Xbox 360 Fanboy

Microsoft can be mother of all teases, sometimes. They sent out a press release today with the simple message "Save the Date - Friday, May 11th, 2007. Join us for an exclusive preview of Halo 3". The event will be held in New York and San Francisco. Unfortunately, due to geographical disadvantages, the Xbox 360 Fanbloggers will not be in attendance for such an occasion. Fret not, as our lords and masters at Joystiq will be present and laughing at our misfortune. Hopefully, they don't treat Microsoft with the same respect they do us. What do you think could be announced just 5 days shy of the Beta's release?

While earlier today we reported on MS offering replacement discs for recent games they published, we're now giving you the heads up for their new warranty policy on the console itself. First off, they're supplying free shipping both ways should your console call it quits. Now, if you send in a console after the warranty has expired, you'll have to still pay for repairs, but will get another year's warranty with it. On top of that, the console you get sent back, within five business days, will be the one you sent, for the most part. Finally, the customer service representatives will be providing a much better experience for consumers should they contact MS with an issue.

Sounds like Microsoft is taking action and showing they want to be known for the way they treat those who aren't getting the best results from their 360. You happy to hear this, or is it about damn time?

Microsoft announced a new program where they will take in damaged Xbox 360 discs and replace them for you. Mind you, the game has to be published by Microsoft in order to be eligible for a return, as their not going to go knocking on Konami's door asking for some fresh copies of Rumble Roses or something of that nature. Fortunately, this isn't limited to just the US of A and is open to any country that Xbox 360s are sold by authorized retailers. Only ten games are available for the program. Our favorite part is that 90% of the disc must be sent to be eligible for replacement. Do you think this is a step in the right direction for Microsoft's customer service?

[Thanks, Eric]

The QuickJump Network's 360 site reported that according to a press release from Microsoft Japan, The Land of the Rising Sun will be getting its hands on the Elite, as there were rumblings that it wouldn't make the trip to the Far East. Of course, there were no specifics as to when the third SKU would be showing up on Japanese store shelves. We can only guess if the Xbox 360 Elite will catch the attention of the Japanese consumer when it actually does come out and hopefully the price point will be proportionate to the Elite here in North America.