Xbox 360 failure rates are reportedly down to PS3 levels, just as the generation comes to a close

[Chark]

Argh_College said:

Chark said:
The slim is obviously completely fine, one of the biggest quality boosts in a home console. But RROD and the XBL service subscription is why I couldn't understand why it sold so well. I could never buy a 360 even though I did end up enjoying my Xbox last gen. If the PS3 wasn't priced higher than the 360 (despite actually being cheaper due to XBL) the 360 would have had a harder time gaining traction. Despite the failure rate 360 had better online day 1 and cross game chat, which after observing this gen are the reasons 360 did so well. Halo was important as well, but that alone didn't sell that many consoles. It was a console software advantage that 360 had for over 2 years with XBL and still has with cross game chat. 360 is the social console this gen.

Xbox Live is well worth the money and Xbox didnt did so hot back in RRoD times...

I don't see XBL worth the money at all. Maybe if you are comparing it to a 360 without it sure, but when PS3 offers online play, in game chat, access to subscription services, and a similar store front at no cost XBL looks bad. It's approaching year seven so ~$450 on top of the price of the console, it's pretty outstanding. Next gen will make XBL look even worse since it will be less likely the Xbox 3 will have key features the other consoles lack. To be honest, Microsoft needs to provide something substantial along with their subscription fee to be relevant. Most are betting on tv services but we won't really know till next year. Do you think they might opt for a free online service to compete with Sony and Nintendo while providing a premium feature service? Or will they continue to all but require a subscription like they aree doing this gen? Personally I think that model can't exist next gen and they will have to make 360's online free once Xbox 3 launches and transfer people's current subscription time over to premium service time. Leverage it as an incentive to buy Xbox 3 and no one loses since their XBL is free now.

EDIT: Around  $400, first 5 years at $60 and last 2 as $50 right?