Xbox Live downtime serves as timely reminder of connected console perils

Many UK and American players were left unable to log into Xbox Live over the weekend.

"We are still hard at work fixing the issue members are having signing in to Xbox Live,” a statement read. Rest assured we have every available resource working on fixing the problem."

It also meant that players of games like Minecraft were unable to access some of their saved content.

Added Microsoft: "If you’re an Xbox Silver member having problems using existing or newly-created saves in Minecraft, please know we’re working hard to fix this issue! We’ll update you as soon as we have more information.”

The issue has since been resolved and Xbox Live is now fully operational, but the news serves as a timely reminder for Microsoft of the perils of internet connected consoles.

This, of course, is more pertinent than ever as rumours of the new Xbox requiring a constant internet connection continue to swirl.

Retail has pleaded with the platform holder to distance itself from the rumours. Indeed, Microsoft exec Adam Orth has by the looks of things lost his job over his public defence of always on”.

Don’t forget though that these rumours remain exactly that – rumours. Recent reports have questioned their validity. The truth is we won’t know until May what Microsoft has planned for its next machine.