my wife shousts, from the other room, "it didn't get stuck again did it?"...I don't respond, I just say "F***!".

I haven't been able to play through a full game of baseball for 4 games now.

It wasn't hot. It only locks up when I'm playing a disc, not an arcade or demo game. There HAS to be a faulty lens in my 360.

Tonight I'm gonna pop in one of my basketball games and play, but it has frozen up on both of those before too...

I don't want to have to go through the headaches of dealing with MS's shytti customer service, but I am beginning to think I won't be able to avoid it.

Between the over-heating and the constant freezes that ALOT of 360 people are dealing with, how is there not a recall on this yet?

[avaserfi]

There are no recalls because they provide more bad press than needed and no one is getting hurt from this so they can get away with just having people call in and replacing them more discretely.

[mikeyj92]

There are no recalls because they provide more bad press than needed and no one is getting hurt from this so they can get away with just having people call in and replacing them more discretely.


This is true and valid if it isn't a major issue...but it has become major and it is being picked up in the press (at least it is starting too), I don't remember off-hand, I'll try to find it, but I came accross a financial publication talking about the issues of the 360 and the costs MS is enduring fixing so many faulty 360's and how it is affecting their bottom line when they were already losing money on each console to begin with.

If this can get mainstreamed (360 owners need to start contacting the newsmedia with emails/calls about their experiences with MS's 360) I do believe a recall will be done...that is a big "IF" though...

[kaseaman]

This is exactly what My 360 was doing before it stated showing the red ring of death. Then the real fun begins, dealing with the customer support hot line. Just return it for a refund and get a PS3 that is what I did.