Microsoft Extends Warranty On Xbox 360Microsoft Extends Warranty On Xbox 360

Microsoft on Friday changed the warranty of the Xbox 360 videogame console from 90 days to one year from the date of purchase in the United States and Canada.

The software maker said it was making the change to make the standard Xbox warranty consistent throughout the world. The extensions apply to new and current customers.

Under the new policy, customers who experience hardware problems within a year of purchase can have repairs done at no charge. Those who have already paid for an out-of-warranty Xbox repair within one year of purchase will receive reimbursement checks in about 10 weeks. The reimbursements are automatic, so customers do not need to contact Microsoft, the company said. Warranty and support information is available online.

Microsoft released the Xbox in the United States in November 2005. The videogame player competes with the Sony PlayStation 3 and the Nintendo Wii, which were released this year in time for the holiday shopping season.