San Francisco (CA) – Microsoft has responded to a recent survey that claimed the Xbox 360 was plagued by a 54 percent failure rate. Although Microsoft termed the Xbox 360 a “superior console,” the company conceded that it was “constantly improving” the unit’s design.
“Microsoft stands behind the Xbox 360 as a superior entertainment console with one of the best warranties in the industry,” TG Daily was told by a Microosft spokesperson. “We are constantly improving the design, manufacture and performance of the console through extensive testing of potential sources of any problems. Xbox 360 is pleased to maintain the title of ‘most played console’ and the vast majority of Xbox 360 customers have enjoyed a terrific gaming and entertainment experience since their first day, and continue to, day in and day out.”
The controversial survey was conducted by Game Informer and polled approximately 5,000 readers to obtain the above-mentioned data. The study also indicated significantly lower failure rates for the Playstation 3 and Wii, which were pegged at 10.6 and 6.8 percent, respectively.
Unsurprisingly, the “red ring of death” survey sparked a heated debate on TG Daily, with many readers doubting the poll’s accuracy.
“The very first SKU had about a 16 percent fail rate. With every revision since that number has fallen fast. Falcon is reliable and Jasper takes it to where it ought to have been,” wrote DavidBG. “Of course there was a high fail rate, but at least they fixed the hardware and gave us a 3yr warranty. But a survey of people claiming to be 360 owners?! Yeah like as if the viral Sony gang didn’t corrupt that with their fanboy stink. Get real.”
Another reader named PMB opined that the failure rate was likely higher than the reported 54.2 percent.
“I’m on my fifth 360 now. Like others have said, I can’t believe that there is not a higher failure rate for the 360. Everyone that I play with online have had at least 1 if not 2 RRODS,” noted PMB. “The other 45.8 percent must be consoles that are used about an hour a week to have not have failed yet. The original Xbox wasn’t much better IMAO. I had like 4 of those. Lets just face facts that Microsoft makes some crappy hardware. As far as being a loyal customer, I would buy a different console if they offered the same online experience and games that are available on the 360.”
Meanwhile, Nick B expressed his amazement at the alleged 54 percent failure rate, explaining that the number sounded “ridiculous.”
“Okay, I don’t have an XBOX, 360, nor a PS3 and I had no idea there were this many problems with these things. That number sounds ridiculous to me. I understand that they are replacing the systems for free, but how can these companies exist churning out one bad unit after another?” asked Nick. “54 percent…that’s baffling to me. I wish cars worked the same way. ‘Sure my Mustang broke down 4 times, but they just replaced it with a new one everytime, and I love it. Of course I’ll buy a new model in the future.'”
