The Fellowship of the (Red) Ring

im not givin my name Mon, Jan 26, 2009 at 01:06 PM EST

someone needs to tell Bill Gates to find a new job because this is an epic screw up that has cost millions. good job Bill!

Poop Fri, Feb 8, 2008 at 12:28 PM EST

poop

M Thu, Oct 18, 2007 at 07:12 AM EST

Cam, that is true, I come to the message board armed only with an opinion, like every other individual who comes to a message board. If I asserted it with the authority of recounting a fact, it's only because I'm 7-for-7 (portables included) on not having a Nintendo system ever break on me. Yes, I might technically be a fanboy, but I concede those "other" systems are capable of some quality games--i.e., Bioshock. And on a side note, this is a very civilized discussion compared to the rancor you can see on the actual gaming boards!

Brian Wed, Oct 17, 2007 at 06:35 PM EST

I'm going to be on my 6th once it arrives!!! The first 3 I got were broke right out of the box. I remember going into Gamestop with the 3rd busted one in a row and the guy behind the counter gave me this, "Your kidding me right?" kind of look. We hooked it up to a TV there and it of course was still broken. My 4th one lasted about a month. The 5th lasted about 4 months and my 5th lasted 3 days! The screen froze and you could hear the console shut down completely. This is the worst $400 I've ever spent. If I could only get my money back and invest in a PS3. At least I have my DS and Zelda to pass the time. Words of warning to anybody reading this. Don't buy a 360!

Tyler Wed, Oct 17, 2007 at 03:24 PM EST

3 -4 weeks in un acceptable. if you tell the CSR that (like i had to 3 different times)they should get you a replacement in about 1 week. there is no excuse to take that long when really all they have to do is send you a replacement unit. because really there is no "fixing" this problem.

Cam Wed, Oct 17, 2007 at 03:20 PM EST

To Aurianna: I stand corrected. But the Wii is still next gen-ish so HA! You're already there.

Jonathan Roy Wed, Oct 17, 2007 at 03:02 PM EST

My return process was also very smooth. Took under 3 weeks, and got the free month of Gold membership. Also I got a brand new unit (mfg date on back Sep 2007, so less than 3 weeks old!).

Apparently the wrong soldier was used which wasn't designed to handle constant heat like in a 360, so eventually all of the old ones will fail.

Auriana Wed, Oct 17, 2007 at 12:13 PM EST

To Cam: I have spent gobs of money updating my computer to be a cutting edge system. And I never said I was content to stick with current gen...I just said that for now, more games I'm interested in are there and quality games are still being released (case in point - Odin Sphere, FF XII, Okami, God of War 2, etc.). I have a Wii. I'm putting a PS3 on my bridal registry (sad I know). I have a DS and will soon have a PSP to match. "Dedicated gamer" does not neccesarily mean that you have to neglect older systems for the newer ones. Most of my favorite games are older gen (Final Fantasy VI, Final Fantasy Tactics, Lunar 2). Shiny graphics do not a good game make. That said, I'm drooling over FF XIII and XIII Versus, not to mention Heavenly Sword. And you can be a dedicated gamer and stick to a specific genre. For me, it's mostly rpgs, strategy and action games. I'd be more than happy to buy a 360 if more rpgs were available for it.

C B H Wed, Oct 17, 2007 at 11:27 AM EST

First 360, almost four weeks of playtime before the RRoD. Coffin and return time - three weeks. This 360, playing since May... hopefully longer. The main hassle: the incompatability with Live-purchased material when the harddrive doesn't match its initial console. Some of you should know what I mean. P.S. the refurb unit is louder than the original one.

Cam Wed, Oct 17, 2007 at 10:36 AM EST

I'd say taking a $1.1 billion hit by extending the warranties for the RRoD is something drastic. Recent reports indicate that they've changed the chipset in newer 360s, which produce less heat, which may have been what caused the problem in the first place, which would mean (if this is all true) that they've fixed it.

Cam Wed, Oct 17, 2007 at 10:33 AM EST

M - The only Nintendo console I've ever owned (Gamecube) broke on me in 2 months and they charged me to fix it. Other than the 360, I haven't had problems with any other Sony or MS products. Now by your logic, that means Sony and Microsoft are the most reliable right? I know that's not true, just had to point out the flaw there. Your experience is just that - your experience.

Auriana - you're not a "dedicated gamer" if you're happy sticking with current gen. Unless you've spent 3 times as much upgrading your PC to have a cutting edge system for your gaming needs. Otherwise, you're just someone who plays games. There's a difference.

P.S. The Wii is great and all, but it's not the be-all, end-all of gaming either. It could use some work, especially with third-party titles. If you're happy with just the Nintendo stuff, well...you just might be a fanboy.

t3hdow Wed, Oct 17, 2007 at 10:28 AM EST

To gdo: Ah, there's always someone willing to pipe in, saying everyone's stretching the truth. Just because it hasn't happened to you as severely doesn't mean everyone else is making up their issues. Still, I do remember Sony's PS2 issues, which had me up the wall in frustration. I know a lot of people who replaced their PS2s because of that disc read error crap. I'll at least MS credit for being proactive, but it's only delaying the issue, not solving it.
To Jeannie: My cousin's Xboxes had the RRoD, but after re-inserting the hard drive, it worked just fine.
To Auriana: Of course the 360 isn't the end all era for gaming. I still play some PC games myself and the ocassional PS2 title. For next gen systems, I prefer the 360, in spite of its issues. The Wii needs less gimmicky games before I buy one and I'm not dealing with Sony's BS with the PS3. Unlike MS/Nintendo, they have zero respect for their consumers and most of the 3rd party games I want will be on the 360 anyway.

KAH Wed, Oct 17, 2007 at 09:27 AM EST

I actually got the ring of death last month. I was playing BioShock, when I hear what sounds like a pen hitting a fan, then the screen freezes, then it won't turn back on. I send it in, they send a new one exactly 3 weeks later, the same day I picked up my copy of Halo 3. Until then, I just passed the time with my roommate's Wii and Guitar Hero II for the PS2. Oh, and normal stuff too, homework, working out, cleaning the bathroom, stuff I would otherwise space out on.

M Wed, Oct 17, 2007 at 09:26 AM EST

Solution: Get a Wii. Not only is it very fun and affordable, it's also reliable! I haven't had a Nintendo product break on me in the eighteen years I've bought their stuff.

Auriana Wed, Oct 17, 2007 at 09:15 AM EST

The 360 is far from being the be all and end all of gaming. Despite being a dedicated gamer, I personally refuse to own one, even if Eternal Sonata has me just a tad tempted (though I'm not about to drop all that money to play only one game). Why not go back to the PS2...they're still releasing great games for it and in my own opinion, current generation gaming is far from dead. Or there's the Wii which is a great system and PC gaming.

Jay Wed, Oct 17, 2007 at 09:01 AM EST

There is a simple solution--buy a Wii. I've had mine for nearly a year and it's the best gaming system I've ever had.

Stephen Webb Wed, Oct 17, 2007 at 08:50 AM EST

Yes, that can happen! I got the red rings the other day due to a power surge. Turning it off and back on solved the problem. The severity of the problem depends on the combination of the 3 rings that light up.

Jeannie Wed, Oct 17, 2007 at 08:28 AM EST

I'd heard about the dreaded red ring of death, so a couple of months ago when the light on my 360 started glowing an the ominous scarlet shade, I was about ready to freak out. But before doing that, I unplugged it and plugged it back in, and the red ring was gone. It was glowing with it's normal, beautiful green color. I haven't had any more problems since then. Has this happened to anyone else? Does it ever just turn red for no apparent reason and then just start working again?

gdo Wed, Oct 17, 2007 at 08:21 AM EST

Man you all sure do know how to over exxagerate stuff. I have had the red rings three times, yup count it 3 times. Not onces hasn't it taken more then 12 days. I bought it in April 2006 first mess up was Oct 06 they sent me a another one and extended my warranty, next mess up was April 07 sent me a new/rebuilt one and a month free to xbox live next mess up was mid Sept 07 got a new/rebuilt one and another free month to xbox live now warranty is extended for three years from purchase date. The fix is free for me till 2009 so let it mess up as many times as it wants. I know people who have bought other electronics only to have them mess up right after the warranty and the company does nothing for them. Plus look up Playstation Two DRE "disc read error" sony never fixed that for people. You had to open up your unit and fix it yourself. Remember the blowing in your NES cartridges to get them to work. Banging the Atari to get it to work. All electronics have problems people.

Wayne Coyne's Nephew Joseph Wed, Oct 17, 2007 at 07:11 AM EST

I live in Massachusetts so I thought it would take FOREVER to get my 360 back. The whole thing took 2 and a half weeks. Like most people here, I passed some of the time playing my Wii. But I mainly did other things like read books and take long walks outside. Once the 360 was returned, it was back to playing games in my basement with the lights turned off.

Cornelius Wed, Oct 17, 2007 at 02:34 AM EST

I suggest getting a Wii, and some stones...

Shamrock Wed, Oct 17, 2007 at 01:14 AM EST

Nerd Alert!!!!

John Malizia Wed, Oct 17, 2007 at 12:32 AM EST

I had that the ring of death problem and waited a month, only to receive another defective unit. I swear they're just shipping broken Xboxes all across the continent rather than actually fixing the problem, despite their claims of 'completely inspected' and 'rigorously tested' refurbished units. Best of luck on your replacement when it comes...(maybe you'll get to wait another month like I have to!!!)

t3hdow Tue, Oct 16, 2007 at 10:57 PM EST

Have any of you subscribed to an extended warranty from the store you bought the console? If you did like me - in my case, it stretches to two years since the purchase date - it helps if you don't want to put up with Microsoft's slow process to ship more units. Just go right back in the store and snag another system once it craps out on you.
Microsoft does need to do something drastic to make sure it doesn't happen again. Even though I love the system, I wish MS didn't rush the launch so they would have more time to fix this issue.

Marcelo Tue, Oct 16, 2007 at 10:24 PM EST

I don't think it is that easy. I hope so, but...

http://tatoo-tutorial.marcelo7300.com.ar/
Marcelo

mda Tue, Oct 16, 2007 at 10:15 PM EST

Why not go buy a new 360 at target, use it for 29 days, and return it on the 30th day for a refund. Tell them it died and you are done with video games. by that time yours will be back from MS. done and done.

Ellipsian Tue, Oct 16, 2007 at 08:39 PM EST

Ack, that was really poor sentence structure and I can't take it back. Sorry 'bout that.

Ellipsian Tue, Oct 16, 2007 at 08:38 PM EST

Who needs to "break down" to have to get a PS3? I love mine. But don't hate on me, fanboys, I got me a 360, too.

TV Addict Tue, Oct 16, 2007 at 08:30 PM EST

I bought my copy of Halo 3 at midnight and got the red ring of death after two freaking games! Now I have to wait weeks to play Halo 3!

evie Tue, Oct 16, 2007 at 08:05 PM EST

The only thing to do is buy every available game on your cell phone and master them one by one.

Cam Tue, Oct 16, 2007 at 08:02 PM EST

I had mine back in 2 1/2 weeks total, from the time they sent the box 'til I got it back. Unless they've gotten slower, I'd be pretty confident on having it back before Christmas. I think I played PS2 and PC games to pass the time but it just wasn't the same

Kathy Tue, Oct 16, 2007 at 06:52 PM EST

Have they made improvements to games since Super Mario Bros?

Roddy Tue, Oct 16, 2007 at 06:30 PM EST

This just happened to me again. I had one of the launch day 360s that crapped out, and now my replacement has done the same. Someone needs to sue MS over this. Yes, they're 'taking responsibility' by forking over 1.8 billion in repair bills, but that's not actually fixing the issue: it's delaying it. They released a faulty product into the consumer space, and did not recall it when it was found that it did not work properly. They also consistently lied about the number of systems failing in the field, saying only 2-4% had the issue. I'd like to say I'm happy that the process to get a repair IS easy, but I'm not happy I've had to go through it more than once. Check Kotaku for worse stories if you're interested.

Kal (Gillian below's BF) Tue, Oct 16, 2007 at 06:08 PM EST

I used Metroid Prime 3 on the Wii to pass the time. And I replayed Call of Duty 2. But it was tough, 'cause it crapped out in the middle of Bioshock.

On the up side, they told me a month, it took no more than 3 weeks.

-K

Gillian Tue, Oct 16, 2007 at 06:02 PM EST

That just happened to our xbox 360! I just wanted to make sure that we got ours back in time for Beautiful Katamari (and we did). But we were really lonely without BioShock...

Nathan Tue, Oct 16, 2007 at 05:21 PM EST

It's happened to me twice, and I gotta say, the second time I was quite angry over the whole thing. But it didn't take very long to get it, about 3 weeks each time. Marc,you're just lucky this didn't happen to you over the upcoming holidays, it would take somewhere in the neighborhood of forever to get it back. To pass the time, I actually went outside a few times, it was nice.

Tue, Oct 16, 2007 at 05:02 PM EST

Don't worry...I just got mine back and it is waaaaay better than the one I originally bought. The new one is so quiet that you will be amazed. Trust me, having it die on you is the best thing that could have happened.

Anne Marie Tue, Oct 16, 2007 at 04:51 PM EST

It is a VERY easy process; it only took about 3 weeks to get my 360 back after discovering the "Red Ring of Death". They sent me a brand new one instead of repairing my old one. They also gave me one month of free XBox Live Gold membership, which isn't much of a big deal since I already have the Gold membership, but at least they tried to do something nice.

Robert Tue, Oct 16, 2007 at 04:49 PM EST

It's not that terrible a process. From the day it happened till I got it back, it took less than 4 weeks, and I needed to go to UPS to sign for it. Even so, that's 4 weeks without so much. Plus, with Guitar Hero III out in just 12 short days, it can't happen soon enough.

To pass the time, I just fired up my original Xbox and played some Halo 1 & 2, and then got my Dreamcast going for Virtua Tennis 2 to give me my sports game fix.

brett\ Tue, Oct 16, 2007 at 04:43 PM EST

Oh, please tell me that it's an easy process. I just discovered about a month ago that my box has done the same thing. I haven't been sure who to call, and I have been deprived of all this gaming goodness.

brett\ Tue, Oct 16, 2007 at 04:43 PM EST

Oh, please tell me that it's an easy process. I just discovered about a month ago that my box has done the same thing. I haven't been sure who to call, and I have been deprived of all this gaming goodness.