The Day "teh" Original Xbox died

On 09/08/2013 at 01:29 AM by NSonic79

You have got to be KIDDING ME...

This has not been a good year for me when it comes to Microsoft Products, specifically when it comes to their gaming consoles. I’ve already documented on how my recently repaired Xbox 360 Elite died back in the beginning of August. I’ve also mentioned that my “Little One”s system has been acting odd as well. I was going to hazard a guess that her system might be the next system to die under my household but it would appear I would be wrong.

I should’ve expected this to happen to my Original Xbox eventually. Though I had planned on its disk drive being the reason why it would fail on me. It had recent started giving me disc read troubles whenever I tried certain games. But usually a good rap on the top of the system was good enough to have the disc tray pop open. This time though I fear my Original Xbox will need more than just a tap. During the testing of one of my game choices for this year’s Top 11 Halloween Games of 2013 on my Original Xbox, it decided to act up on me and give me the flashing “Christmas Lights” of red and green after trying to reboot three times.

Originally my game was playing just fine till it froze. I thought the game was just having a hiccup until the screen started to derez and began to make sound distortions. By the time I was able to shut off and try a system restart, the system would give me the “Christmas Lights” and wouldn’t eject the disc inside. I had to perform a manual disc eject just to get the game out. Fortunately game didn’t suffer any damage but my Original Xbox still didn’t want to work. I was able to get it to successfully boot up once, after I unplugged everything, only for it to freeze up again. I think I even heard it make electrical sparking noises as I plugged back in the power cable.

So as of now my Original Xbox has finally bit the big one. It’s a real shame and a personal heartbreak for me, and I’m not just saying that because of my Xbox 360 dying. This particular Xbox holds some sentimental value to me. It was the first game console my then fiancée (now wife) got me for Christmas when we were together. It was the first system we played on together and it was the first system that we both sign onto Xbox Live with. My wife’s original Gamer Tag is still saved on that very system. It’s survived two moves halfway across the US and three different moves from apartments to where I live right now. It’s handled various Halo 2 multiplayer sessions and late night four player Phantasy Star Online missions. It was my system of choice whenever I wanted to play a certain “Black” game that helped me release my pent up frustrations with my personalized soundtrack to gun down the enemy.

It held up much better than I expected yet at the same time it doesn’t surprise me that it decided to die at this time. It’s almost fitting in some perverted sense given how my Xbox 360 Elite also died on August 1st and now my Original Xbox died on September 1st. It’s almost sad that it actually lasted longer than my Xbox 360 as well. Though I’m sure I could find a replacement Xbox real easy I’m on the fence if I should do such. Not because of the aforementioned “sentimental value” but also because of practical reasons. My copy of Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II requires a gamertag to be on the system for it to allow the game to load up. There is no guarantee that any replacement Xbox I buy will have a dormant gamertag on it, plus I did download some extra missions off XBL for PSO when it was still up and running.

Probably in the end I’ll try to find someplace to repair it. As easy as it would be to buy a replacement I just can’t think of doing such just yet. And it’ll probably be awhile before I can fix this system for right now I need the money to help gather the games I intend to buy for this year’s Halloween Games of 2013. But for now I’ll have to take some time out to mourn the loss of yet another system under my charge. Goodbye my Original Xbox, you have served me well and I hope to have you fixed soon. Now if you’ll excuse me I need a moment…

RIP December 2002 – September 2013

ExtraLife

09/08/2013 at 02:10 AM

11 years of service is not a bad run. I'd advice you to get it fixed before getting anymore games. Since what good are games if you don't have the system to play them on. Don't know if you have them by you but Play n Trade fixes them for a minimal price.

NSonic79

09/08/2013 at 02:27 AM

Atleast it lasted longer than my Xbox 360 so that's saying something. I've already scaled back my game buys for that system given I won't be able to test to see if they even work. Thanks for the Play N Trade idea but sadly there are none in my area. There is one local area that could fix it but nothing confirmed yet. I've been told it might be easier to just buy a replacement, rip it open and swap out the HDD's. I'll have to see.

09/08/2013 at 02:43 AM

Yeah I'm sure you can find a great deal on Ebay or Craigslist also. I got one for $50 with Marvel Ultimate Alliance, KoToR 1&2 sealed, two controllers, memory card and a dvd playback remote off of Craigslist.

09/10/2013 at 01:31 PM

So far I've been able to find a console for as low as $30 on craigslist. But I'm still holding out until I see what kind of money I'll have after halloween. Those top 11 halloween games of 2013 won't come for free, unless I get donations =P

Cary Woodham

09/08/2013 at 07:42 AM

It's a shame that consoles aren't built to last anymore.

09/10/2013 at 01:32 PM

Indeed. My 16 bit systems are still kicking it yet the current systems just don't hold up. Makes me wonder what we lost during the gaming generations.

Homelessrook

09/08/2013 at 09:35 AM

Gut it and mod it into a NES.

Remy LeBeau

09/09/2013 at 11:55 PM

I am sorry for your loss. I second Homelessrook's recommendation. Weren't the original Xbox freaking huge? Surely you could fit some NES hardware in there. It would probably take some work, but it could be a fun project.

09/10/2013 at 01:33 PM

Thank you both for your kind thoughts and suggestions. I'm not sure I'd be confident enough to try something like that. Though the system is big I can't see myself going thru the time/effort to make that happen. Perhaps if I find someone who does it as a hobby. That is if I don't take it somewhere to get it fixed. I don't know. I'll figure things out eventually. Thanks guys.

Alex-C25

09/08/2013 at 01:16 PM

Damm, it seems Microsoft has a grudge against you. Shame your Xbox died. I still have mine working perfectly, but now I do wonder if it's going to die soon.

09/10/2013 at 01:34 PM

If my original Xbox was still connected to the internet I'd be almost willing to believe this "microsoft signal kill switch" theory that's out there right now on why systems are dying out. Enjoy your system while you can for you never know what things will go kaput :(

Super Step Contributing Writer

09/08/2013 at 04:44 PM

That sucks. That's a reason I'm wary of these new gaming machines; my N64 and Gamecube are still chugging along.

09/10/2013 at 01:35 PM

So are my GC and N64! That reminds me, I should see about getting a S-Video for my N64. Already have the component for the GC. Perhaps I should invest in upgrading what I have before they decide to give out on me...

mothman

09/08/2013 at 05:37 PM

Mine is still kicking but it's in always on mode. Why does that sound familiar? LOL. I plug it in and it is on. The on/off doesn't work anymore. I saw one at Value Village but they're nuts if they think they're going to get 60 bucks for it with no cables or controller.

I actually got more use out of my original Xbox than I did from the 360.

09/10/2013 at 01:36 PM

That's an odd issue to have with an original Xbox. I guess it wouldn't be much of an issue if you have a surge protected plugged to it. I'd have that than a dead system right now. I have seen my fair share of overpiced retro consoles. so far they are few and far between. But $60 for a console only? That's just wrong.

ThatKidOverThere

09/08/2013 at 09:01 PM

Rest in peace, Xbox. May your soul find eternal peace and free Xbox Live In console heaven.

09/10/2013 at 01:37 PM

amen *crosses himself*

KnightDriver

09/10/2013 at 03:42 AM

I've never been that attached to a console, just the games. I always trade consoles in and then buy them again. I got rid of my original Xbox at one point and then rebought a Halo Edition one. I had a Halo Edition 360, but I gave that, after it red ringed, to a friend of mine. I was attached to it a little bit, but I eventually gave it up. I'm on my third 360 now.

09/10/2013 at 01:39 PM

the attachment thing is probably just me. I usually connect them to the reasons why I own them to begin with. From my first console perchase to this one they have some form of attachment to me. It's why it took forever for me to get rid of my two defective 32X's and a Sega CD just with the off hope that I'll get around to repairing them. Even now I can't get rid of my dead 360. I'm odd that way.

09/10/2013 at 04:26 PM

I still have some attachment to the Halo Edition 360 and the PSOne. If I come into some money I may reaquire them.

jgusw

09/11/2013 at 08:55 AM

My XB's time is coming close too. I repaired it myself a couple times (changed the hard drive and disc tray twice). It's about 13 yrs old. I don't play games on it too much. I had it modded years ago and I usually use it to play video files. I really hope a realiable alternative is created, so I can continue to play XB games that don't run on the 360.

09/11/2013 at 01:04 PM

You have more courage than me when it comes to fixing systems. The last one I ever tinkered with was with my DC and controller port one is still acting up. I'll still keep that mod idea in mind but for now I guess I need to learn about swapping the HDD if I want to keep my gamesaves/custom soundtracks/Gamertag for PSO. If all else fails for you I guess you could by a cheapy Xbox off craigslist like I was suggested to.

PixlBit