If you like using your Xbox 360 for playing games, you may not be so lucky after installing Microsoft’s latest firmware. Reports are coming in that several 1st gen Xbox owners are unable to play games on their updated consoles; it’s a problem that Microsoft had expected and even warned its customers would happen.
The problem is, ironically, as step towards fixing a problem with device fragmentation. Since 2005 there have been several variations of the Xbox added to the family line, almost all not having similar hardware between them. Fragmentation on the Xbox had become a matter of if and not when, the latest firmware update is an attempt by Microsoft to correct and get in front of the problems that they will undoubtedly have down the line.
Although this update intends to combat further fragmentation in its device line, it has brought the problem to the forefront. Though I’m sure there aren’t that many 1st gen owners out there, with all those RRoD and overheating issues, but those that now have a fancy paperweight are probably not pleased. We’ve reached out to Microsoft for comment on what they’ll be doing for those that have just been condemned to obsolescence.
UPDATE: Well Microsoft has already taken steps to help those early adopters I mentioned earlier. So you’re a little inconvenienced today, but you’ll get a 250GB Xbox 360S for your troubles. Not a bad deal at all. (Still waiting on my 2 games Sony.) Thanks liftedngifted, commenter of the day! (CotD is not an actual thing on The Noisecast, but really, thanks.)
UPDATE 2: We got official word from a Microsoft spokesperson regarding the issue that some folks might be having:
Following a recent update to our system software, we have become aware of an issue that is preventing a very small number of Xbox 360 owners from playing retail game discs. This issue manifests itself as a unique “disc unreadable” or “disc unsupported” error on the screen. We are also able to detect this issue over Xbox LIVE and are proactively reaching out to customers that may be impacted to replace their console. Any Xbox 360 owners receiving this error are encouraged to contact us at www.xbox.com/support/contact so we can verify if the console has been impacted.
But Xbox is giving them free 250GB Xbox 360 S. http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/new-xbox-360-update-incompatible-with-some-models-ms-offering-r/ Unlike like Sony, microsoft gets it done.
Sony: We broke your shit. Sucks to be you.
Microsoft: We broke your shit. Here’s our latest and greatest, on the house. Sorry for the inconvenience.
And people wonder why I’ve been loving so hard on MS lately. They’ve loosened their tie just enough to get it done.
Sweet! I’ll be sure to update. Thanks.