Xbox 360: Buyer Beware of Blocked Consoles

If you're currently shopping for a new gaming system, you may have noticed a large number of Xbox 360s for sale on sites like eBay or Craigslist. Buyer beware. Microsoft may have blocked these Xbox 360 consoles from accessing Xbox LIVE, an online gaming and media delivery service.

In a move to fight software piracy, earlier this week Microsoft blacklisted as many as one million Xbox 360 consoles. Microsoft claims these consoles have been physically modified in order to circumvent built-in Digital Rights Management (DRM) technology. Modified units are commonly referred to as “modded” consoles.

By physically altering the gaming unit’s DRM technology, the user can play illegally pirated copies of popular games that would normally be blocked by the system. The immensely popular game “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2″ launched last week and it’s likely that some Xbox 360 players would be interested in playing a pirated copy on a modded console.

When Microsoft detects a modded console, they have the ability to ban that console from using the Xbox LIVE service due to the unique identification numbers that’s associated with every Xbox 360. While the system can still play games locally, the owner will not be able to sign into their LIVE account, access online content or play in multiplayer games with other Xbox 360 owners.

The bannings will also impact holiday shoppers looking to save money this holiday season by buying used Xbox 360s on eBay, Craigslist or through a local retailer who sells used consoles. Owners of blocked Xbox 360s may be looking to sell their systems without informing potential buyers of the situation.

If you are looking to buy a used Xbox 360, be aware that it may not be immediately obvious that the unit was physically modded. If possible, you’ll want to physically inspect the case to confirm that the seals on the back of the unit are not broken. Also make sure that there are no pry marks on the case that may indicate it has been opened. Another sign of a modded unit is when the A/V plugs aren’t aligned properly through the case holes.

If you have other questions about gaming technology, stop into your local Best Buy and speak with a Geek Squad Agent.