'Small Number' of Xbox 360s Have Borked Disc Drives [UPDATED]

UPDATE: This one just got a tad more confusing. Stay with me here!

Microsoft has not responded to my request for comment on today's reports about disc drives, but Eurogamer's gotten more. The issue has nothing to do with the upcoming firmware update but, as it turns out, a previous update.

"Additionally, this disc read error message is tied to a change in the disc reading algorithms in a recent software update and is not specific to older or newer versions of Xbox 360," the company said in a statement.

As such, if you haven't had an issue with your machine playing retail discs so far, you're out of luck when it comes to getting a brand-new Xbox.

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The spring update for Xbox Live is imminent, bringing an important security change to the way Xbox 360 machines read discs, freeing up a substantial amount of space to developers on each disc. The update breaks the ability for a "very small number" of Xbox 360s to read retail discs, however, prompting Microsoft to reach out to affected consumers, offering them a replacement Xbox 360 S.

Kotaku first broke the news, based on an email received by an Xbox Live user. You can imagine their surprise. Xbox Support's Twitter account then verified the email, based on other folks receiving similar emails, were true. Microsoft then released a statement to Eurogamer, elaborating on the issue itself.

"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," the company said. "This issue manifests itself a 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."

I've contacted Microsoft separately for more information but have yet to hear back. Let me know if you've heard from Microsoft. My Xbox 360 is several years old, but I've heard nothing from them yet.

Good to know.

Borked?

Nice going, Microsoft.

You know what. Sony and Microsoft should just make new consoles.

I hope it includes mine, it's so old I could do with an update.

So tomorrow when I'm going to start playing LA Noire; unplug my Xbox from the net to avoid the firmware.

THANKS Patrick Klepek! Now I know!

Then again.. I could use a new Xbox. Hmm.. ok I'm updating. It would be worth the wait.

Wow, just wow since I was considering replacing my ps3 with a xbox 360 then this happens.

wow.  hope my 360 is broken when i update

There has to be a better word to use than "borked".

Anyway, since I still have an old 20GB Pro model, I'm due for an upgrade...I hope mine is affected.  (BTW, that is my backup/bedroom 360...I do have one of the new 250 GB models too)

I hope mine breaks after the update. I still have an old launch 360.

Makes a change from Sony's firmware screwing things up.

hope my console is going to get broken- it feels weird to have that hope

I could do with an xbox s, this is the first time i hoped mine would break

OH SHIT!

At least they are aware and reaching out to those effected. A free upgrade is also nice. But then again, getting your Xbox bricked by a firmware update is pretty messed up.

Here's hoping it's mine. I wouldn't mind a new 360. Though my old one hasn't been turned on in years so who knows. 

The thing I love most about this is that it's one of the few things that people can legitimately say "Wow, I hope my console bricks."

I get those errors on my console all the time, no firmware update needed. But they have my money, so I'm sure they don't care :/

The thing I love most about this is that it's one of the few things that people can legitimately say "Wow, I hope my console bricks."

My question is what will this 1GB increase in storage do to help developers and why do consumers care?

Does anyone remember the time when console owners said they were superior because they didn't have to deal with bad drivers, etc? HAHAHAHAHAHA! Ha! Ha! But in all seriousness, that sucks, but at least they are trying to reach out to their customers.

You know what. Sony and Microsoft should just make new consoles.

That's pretty cool!! What's with Microsoft and giving away Xbox's. Hope I can get one, even though I love my current Xbox...

You know what. Sony and Microsoft should just make new consoles.

Bork-ed.

I am glad I have an S.

@Aishan: Indeed. I almost wish I had an old 360 lying around so I could take advantage of this.

Sounds like they knew the risks and decided that having to hand out a few free xbox's was worth the disc improvements.

I think this is the one occasion that users WANT their 360 to not work.

I really want the update now :P

Anyone have any info as to which drives / consoles are affected?

Mine's first-generation, so *fingers crossed*

Hmm... I have an old 20gb Pro model (with the HDMI output) but it red ringed on me like a month ago and got it fixed by a local guy. I wonder if that will void Microsoft giving me a new 360 S if i got an unlicensed red ring repair and it stops reading my discs after the update!

i hope my xbox doesnt work with it :)

Getting a 360 S would be a good thing but I wanna play LA Noir now.

lol @ the people wishing death on their consoles so that they can get a new one.  Not because it's a dumb thing to wish for in this situation, but just because it's hilarious :P

I love the word borked.

Microsoft official reply: "You can play with your friends online with on the PS3 while you wait for your Xbox... Oh wait you can't"

Do microsoft hate their money or something?

Free 360 slim you say? I'd be totally ok with mine bricking!

lol @ the people wishing death on their consoles so that they can get a new one.  Not because it's a dumb thing to wish for in this situation, but just because it's hilarious :P

Launch day 360 with only one RROD repair for me.  It sounds like a jet engine with a bear stuck in it.  I could use a free replacement.

I hope mine breaks. Free slim!

The thing I love most about this is that it's one of the few things that people can legitimately say "Wow, I hope my console bricks."

@Aishan said:

The thing I love most about this is that it's one of the few things that people can legitimately say "Wow, I hope my console bricks."

Wow I hope my console bricks!