Among the number of problems to have plagued Microsoft’s Xbox One console since launch, the standout issues of the console is related to its disc drive, and its occasional inability to read what’s on the disc. However, it seems like Microsoft has acknowledged the problem and is now working to fix the problem.
According to a statement from 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 advance exchange programme.”
The disc drive issue has been in the headlines since late last week after it was reported that the faulty disc drives were making grinding, crunching, and clicking sounds, with users ultimately unable to play disc-based games.
While Microsoft has yet to release any kind of solution to that problem, it urged new Xbox One owners experiencing issues at the time to get in touch with the company for help.
A statement from Microsoft for the same, as revealed via Polygon, read:
“We know that with a hardware launch of this magnitude customers will have questions and we have many avenues for customers to get the answers they need and get back in the game as soon as possible. Rest assured we plan to take care of our customers."
"Any customer who believes they are experiencing an issue with their Xbox One should reach out to us. There are many avenues available for customers to get in touch with us including:
-Talking to a live customer support person that can call you back if you don't want to wait
-Xbox.com for support pages and forums
-On Twitter with @XboxSupport
-There are also Help and diagnostics on the console by saying ‘Xbox Help'"
This is not the first time Microsoft has experienced problems with the launch of an Xbox console. Back in 2005 when the Xbox 360 launched, users reported of issues with the hardware where three red lights flashed on the front of the device, later to be infamously known as the “red ring of death.”
According to Spencer Izard, an analyst with IDC, speaking recently to BBC on that matter, “Microsoft suffered very significant quality control problems with the early Xbox 360 consoles and has put significant effort into its hardware design and manufacturing process to minimize faults.”
“For launches over multiple countries the volume of manufacturing required by both Microsoft and Sony will always unfortunately yield a minor amount of hardware failures, in one form or another, and we are seeing this with this launch cycle," he added.
The Xbox One launched this November in 13 countries all across the planet, with the console now looking to overtake Wii U in total sales.