My launch 360 made it a while, from November 2005 to January 2008 and then it would no longer read discs of any kind. I called Microsoft and found out the console was out of warranty, so I obliged to pay the $100 to get it fixed. Shortly after I received a "new" system.

Fast forward to last Wednesday, fresh off of a 10 hour GTA 4 power session, I turned on my 360 to run wild in Liberty City, when all of a sudden, right in the middle of dancing on the counter in a hospital, Niko froze. I hit the guide button to see if there would be a response, but sadly there wasn't, so I turned off the system and started her back up and then, the dreaded RRoD. This was a first, I had heard about it, but never experienced it and now I had to deal with it. It couldn't have come at a worse time.

My first instinct was to get this remedied, so I immediately called Microsoft and went through an all too familiar process. My coffin was on its way.

My next thought moved to GTA 4, I needed to keep playing this game. I contemplated buying the PS3 version, but the fact that I was about 11 hours in was deterent enough to not go that route. I knew if I wanted to keep playing I would need a new 360. So I headed to a local store and bought the cheapest console I could. I knew I had 30 days to return the system for a full refund and based on my last experience with Microsoft, I was confident I would get it back way before that.

I was told it would take 3-5 business days to receive the box, so that meant by Wednesday (yesterday), I should be sending my system back. Well the box never came, so I decided to call MS and see what was up. After being placed on hold several times and having my issue escalated to a "supervisor", I was told that the box was most likely lost by the courier company and that a new box would be sent. The agent I was speaking with told me that if I do happen to receive the original box, I was to disregard it. I asked the question "Well what if that box comes tomorrow? Can I not use that one, or must I wait potentially 5 days extra for this new box?"

I was told to wait.

I must say I am thoroughly disappointed with Microsoft and how they are handling my situation. I know I am one of thousands, or tens of thousands that are experiencing the same woes, but it still stings. I cannot understand the logic in having to wait for the new return box, even if I receive the first one.

Oh well, at least I can play GTA 4.