Click here to go to the archives main page.
Other popular tags: Sony, Xbox 360, PS3, Activision, Microsoft, EA, Nintendo, Wii, PC, fail, DLC, Xbox Live, Modern Warfare 2, Xbox, Girls, journalism, Review, video, Ubisoft, Xbox Live Indie Games, Valve, gaming, DRM, UK, Kotaku, DS, Left 4 Dead, PSP, Disregarded Demographics, XNA
The week Microsoft banned over one million Xbox 360s from Xbox Live which had been modified in order to install a modified operating system or play pirated games. The ban has effected around 5% of Xbox Live users, which not only disables online usage, but also prevents the console using certain features such as Media Extenders or even use the High Definition output.
Microsoft have been rather unapologetic about the bans with a statement suggesting that user affected should go out and buy new consoles in order to continue playing online.
Funnily enough, a flood of Xbox 360s have found their way onto sites such as Craigslist and eBay, where banned owners are trying to sell their bricked machines. CNET has a screenshot of a plethora of modded consoles, most openly announcing their guilt. However as 1UP suggests, anybody looking to score a cheap second hand 360 better be careful as Microsoft has stated that:
If you purchase a modified console second-hand, the warranty is not transferable and the purchaser assumes the risk for any previous modifications. If you purchase a console that has been previously banned, you will not be able to connect to [Xbox] Live.
You have been warned.
Source: DailyTech.com
iTunes