So my Xbox 360 died on me this last weekend (pictured above). Click here for a larger image. This is the second time this has happened to me. The first time I had to pay $140 to get it fixed, and I had only had the console for less than a year. I did receive a $60 refund a few months later from MS from their first warranty extension. I have had my 360 since launch, but I have purchased many other game consoles through out the years at launch and have never had another system die on me.

Microsoft has had so many problems with their consoles that they have been forced to extend their warranty for 3 years. This means most people will be covered until November 2008. This also means MS will spend around $1.05 billion to $1.15 billion for 360 repairs. I have several of my friends that have received the red ring of death. Their was also the story about one man who had 11 Xbox 360’s die on him. Also this week fellow game enthusiast Matt Brett wrote a post about his 2 360’s that died on him. He is currently contemplating purchasing a PS3.

This all this begin said I am very happy with the console (when it works). It has become an integral part of my HD set up. I also am very excited for Bioshock, Mass-effect, COD4, and of course Halo 3. But heed this warning: If you are buying a 360 purchase a warranty. So far I have been lucky, but I’m not chancing it anymore. I’m buying the extended warranty as soon as I receive my new 360. I received my return box today so I will keep you posted on the progress.