Original Xbox comes to an end

The Xbox has taken a step closer to the gaming grave with the news that Microsoft has as of today terminated its service repairs for original Xbox machines that are no longer in warranty.

Recently purchased machines will be supported until their warranty until it expires, though faulty machines will no longer be replaced – instead, exchange requests will receive an offer to upgrade to an Xbox 360.

Technical support and new ‘how-to’ and trouble shooting guides will continue to be available online.

The Xbox launched in 2001 in North America and in early 2002 elsewhere. Whilst it was not able to match the achievements of Sony’s world-conquering PS2 it successfully rivalled Nintendo’s GameCube in the market and won a strong following amongst core gamers that provided the platform for Xbox 360’s success.

To date the machine has sold an estimated 25m units worldwide, and was only recently surpassed by the Xbox 360.

Owners looking for more information should head over to the official Xbox Support website.