Xbox One Exclusive: The Disc Drive Of Doom

If anyone at Microsoft was feeling smug about initial problems with the PS4, they may need to rethink their stance. A small number of Xbox Ones appear to be more interested in trying to eat discs rather than read them.

Last week Sony noted that around 0.4 percent of PS4s appeared to have a problem with the console hanging during booting, with a power indicator stuck at flashing blue when it should turn white. It now says further investigation still suggest the symptom doesn’t relate to a specific, widespread flaw. It’s also possible that a large contributing factor may be batches of consoles being damaged in transit.

Now Microsoft has acknowledged complaints by some users that their consoles simply make a grinding noise when they put a disc in the slot. Although the disc is unharmed, the console displays an on-screen message saying that it can’t ready the disc. The problem seems to occur regardless of which game is involved.

According to Microsoft:

The issue is affecting a very small number of Xbox One customers. We’re working directly with those affected to get a replacement console to them as soon as possible through our advanced exchange program. Rest assured, we are taking care of our customers

There doesn’t seem to be a specific estimate yet of how many consoles could be affected, nor any firm explanation for how the problem has come about. While it’s hardly a robust surveying method, the Kotaku site reports receiving around 150 e-mails on the Xbox issue in comparison to “a few dozen” about the PS4 blue light.

At the time of writing, the “Day One” edition of the console (meaning the version sent to people who pre-ordered) had 1,206 reviews on Amazon.com, of which 308 are rated one star, many referring to the disk drive issue.

Kotaku also quotes a Microsoft spokesman as saying that if people send back a console with this fault, Microsoft will ship a replacement straight away rather than wait to receive the new one.  (Naturally you should speak directly to Microsoft before doing this to make sure this will apply in your case and whether there are any restrictions in place or special measures you need to follow.)

Anyone who received a faulty Xbox One will be given a free digital game for their troubles. Although it seems that only a relatively small percentage of units have been affected by hardware issues, if you are one of the unlucky ones you'll get to choose between the following titles: Dead Rising 3, Forza Motorsport 5, Ryse: Son of Rome and Zoo Tycoon.

Here's the statement from Microsoft: "While a replacement console is on its way, we want to ensure our advance exchange customers can stay in the game. We will provide each of them with a free digital download of one of the launch titles published by Microsoft Studios"