GamerNode: News - Microsoft wipes out rare Xbox 360...literally

Microsoft wipes out rare Xbox 360...literally

Category: Xbox 360, Posted: 03/04/2008 at 03:47PM EST by Frank Ling, Content Contributor

360 clean Seeing the Red Ring of Death, nowadays, is as common as seeing clouds in the sky. However, one Xbox 360 user got less than he bargained for, so to speak.

Over the course of two years, "Nathaniel" was able to get key personnel from Halo and Microsoft to sign his Xbox 360; a highly prized possession, indeed. But one dark and dreary day, his Xbox 360 succumbed to the dreaded RRoD.

And as many of us have experienced, he had to send in his 360 for repairs. But before doing so he wanted to make sure that his Xbox case would not be altered in any way after repairs, for obvious reasons. He took care to call the Microsoft repair center to explain how important it was that his case be intact upon return and how valuable this console was to him.

In addition he included a letter along with his Xbox 360 explaining how critical it was to return the case to him in the same condition in which he sent it.

Anyone ever hear of the phrase, "Falling on deaf ears?"

Of course you are way ahead of the story by now. Nathaniel's prized possession was returned to him repaired, but someone at the Microsoft repair center took it upon themselves to clean the case of all dirt and debris -- and that included all of the signatures on the Xbox 360's case. There were only a few black smudges that were still left behind-- apparently because the technician was unable to wipe the marks clean.

Bungie heard about the debacle and immediately set in motion a plan to help out the unfortunate Xbox 360 owner. Brian Jarrard, community director at Bungie said:

"Something is already 'afoot' within Bungie to help our community member in need. Our team and the community as a whole is rallying to help fix this unfortunate situation. It's been awesome to see such an outpouring of sympathy and support from our community. We can't replace the exact item that was lost but, but we should come very close.

Bungie has always had a close relationship with its community and the fact that the company has gone out of its way to help one of its loyal followers is a great example for other game companies to follow.

Jarrard continued, "I think when it's all said and done, justice will prevail."

[via next-gen]

How the case looked before it was wiped clean

(11)

Posted by Disc0 on 03/04/2008 at 04:00PM

You know, I really think the Halo series is overhyped. I don't get all the fanboyism, because the games, in my opinion, are nothing remarkable. But the constant involvement of Bungie in the gaming and online community, and Microsoft et. al's work to provide a congruent if flawed online network, really make me admire the companies.

Love or hate the rise of consoles to a mainstream passtime, the relative fall of PC gaming markets, and love or hate Microsoft, or Halo, but you have to admit that these guys are busting their balls and emptying their wallets and listening to the community to put together a good product. It's good to see a company working on PR--too many these days just don't seem to give a sh*t about their customers.

Posted by -=BINGO-BANGO=- on 03/04/2008 at 04:11PM

good
kid shouldnt have his 360 disgraced with the markings of one of the most overhyped games of all time

Posted by KindGalaxy on 03/04/2008 at 04:11PM

If he was so worried about this rare X360 with people's names on it than he should've just bought a new X360.

Posted by ninjalegend on 03/04/2008 at 04:15PM

That is precisely why I have a love/hate relationship with Micro$oft. They release a product set to fail, have servers explode, and make dumb decisions like no standard hdd, or the cooling problems that cause previously mentioned problem. But the will stop at nothing to at least try to correct them. I LOVE that work ethic.

Posted by siggs on 03/04/2008 at 06:05PM

Whats with all the hate guys?

In my opinion, this isn't the opportunity to hate on Halo, just appretiate that Bungie are a great example of what a developer can be like, coming to the aid of it's fans, and having a great relationship with them.

Posted by P-Thunder. on 03/04/2008 at 06:51PM

Haha.

Pwnt.

Posted by enben980 on 03/04/2008 at 07:03PM

Siggs, word!

Posted by lskennedy on 03/04/2008 at 07:10PM

That sucks, but thats cool too. give him a free elite while your at it :)

Posted by rtanger on 03/04/2008 at 09:55PM

I bet he gets a 360 with everything silkscreened on to prevent such future tragedies.

And, yeah, what's with all the hate? Can't you put that aside long enough to at least appreciate the lost value in that work, regardless of the property it represents?

Posted by bu11eTJuNkiE on 03/04/2008 at 10:53PM

having it silk screen would be stupid. I find those it funny how you can buy a football, soccer ball, basketball, etc. with pro athletes signatures, but they aren't real. I mean really that sh*t has no value.

Posted by rtanger on 03/04/2008 at 11:11PM

Yes, of course that crap has no value because its mass-produced and lacking in rarity.

A silkscreen can still have large intrinsic value if its unique. He'd still be the only guy rocking an autographed 360 with custom art, with a good story behind it for provenance which also adds value way later on. Plus, permanency.

A substantial amount of Warhol's art are silkscreens. Are they worthless and stupid? No. The damn guy didn't even produce half of his own art, but it sells for bucketloads anyway every time its auctioned.

So, long story short, I disagree with you.