Microsoft's repair service inadvertently ruined a one-of-a-kind 360 in the process of fixing it after it was afflicted with the infamous Red Ring of Death.
A 360 owner by the name of Nathaniel took his console with him to a number of gaming events and managed to amass an impressive array of signatures on the case, including several members of the Xbox 360 team, Bungie, and Rooster Teeth Productions (the folks behind behind the Halo-themed machinima Red vs. Blue.) Rooster Teeth Comics artist Luke McKay even drew a cartoon of Master Chief on one side.
Valuable? Certainly. Unique? No question. Doomed? Unfortunately.
When Nathaniel's 360 kacked out, he knew he'd have to send it off to Microsoft for repairs, and was naturally concerned that he might not get the same console back. He included a letter in the package explaining the uniqueness of his console, and why he wanted that exact one back, instead of a replacement unit.
He also politely requested that the techs handling the console take care not to smudge the artwork or the signatures, since they were only put on with Sharpie.
Well, the case wasn't smudged, it was wiped clean. Nathaniel got back his exact console, but apparently someone thought all those names and cartoons ruined the 360's aesthetic and gave it a good wipedown before shipping it back.
Even if the person repairing the unit confused the signatures and one-of-a-kind artwork with random scribbles, why would they feel the need to wipe the case clean? Whatever the markings were, the owner clearly wanted them there, so I'm baffled to understand why anyone at Microsoft thought it was necessary to remove them.
Another Gamer Screwed By Microsoft [Hawty McBloggy]
