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Video Game System Failure

If you have been trying to decided which video game system to purchase, here is a new feature to consider: how likely that video game system is going to break.

Personally, it is information that I would like to know. A few years ago, my son received a V-Smile kids educational video game system as a gift. Later, we purchased several cartridges to go with it, as well as an extra controller. The games were fun for him, and they helped teach him letters, numbers, addition, subtraction and reading. We looked forward to passing the game down to his sister and brother. Unfortunately, the game broke and couldn’t be prepared before my son even outgrew it. Recently, I discovered that this game system has a reputation for failing, even though it is supposedly made “kid tough.”

Maybe I expect things to last longer than they should. After all, we have a third-hand Nintendo 64 that still works quite well. And yes, I still have an Atari 2600, although after almost thirty years, it does need a new power cord.

If you are in the market for a new video game system, take a look at this information on failure rate. According to the warranty seller, SquareTrade, the Xbox 360 has a very high rate of failure. Taking a sample of 1,000 warranty claims, they have discovered that the Microsoft Xbox 360 failure rate is 16 percent. In comparison, the Nintendo Wii has a failure rate of 3 percent, and the Sony PS3 also has a failure rate of 3 percent. Microsoft originally claimed that same 3 percent.

Obviously, you can buy warranties on your video game systems when you originally purchase them, but why is this something that we all accept? Isn’t it enough to spend around $300 for a system and expect it to last a year or two? Tell me what you think.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

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About Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, online content manager, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania in the middle of the woods but close enough to Target and Home Depot. The author of many magazine, newspaper and online articles, Mary Ann enjoys writing about almost any subject. "Writing gives me the opportunity to both learn interesting information, and to interact with wonderful people." Mary Ann has written more than 5,000 blogs for Families.com since she started back in December 2006. Contact her at maromans AT verizon.net or visit her personal blog http://homeinawoods.wordpress.com