The Xbox 360 Slim is the popular new version of the classic Xbox 360 games console, with a number of new features. The upgrades include a sleeker, lighter and slimmer design, a port ready for the new Kinect motion control sensor, built in WiFi and a huge hard drive. However, one question on all long-time Xbox gamers’ lips is whether it’ll solve the issue known as the “Red Ring of Death”.
What is the Red Ring of Death?
The Red Ring of Death is a nickname for a technical issue with the original Xbox 360 console (also known as “Red Lights of Death” or “Red Ring of Doom”) that is highlighted by three red flashing lights around the Xbox power button, as opposed to the normal green lights that show the console is working properly.
The lights display in this way to show that the console requires service to fix the problem. Before the lights occur, some of the warnings signs were freezing during games, and seeing odd patterns on the screen. Unfortunately the problem has caused many to have to send their consoles back to Microsoft, unable to play until it was fixed.
What About the Xbox 360 Slim?
Technically, there is no Red Ring of Death on the new slim console. This is because Microsoft has changed the way in which errors are now reported. Instead of red lights, there is now a red flash on the open button to show when there’s an error.
The Xbox 360 Slim has still been known to fail, just like the old Xbox 360 did. However, the failure rate has been reduced although Microsoft are not generally open about the exact percentage of their machines that do fail.
Reasons why the failure rate is now a lot lower is due to the fact that overheating is not so much of an issue as it once was (with better fan systems), and that the new error system shuts down the console during critical times, preventing damage from occurring.
Should This Influence Your Decision As to Which Console to Buy?
Many people compare the Red Ring of Death to the Yellow Light of Death that has been experienced by users of the PS3 and the PS3 Slim. The failure rates of the Playstation were known to be lower, but with the newest Xbox release, they are now more even in that respect.
The truth is that, like anything electronic, the Xbox 360 Slim can fail – just like any other games console. You will be protected under warranty, and you can also take good care of your Xbox to make sure it’s well ventilated, helping to reduce the chance of the issue occurring.
