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{{Short description|Errors on Xbox 360}}
{{Redirect|Ring of Death|the 2008 film|Ring of Death (film){{!}}''Ring of Death'' (film)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2012}}
[[File:Xbox360-ringofdeath.jpg|thumb|Three red lights, representing a "General Error requiring service of the Console or Power Adapter", nicknamed the "Red Ring of Death"]]
The [[Xbox 360]] [[video game console]] was subject to a number of technical problems and failures, some as a result of design flaws. Some issues could be identified by a pattern of red lights on the front face of the console; these colloquially became known as the "'''Red Ring of Death'''" or the "'''RRoD'''".<ref name=telegraph>{{cite news | url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/3495138/Xbox-Live-update-causing-console-problems.html | title = Xbox Live update causing console problems | last = Beaumont | first = C | publisher = Daily Telegraph | date = 2008-11-21 | access-date = 2008-12-08 | ___location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/it-was-sickening-former-xbox-boss-says-about-xbox-/1100-6428612/?ftag=YHRe6a6b70|title="It Was Sickening," Former Xbox Boss Says About Xbox 360's Red Ring of Death|access-date=July 5, 2015|archive-date=July 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706195321/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/it-was-sickening-former-xbox-boss-says-about-xbox-/1100-6428612/?ftag=YHRe6a6b70|url-status=live}}</ref> There were also other issues, such as discs becoming scratched in the drive and "[[brick (electronics)|bricking]]" of consoles due to dashboard updates.
There were many conflicting estimates of the console's unusually high [[failure rate]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/consumer/tv_and_radio/watchdog/reports/consumer_goods/consumer_20070213.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071022181418/http://www.bbc.co.uk/consumer/tv_and_radio/watchdog/reports/consumer_goods/consumer_20070213.shtml|archive-date=2007-10-22|title=BBC - Consumer - TV and radio - Xbox 360|publisher=BBC|access-date = 2007-05-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/rings-of-red|title=Rings of Red|date=May 25, 2007|publisher=GamesIndustry.biz|access-date=2007-05-25|archive-date=October 8, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081008150532/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/rings-of-red|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/news/tale-11-broken-360s |title=A Tale of 11 Broken Xbox 360's|publisher=1up.com |access-date=2014-07-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20160429125635/http://www.1up.com/news/tale-11-broken-360s |archive-date=April 29, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The warranty provider [[SquareTrade]] estimated it at 23.7% in 2009,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6216691.html |title=Xbox 360 failure rate 23.7%, PS3 10%, Wii 2.7% - Study |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=2009-09-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090906005326/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6216691.html |archive-date=September 6, 2009 }}</ref> while a ''[[Game Informer]]'' survey reported 54.2%.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blog.seattlepi.com/microsoft/archives/176741.asp|title=SeattlepiSurvey: Xbox 360 failure rate is 54.2%|publisher=[[Seattlepi]]|access-date=2009-08-20|first=Nick|last=Eaton|date=2009-08-19|archive-date=February 2, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110202021427/http://blog.seattlepi.com/microsoft/archives/176741.asp|url-status=live}}</ref> Among the consoles owned by employees of ''[[Joystiq]]'', which saw heavy use for games journalism purposes, the failure rate had reached 90% by the end of 2007.<ref>{{cite web |title=A year in Xbox 360 failures: 2007 Edition |url=https://www.engadget.com/2008-01-01-a-year-in-xbox-360-failures-2007-edition.html |website=Engadget |date=2 January 2008}}</ref> The crisis was ultimately abated from 2009 by design revisions to the later-produced Xbox models; the S model in particular was far more resilient. By 2012 the failure rate for the Xbox 360 family was comparable to the PS3 failure rate.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Towell |first1=Justin |title=Xbox 360 failure rates are reportedly down to PS3 levels, just as the generation comes to a close |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/xbox-failure-rates-are-reportedly-down-ps3-failure-rates-just-generation-comes-to-a-close/ |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en |date=26 July 2012 |access-date=May 10, 2025 |archive-date=August 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240805073200/https://www.gamesradar.com/xbox-failure-rates-are-reportedly-down-ps3-failure-rates-just-generation-comes-to-a-close/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
The issues proved extremely damaging for [[Microsoft]]. Repairs and shipping of replacement hardware cost the company US$1.15 billion. The issues [[Microsoft Corp. v. Baker|triggered multiple lawsuits]],<ref name="lawsuit">{{cite web|url=http://www.thestandard.com/news/2008/10/17/xbox-360-rrod-class-action-lawsuit-filed-california |title=Xbox 360 RROD class action lawsuit filed in California |access-date=2008-12-07 |date=2008-10-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081025114900/http://www.thestandard.com/news/2008/10/17/xbox-360-rrod-class-action-lawsuit-filed-california |archive-date=October 25, 2008 }}</ref> cost the Xbox ground in the [[console wars]] and threatened the long term viability of the Xbox brand.<ref name= eurogamer/>
==History==
The design of the Xbox 360 was a hurried process subject to a number of late changes. This included the addition of a hard disk drive, which compromised airflow in the machine. The holes in the case were added to try and ameliorate this airflow issue. Time pressures also resulted in insufficient testing. Microsoft were aware of a myriad of technical challenges as early as August 2005, including "overheating graphics chips, cracking heat sinks, cosmetic issues with the hard disk and the front of the box, underperforming graphics memory chips from [[Infineon Technologies|Infineon]], a problem with the DVD drive – and more". Thermal issues with the GPU were ultimately what caused the infamous "Red Ring" issues, while the DVD drive issue was later responsible for scratching discs. An engineer requested a shut down of the production line that month, but this did not occur out of fear of a delay to console delivery in some regions.<ref name=Takahashi>{{cite web |last1=Takahashi |first1=Dean |title=The truth about the Xbox 360 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2008/nov/13/xbox-truth |website=The Guardian |date=12 November 2008}}</ref>
The console launched in November 2005 in North America, swiftly followed by other regions. However, consoles began failing "almost immediately". Microsoft initially dismissed these concerns as "isolated reports", that were within the normal range of failure (around 2%).<ref name=Takahashi/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/microsoft-responds-to-watchdog |title=Microsoft responds to Watchdog |publisher=Gamesindustry.biz |date=2007-02-14 |access-date=2011-01-02 |archive-date=November 27, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091127172924/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/microsoft-responds-to-watchdog |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=James Brightman |url=http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/features/ms-denies-ea-employee-claim-of-high-failure-rates-among-x360s/69358/?biz=1 |title=Video Game Features, PC Game Features |publisher=Gamedaily.com |date=2006-08-25 |access-date=2011-01-02 |archive-date=September 18, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090918063143/http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/features/ms-denies-ea-employee-claim-of-high-failure-rates-among-x360s/69358/?biz=1 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Cutlack |first=Gary |url=http://techdigest.tv/2007/06/xbox_360_failur.html |title=Tech Digest: Xbox 360 failure rate as high as 30 percent? |publisher=Techdigest.tv |date=2007-06-25 |access-date=2011-01-02 |archive-date=July 5, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070705092433/http://techdigest.tv/2007/06/xbox_360_failur.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://technology.guardian.co.uk/weekly/story/0,,2091221,00.html |title=What is the real failure rate of the Xbox 360? | work=The Guardian |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070703024246/http://technology.guardian.co.uk/weekly/story/0,,2091221,00.html |archive-date=July 3, 2007 | ___location=London | date=2007-05-31 | first=Tim | last=Anderson}}</ref> In late 2005, Microsoft's internal data was reporting a failure rate during manufacturing of around 6–7%. These consoles were not shipped to consumers but remained in warehouses. By March 2006, around 30% of consoles manufactured were either returned or had failed checks at the factory. At one point Microsoft's [[Semiconductor device fabrication|yield]] was as low as 32% (meaning a failure rate of 68%).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://games.slashdot.org/games/08/09/06/0010219.shtml |title=Slashdot discusses the VentureBeat article |date=September 5, 2008 |publisher=Games.slashdot.org |access-date=2011-01-02 |archive-date=January 16, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116064433/http://games.slashdot.org/games/08/09/06/0010219.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Peter Moore at Xbox Cup 2006 (cropped).jpg|thumb|[[Peter Moore (businessman)|Peter Moore]] (pictured in 2006) advocated for the Xbox 360 return and replacement program within Microsoft.]]
[[Peter Moore (businessman)|Peter Moore]], the Vice President of Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment Business division in 2015 detailed a conversation he had with Microsoft CEO [[Steve Ballmer]] on his planned response to the incident in the mid 2000s. He stated: {{blockquote|"...here's what we have to do: we need to FedEx an empty box to a customer who had a problem - they would call us up - with a FedEx return label to send your box, and then we would FedEx it back to them and fix it. ... I always remember $240m of that was FedEx. ... It was sickening. I was doing a lot of interviews. ... We couldn't figure it out. ... There was a theory. We had changed our solder, which is the way you put the GPU and the fans, to lead-free. ... We think it was somehow the heat coming off the GPU was drying out some of the solder, and it wasn't the normal stuff we'd used, because we had to meet European Standards and take the lead out. ... He said, 'what's it going to cost?' I remember taking a deep breath, looking at Robbie, and saying, 'we think it's $1.15bn, Steve.' He said, 'do it.' There was no hesitation. ... If we hadn't made that decision there and then, and tried to fudge over this problem, then the Xbox brand and Xbox One wouldn't exist today."<ref name= eurogamer>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-07-02-peter-moore-recounts-xbox-360-red-ring-of-death-saga |title=Peter Moore recounts $1.15bn Xbox 360 Red Ring of Death saga |date=July 2, 2015 |publisher=eurogamer.net |access-date=2015-07-02 |archive-date=July 4, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704163602/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-07-02-peter-moore-recounts-xbox-360-red-ring-of-death-saga |url-status=live }}</ref>}}
In July 2007 Moore published an open letter recognizing the console's problems, as well as announcing a three-year warranty from the original date of purchase for every Xbox 360 console that experienced the "general hardware failure" (Red Ring) issue.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://xbox.com/en-ca/support/petermooreletter.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071023004948/http://xbox.com/en-ca/support/petermooreletter.htm |archive-date=2007-10-23 |title=Xbox.com | Open Letter From Peter Moore |date=2007-10-23 |access-date=2011-01-02}}</ref> That October a class action lawsuit was brought against Microsoft due to the problems the console had with disc scratching, which could render games unplayable.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/07/10/business/NA-FIN-US-Microsoft-Xbox-Lawsuit.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071024133336/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/07/10/business/NA-FIN-US-Microsoft-Xbox-Lawsuit.php|archive-date=2007-10-24 | title = Florida man sues Microsoft for disc scratching problem}}</ref> The case was lengthy and worked through the court system over the following decade, with litigation focusing on the validity of class certification. In 2017 the matter was decided by the [[United States Supreme Court]] in ''[[Microsoft Corp. v. Baker]]'', which settled in favor of Microsoft.
During the [[Game Developers Conference]] in February 2008, Microsoft announced that the failure rate had "dropped", but did not mention any specifics.<ref name="FAILDROP">{{cite web |url=http://www.thebitbag.com/2008/02/21/microsoft-blogger-breakfast-bullets |title=Microsoft Blogger Breakfast Bullets |publisher=The Bitbag |date=2008-02-21 |access-date=2011-10-31 |archive-date=April 17, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080417015323/http://www.thebitbag.com/2008/02/21/microsoft-blogger-breakfast-bullets/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The same month, electronics warranty provider [[SquareTrade]] published an examination of 1040 Xbox 360s and said that they suffered from a failure rate of 16.4%. Of the 171 failures, 60% were due to a general hardware failure (and thus fell under the 3 year extended warranty). And of the remaining 40% which were not covered by the extended warranty, 18% were disc read errors, 13% were video card failures, 13% were hard drive freezes, 10% were power issues and 7% were disc tray malfunctions.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/36070/98/ | title = Report: Xbox 360 failure rate above 15% | first = Mark | last = Raby | work = tgdaily.com | date = 2008-02-14 | access-date = 2008-02-14 }}</ref><ref name="square">{{cite web|url=http://squaretradebuyerblog.typepad.com/squaretrade/2008/02/xbox-fail-rates.html |title=SquareTrade's Report on Xbox 360 Failure Rates |publisher=Squaretradebuyerblog.typepad.com |access-date=2011-01-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717124610/http://squaretradebuyerblog.typepad.com/squaretrade/2008/02/xbox-fail-rates.html |archive-date=July 17, 2011 }}</ref> SquareTrade also stated that its estimates are likely significantly lower than reality due to the time span of the sample (six to ten months), the eventual failure of many consoles that did not occur within this time span and the fact that most owners did not deal with SquareTrade and had their consoles repaired directly through Microsoft via the extended RROD warranty.
From 2009 the crisis began to abate due to design revisions. The Jasper models sold that year had a failure rate of under 4%, with the overall product family rate at around 12% in the first quarter.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.squaretrade.com/htm/pdf/SquareTrade_Xbox360_PS3_Wii_Reliability_0809.pdf|title=Game Console Failure Rates: Wii 9 times more reliable than Xbox 360, 4 times more than PS3|access-date=November 18, 2019|archive-date=November 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128110956/https://www.squaretrade.com/htm/pdf/SquareTrade_Xbox360_PS3_Wii_Reliability_0809.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The Xbox 360 S launched in 2010 and had a far lower failure rate. The S models did not include segmented outer ring lights like the launch model, and were not included in the extended warranty.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5566600/the-new-xbox-360-wont-red-ring|title=The New Xbox 360 Won't "Red Ring" [Update]|publisher=Kotaku|date=2010-06-17|access-date=2010-06-18|archive-date=June 21, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100621114333/http://kotaku.com/5566600/the-new-xbox-360-wont-red-ring|url-status=live}}</ref> The 360 family as a whole was discontinued in 2016, but Microsoft continued to offer repairs for a time after that.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Philips |first1=Tom |title=Microsoft discontinues Xbox 360 |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/microsoft-has-discontinued-xbox-360 |website=Eurogamer.net |language=en |date=20 April 2016}}</ref>
Microsoft did not reveal the full technical details of the problem until a 2021 documentary on the history of Xbox, though earlier independent investigations had correctly identified the issues with the GPU and soldering.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-12-13 |title=Power On: The Story of Xbox {{!}} Chapter 5: The Red Ring of Death |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2d6IMBS8oY |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |via=[[YouTube]] |access-date=December 15, 2021 |archive-date=December 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215070052/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2d6IMBS8oY |url-status=live }}</ref> In a nod to the incident, Microsoft sold Red Ring holiday sweaters in December 2024. The item was popular among Microsoft employees.<ref>{{cite web |title= Xbox 360 Red Ring of Death sweater summons the ghosts of Christmas past |url= https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/xbox-360-red-ring-of-death-sweater-summons-the-ghosts-of-christmas-past |website= www.windowscentral.com |access-date= May 12, 2025 |archive-date= April 16, 2025 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250416050244/https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/xbox-360-red-ring-of-death-sweater-summons-the-ghosts-of-christmas-past |url-status= live }}</ref>
==General Hardware Failure ("Red Ring") errors==
[[File:Xbox 360 Error codes.svg|upright=1.35|thumb|alt=Xbox 360 error Codes|The error codes of the original Xbox 360 model]]
The launch model of the Xbox 360 includes four lights in a ring around the power button, on the front face of the console. Green indicated normal operation, while red lights were used for error codes. Most famously, three red lights indicated a "general hardware failure".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://download.microsoft.com/download/b/c/e/bce76f3f-db51-4c98-b79d-b3d21e90ccc1/ConsoleArcade_NA_0707.pdf |title=Xbox 360 Arcade Console user manual (PDF), pages 7, 22 |access-date=2011-10-31 |archive-date=January 17, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090117085851/http://download.microsoft.com/download/b/c/e/bce76f3f-db51-4c98-b79d-b3d21e90ccc1/ConsoleArcade_NA_0707.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The error was coined the "Red Ring of Death" after [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]' [[Blue Screen of Death]] error. The error was sometimes preceded by freeze-ups, graphical problems in the middle of gameplay, such as checkerboard or pinstripe patterns on the screen, and sound errors; mostly consisting of extremely loud noises that couldn't be affected by the volume control, and the console only responding when the power button was pressed to turn it off.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.designnews.com/electronics-test/engineering-disaster-xbox-360-red-ring-death/101104300231264|title=Engineering Disaster: The Xbox 360 Red Ring of Death|date=2014-10-27|access-date=2019-06-07|archive-date=June 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607053950/https://www.designnews.com/electronics-test/engineering-disaster-xbox-360-red-ring-death/101104300231264|url-status=dead}}</ref> The problem was most prevalent in early models.
This error code was usually caused by the failure of one or more hardware components, although it could indicate that the console is not receiving enough power from the power supply. This could be caused by a faulty or improperly connected power supply. The three flashing lights could also be caused by power surges. Unplugging and restarting the console fixed this issue in some cases.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/907534 |title=Three lights flash red on the front of your Xbox 360 console. While there are other issues with the console such as disc drive failure |publisher=Support.microsoft.com |date=2011-08-30 |access-date=2011-10-31 |archive-date=March 15, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100315103422/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/907534 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Xbox 360 Error Code">{{cite web|url=http://www.llamma.com/xbox360/repair/Xbox-360-error-codes.htm|title=Xbox 360 Error Code|access-date=March 20, 2010|archive-date=March 24, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100324210912/http://www.llamma.com/xbox360/repair/Xbox-360-error-codes.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On the Xbox 360 S and E models, the power button utilizes a different design that does not incorporate the same style of lighting that past models used.<ref>{{cite web|last=Plunkett|first=Luke|title=The New Xbox 360 Won't "Red Ring"|date=June 18, 2010|url=http://kotaku.com/5566600/the-new-xbox-360-wont-red-ring|publisher=Kotaku|access-date=November 1, 2010|archive-date=June 21, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100621114333/http://kotaku.com/5566600/the-new-xbox-360-wont-red-ring|url-status=live}}</ref> A flashing red light means that the console is overheating, similar to the two-light error code on the original model Xbox 360; however, an on-screen message also appears, telling the user that the console will automatically power off to protect itself from overheating. A solid red light is similar to the one-light error if an "E XX" error message is displayed and a three-light error code if the error message is absent.
===E74 error===
[[File:Error-code-e74.jpg|thumbnail|Example of an E74 error message]]
The related E74 error caused only a single of the red ring quadrants to illuminate, and the screen to display an error message in multiple languages: "System Error. Contact Xbox Customer Support", with the code E74 at the bottom. Much like the infamous Red Ring issue, the error was related to connection issues with the GPU, but could also be caused by a more general GPU failure or failing eDRAM. The E74 issue was covered by the three-year extended warranty from 2009 as Microsoft considered it part of the same issue as the Red Ring, and customers who previously paid Microsoft for out-of-warranty service to correct the E74 error received a refund.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/969905 |title=About the E74 warranty extension for Xbox 360 consoles |publisher=Support.microsoft.com |date=2011-10-04 |access-date=2011-10-31 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903032526/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/969905 |archive-date=September 3, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.zdnet.com/hardware/?p=4152|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090417104202/http://blogs.zdnet.com/hardware/?p=4152|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 17, 2009|title=Microsoft extends Xbox 360 "Red Ring of Death" warranty to cover E74 error|author=Adrian Kingsley-Hughes|publisher=ZDNet}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Microsoft to cover ‘E74’ Xbox 360 error |url=https://www.theregister.com/2009/04/15/xbox_e74/ |language=en |access-date=May 14, 2025 |archive-date=May 14, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250514132845/https://www.theregister.com/2009/04/15/xbox_e74/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Four light segment error code===
The console would illuminate all four lights if it could not detect an AV cable. This was not triggered by later revisions of the console which included an HDMI port. In some cases the four lights indicated a more serious problem with the console, followed by a 2-digit error code.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/906652/en-us |title=Xbox 360: Four lights flash red |publisher=Support.microsoft.com |date=2010-06-28 |access-date=2011-01-02 |archive-date=January 28, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070128044754/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/906652/en-us |url-status=live }}</ref> The four lights would also be illuminated briefly by power issues such as surges or brief outages.
===Causes===
[[File:Xbox 360 S, model 1439 -case removed-9462.jpg|thumb|Teardown of an Xbox 360 S]]
Microsoft did not reveal the cause of the issues publicly until 2021, when a 6-part documentary on the history of Xbox was released. The Red Ring issue was caused by the cracking of solder joints inside the GPU [[flip chip]] package, connecting the GPU to the substrate interposer, as a result of [[thermal stress]] from heating up and cooling back down when the system is power cycled.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-12-13 |title=Power On: The Story of Xbox {{!}} Chapter 5: The Red Ring of Death |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2d6IMBS8oY |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |via=[[YouTube]] |access-date=December 15, 2021 |archive-date=December 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215070052/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2d6IMBS8oY |url-status=live }}</ref> Microsoft had switched to lead-free solder due to regulations in the [[European Union]], but using the incorrect alternative resulted in fracturing.<ref name=Takahashi/>
While the cause was not confirmed by Microsoft until 2021, many independent investigations came to similar conclusions at the time, identifying thermal stress on the GPU and the solder as the culprit. The German computer magazine ''[[c't]]'' blamed the problem primarily on the use of the wrong type of lead-free solder, a type that when exposed to elevated temperatures for extended periods of time becomes [[brittleness|brittle]] and can develop [[Fatigue (material)|hair-line crack]]s that are almost irreparable.<ref name="ct">{{citation|url=http://www.heise.de/kiosk/archiv/ct/2007/16/|page=20|title=Alarmstufe Rot : Jede dritte stirbt den Hitzetod|trans-title=Red Alert : every third one dies of heat|language=de|editor=Hartmut Gieselmann|issue=16|year=2007|journal=C't|access-date=February 18, 2008|archive-date=January 23, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080123030237/http://www.heise.de/kiosk/archiv/ct/2007/16|url-status=dead}}</ref> Microsoft designed the chip in-house to cut out the traditional [[Application-specific integrated circuit|ASIC]] vendor with the goal of saving money in ASIC design costs. After multiple product failures, Microsoft went back to an ASIC vendor and had the chip redesigned so it would dissipate more heat.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eetimes.com/news/semi/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=208403010 |title=The truth about last year's Xbox 360 recall |author=Yoshida, Junko |publisher=[[EE Times]] |date=2008-06-09 |access-date=2008-06-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://games.slashdot.org/games/08/06/10/2233228.shtml |title=Slashdot discusses the ''truth about last year's Xbox 360 recall'' article |publisher=Games.slashdot.org |date=2008-06-10 |access-date=2011-01-02 |archive-date=February 21, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221182239/http://games.slashdot.org/games/08/06/10/2233228.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>
''[[The Guardian]]'' also claimed that using [[Xbox Kinect]] with an old Xenon generation Xbox would cause the Red Ring, but this was denied by Microsoft.<ref>{{cite news |last=Stuart |first=Keith |date=2011-01-06 |title=Is Kinect causing new 'red ring of death' Xbox failures? |work=[[The Guardian]] |___location= |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2011/jan/06/xbox-kinect-red-ring-failure |access-date=2011-10-31}}</ref>
==Scratched discs==
[[File:Scratchedxboxdisc.jpg|thumb|right|Disc that has been scratched by the Xbox 360 console]]
The design of the disc drive was flawed, and could cause scratches on discs, particularly if the console was moved while the disc was spinning. Unlike the Red Ring issues, the disc scratching was not resolved by hardware revisions and was present in the S and E models. Those versions shipped with a sticker informing users that moving the console while powered on posed a risk.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ng |first=Alan |date=2010-06-16 |title=Xbox 360 Slim Problems: Scratches Discs when Moved |url=http://www.product-reviews.net/2010/06/16/xbox-360-slim-problems-scratches-discs-when-moved/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815092409/https://www.product-reviews.net/2010/06/16/xbox-360-slim-problems-scratches-discs-when-moved/ |archive-date=2018-08-15 |access-date=2011-01-02 |website=Product-Reviews.net |publisher=Dansway Group}}</ref> Even on static footing however, normal floor vibrations that would occur in a household environment were enough to cause disc scratches.<ref name="nrc.nl">{{cite web |title=Bijna duizend klachten over Xbox 360 |url=http://www.nrc.nl/anp/internet/article1787608.ece/Bijna_duizend_klachten_over_Xbox_360 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202095427/http://www.nrc.nl/anp/internet/article1787608.ece/Bijna_duizend_klachten_over_Xbox_360 |archive-date=2008-12-02 |website=NRC Handelsbad |language=Dutch}}</ref> The issue was particularly prevalent in 2006 models.
The issue was subject to multiple independent investigations, initially by the Dutch television program [[Kassa (television program)|Kassa]] and later by the [[European Commissioner for Consumer Protection]] and the [[BBC]]. The BBC investigation in particular involved laboratory conditions for testing.<ref>{{cite web |title=BBC Watchdog gets to the bottom of Xbox 360 disc scratching |url=https://www.engadget.com/2009-03-24-bbc-watchdog-gets-to-the-bottom-of-xbox-360-disc-scratching.html |website=Engadget |date=24 March 2009}}</ref> The issue ultimately led to a Supreme Court case which was ruled in favor of Microsoft in 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/07/10/business/NA-FIN-US-Microsoft-Xbox-Lawsuit.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071024133336/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/07/10/business/NA-FIN-US-Microsoft-Xbox-Lawsuit.php|archive-date=2007-10-24 | title = Florida man sues Microsoft for disc scratching problem}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Kravets |first1=David |title=Supreme Court says game over for Xbox 360 console-defect class action |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2017/06/supreme-court-says-game-over-for-xbox-360-console-defect-class-action/ |website=Ars Technica |language=en |date=12 June 2017 |access-date=May 13, 2025 |archive-date=March 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240325153353/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2017/06/supreme-court-says-game-over-for-xbox-360-console-defect-class-action/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Disc replacement===
Although discs scratched by the Xbox 360 were not covered under its warranty,<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/16/scratch-that-the-xbox-360-might-damage-discs-after-all/| title=Scratch that: The Xbox 360 might damage discs after all| access-date=2007-05-25| archive-date=May 15, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080515192851/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/16/scratch-that-the-xbox-360-might-damage-discs-after-all/| url-status=live}}</ref> Microsoft's Xbox Disc Replacement Program<ref>{{cite web|url=http://support.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-360/disc-drive/disc-replacement-program|title=Xbox Disc Replacement Program|access-date=2007-12-30|archive-date=March 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309121225/http://support.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-360/disc-drive/disc-replacement-program|url-status=live}}</ref> sold customers a new copy of discs scratched by the Xbox 360, if they were published in countries where the Xbox was originally sold, at a cost of $20.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://download.microsoft.com/download/d/1/8/d181ee58-de70-4484-936b-0e9161ccd6b2/replacementdisc_orderform_4.pdf|title=Microsoft Xbox 360 Game Disc Replacement Order Form |access-date=February 18, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090117114229/http://download.microsoft.com/download/d/1/8/d181ee58-de70-4484-936b-0e9161ccd6b2/replacementdisc_orderform_4.pdf |archive-date=January 17, 2009 }}</ref> The published list of games that qualify, however, was limited.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://support.xbox.com/support/en/us/xbox360/GamesandMedia/Games/DiscReplacement/discreplacementplan.aspx |title=Xbox Disc Replacement Games List |access-date=2007-12-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081110073705/http://support.xbox.com/support/en/us/xbox360/gamesandmedia/games/discreplacement/DiscReplacementPlan.aspx |archive-date=November 10, 2008 }}</ref> Third party games were only ever replaced at the discretion of the publishers. [[Electronic Arts]] for example offered replacements made within 90 days of purchase.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://warrantyinfo.ea.com/|title=EA Warranty Info|access-date=2009-04-07|archive-date=July 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705053726/https://help.ea.com/en-us/help/account/electronic-arts-warranty-policy/|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Causes===
Independent investigations concluded that the disc drives lacked a mechanism to secure the disc solidly in place.<ref>{{cite web |title=XBox 360 games scratched? |url=http://www.llamma.com/xbox360/news/Xbox-360-Game-Disc-Scratched.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051205023436/http://www.llamma.com/xbox360/news/Xbox-360-Game-Disc-Scratched.htm |archive-date=2005-12-05 |access-date=2007-05-25 |website=The Llamma's Adventures}}</ref> Tilting or moving the console, when operating with a disc spinning inside, can potentially cause damage to the disc and in some cases render the disc unplayable as a result.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQN_pz1KfMo|title = Xbox 360 scratch|publisher = YouTube|date = 2006-06-19|access-date = 2007-04-16|archive-date = January 19, 2017|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170119043451/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQN_pz1KfMo|url-status = live}}</ref> Microsoft engineers were aware of the issue ahead of launch, around September or October of 2005. However, installing "bumpers" to prevent the discs moving out of alignment would have added 50 cents to the production cost of each console, and was not implemented. An alternative would have been to slow the disc rotation speed but this would have led to increased loading times, and magnetic adjustments would not have been possible due to the disc tray locking mechanism.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Thompson |first1=Michael |title=Report: MS knew about disc-scratching problems with the 360 |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2008/12/no-edits-did-ms-know-that-360s-could-damage-discs/ |website=Ars Technica |language=en |date=15 December 2008 |access-date=June 15, 2017 |archive-date=December 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202103016/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2008/12/no-edits-did-ms-know-that-360s-could-damage-discs/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Problematic updates==
Several Xbox 360 system updates caused major issues for users.
===November 2006 patch===
An update patch released on November 1, 2006 was reported to "[[brick (electronics)|brick]]" consoles, rendering them useless.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20061208-8381.html|title=Xbox 360 update "bricking" consoles|date=December 8, 2006|access-date=2007-05-25|archive-date=December 4, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204091359/http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20061208-8381.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The most obvious issue occurs after the installation of the patch, after which the console immediately reboots and shows an error message. Usually, error code E71 is shown during or directly after the booting animation.
In response to the November 2006 update error that "bricked" his console, a California man filed a [[class action]] lawsuit against Microsoft in Washington federal court in early December 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://games.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=06/12/08/0614215|title=Microsoft Sued Over Fall Update Issues|date=December 8, 2006 |access-date = 2007-05-25}}</ref> The lawsuit seeks $5 million in damages and the free repair of any console rendered unusable by the update. This was the second such lawsuit filed against Microsoft, the first having been filed in December 2005, shortly after the 360's launch. Following Microsoft's extension of the Xbox 360 warranty to a full year, from the previous 90 days, the California man's attorney confirmed to the Seattle Post Intelligencer that the lawsuit had been resolved under confidential terms.<ref>Bishop, Todd. "[http://blog.seattlepi.com/microsoft/archives/119383.asp Microsoft resolves lawsuit over Xbox Fall Update] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110202004623/http://blog.seattlepi.com/microsoft/archives/119383.asp |date=February 2, 2011 }}", Todd Bishop's Microsoft Blog, The Seattle Post Intelligencer</ref>
==="New Xbox Experience"===
On November 19, 2008, Microsoft released the "[[Xbox Live#New Xbox Experience|New Xbox Experience]]" (NXE). This update provided streaming Netflix capability and avatars; however, some users have reported the update has caused their consoles to not properly read optical media.<ref name="telegraph"/> Others have reported that the update has disabled audio through [[HDMI]] connections.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.engadget.com/2008/11/21/nxe-creating-hdmi-headaches-for-uk-xbox-360-owners/ | title = NXE creating HDMI headaches for UK Xbox 360 owners? | publisher = [[Engadget]] | archive-date = March 4, 2016 | access-date = September 18, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304034054/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/21/nxe-creating-hdmi-headaches-for-uk-xbox-360-owners/ | url-status = live }}</ref> A Microsoft spokesperson stated the company is "aware that a handful of Xbox LIVE users are experiencing audio issues, and are diligently monitoring this issue and working towards a solution." Microsoft released a patch on February 3, 2009 for the HDMI audio issues.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=207237 | title = 360 HDMI audio patch today | publisher = CVG | archive-date = February 6, 2009 | access-date = February 9, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090206035744/http://computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=207237 | url-status = live }}</ref>
===May 2011 patch===
A patch released in May 2011 prevented some users from playing games from discs. The update involved "a change in the disc reading algorithms", but would simply inform users that the disc was unreadable and ask them to clean it with a cloth.<ref>{{cite web |title=New update causing disc read errors in some Xbox 360s {{!}} GameWatcher |url=https://www.gamewatcher.com/news/2011-20-05-new-update-causing-disc-read-errors-in-some-xbox-360s |website=www.gamewatcher.com |language=en |access-date=May 14, 2025 |archive-date=May 14, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250514132845/https://www.gamewatcher.com/news/2011-20-05-new-update-causing-disc-read-errors-in-some-xbox-360s |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Issues with peripherals==
===Wireless Racing Wheel===
[[File:Xbox360wirelesswheel.jpg|thumb|The racing wheels also had overheating issues, and were nicknamed "Hotwheels".]]
In 2007, the official steering wheel peripheral faced issues with overheating and releasing smoke, prompting the "Hotwheels" nickname. Microsoft encouraged users to only use the steering wheel in battery mode rather than while plugged in.<ref>{{cite web |title=XBOX 360 Wireless Racing Wheel Recall? |url=https://www.audioholics.com/news/xbox-360-wireless-racing-wheel-recall.html |website=Audioholics Home Theater, HDTV, Receivers, Speakers, Blu-ray Reviews and News |language=en |date=23 August 2007 |access-date=May 14, 2025 |archive-date=September 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240908031141/https://www.audioholics.com/news/xbox-360-wireless-racing-wheel-recall.html |url-status=live }}</ref> That August a product recall was issued, with Microsoft retrofitting the existing steering wheels to remedy the problem.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/systemuse/xbox360/gameplay/wirelesswheelretrofit.htm|title=Wireless Wheel Retrofit|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=2008-08-11 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080731123144/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/systemuse/xbox360/gameplay/wirelesswheelretrofit.htm |archive-date = 2008-07-31}}</ref>
===Nyko Intercooler===
The [[Nyko Intercooler]] was a popular aftermarket cooler, purchased by users who wished to improve air flow in an attempt to avoid the red-ring issue. While the exact cause of red-ring was not yet public in the late 2000s, it was known that temperature was an issue.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Fung |first1=Stephen |title=NYKO Intercooler TS for the Xbox 360 Reviewed – Futurelooks |url=https://www.futurelooks.com/nyko-intercooler-ts-for-the-xbox-360-reviewed/ |date=5 February 2009 |access-date=May 14, 2025 |archive-date=May 18, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250518160910/https://www.futurelooks.com/nyko-intercooler-ts-for-the-xbox-360-reviewed/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Nyko" /> Unfortunately, the Nyko Intercooler itself had issues and its usage could cause the red-ring or damage the power DC input.<ref name="Nyko">{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2006/10/27/nyko-intercooler-scorches-xbox-360-consoles/|title=Nyko Intercooler scorches Xbox 360 consoles?|date=2006-10-27|last=Murph|first=Darren|access-date=2007-08-04|publisher=Engadget|archive-date=December 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205021307/https://www.engadget.com/2006/10/27/nyko-intercooler-scorches-xbox-360-consoles/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Intercooler could also melt itself onto the 360, melt the powercord, or make itself extremely hard to remove.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/06/15/nyko-intercooler-360-ex-review|title=Nyko Intercooler 360 EX Review|author=Gerry Block|publisher=[[IGN]]|date=15 June 2007|access-date=2 July 2015|archive-date=July 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708142921/http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/06/15/nyko-intercooler-360-ex-review|url-status=live}}</ref>
Microsoft stated that the peripheral drained too much power from the console (the Intercooler power cord was installed between the Xbox 360 power supply and the console itself), could cause faults to occur, <!-- Dead ref:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elektriq.com/articles/microsoft-doubtful-about-nykos-cooling-device|title=Microsoft Doubts Nyko's Intercooler|date=2006-10-27|last=Ruben|access-date = 2007-08-04|publisher=Elektriq}}</ref> --> and stated that consoles fitted with the peripheral would have their warranties voided. Nyko released an updated Intercooler that used its own power source, and claimed the problem no longer occurred, but this did not affect Microsoft's stance on the warranty.
== See also ==
* ''[[Microsoft Corp. v. Baker]]'': U.S. Supreme Court case based on the problems
*[[Blue Screen of Death]]
*[[Yellow Light of Death]]
==References==
{{
==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.xbox.com/support|Microsoft Xbox Support official website}}
{{Xbox 360}}
{{Xbox}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Xbox 360 Technical Problems}}
[[Category:Computer errors]]
[[Category:Xbox 360|Technical problems]]
[[Category:Microsoft criticisms and controversies]]
[[Category:Video game controversies]]
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