Sony could learn from Microsoft’s PR.

It goes like this… If you’re not in American, you still have to pay to get your first generation 360 fixed. Yeah, that’s right. The same 360 you don’t have to pay for to get fixed around here. I don’t know what Microsoft’s reasoning is there beyond I’m sure they think they can get away with it.

So the BBC’s Watchdog program is running a show to cover the problems. Is the show sensationalistic like our media? I have no idea, but is the general idea wrong? No. In an informal survey (i.e. – not scientific) around here, 100% of first generations fail at some point. Ok, maybe it’s only 99.9%. Really though, it’s a LOT. So what does Microsoft say to the claims by the BBC?

“It’s important to note that there is no systemic issue with Xbox 360 – each incident is unique and these customer inquiries are being handled on a case-by-case basis.

That may or may not be true, but damn me if they don’t play the PR game much better than Sony. If this were Sony we’d have gotten some claim about how no PS3 has been returned, ever. As a matter of fact, some of the PS3 systems have somehow managed to duplicate themselves allowing the owner to give the system to the poor if they so desire.

Sony, pay attention. I think Microsoft’s claims are plain silly. Especially when there was so much of not an issue they had to give free repairs to anyone that bought a first generation system. Yeah, no problem at all. Nothing to see here. But here’s the the point, Sony. If you’re having to cover for bad news, do you a) make outlandish claims that are easily discarded by anyone with half a brain and at least one eye? Or do you b) make potentially untrue claims that are really hard, maybe impossible, to prove otherwise?

There’s a lesson here, Sony. A big, beautiful lesson. Also, the PA guys are offering up some help for you. Oh, and you owe them some money.

What Would Matt Do: Well, for one, not live outside of the US and own a first generation 360. Hell, not own a first generation 360 at all. And Gears not withstanding, I almost wish I had waited in the first place.