red ring of death
Xbox's fatal error
The red ring of death refers to a hardware failure indicator on the Xbox 360 gaming console, where three red lights illuminate in a ring pattern around the power button.
This dreaded signal, which plagued the console's early production runs, typically indicated a general hardware malfunction requiring repair or replacement.
The term has become gaming folklore, symbolizing Microsoft's costly quality control issues and prompting an extended warranty program.
My 360 got the red ring of death right before the new Halo came out.
Comfort in distress
- overheatingBecoming dangerously warm
- motherboardComputer's primary circuit platform
- GPUVisual processing hardware
- solderingLow-temp metal fusion
power supply · ventilation · thermal paste · heat sink · processor · graphics chip · solder joint · reflow
Failure to operate properly
- error codeNumbered malfunction message
- glitchMinor system fault
- crashSudden violent impact
- freezeBecome solid from cold
breakdown · defective · faulty · bricked · unresponsive · boot failure · system failure · hardware failure
Formal repair promise
- repairRestore to working order
- MicrosoftRedmond technology corporation
- customer serviceAssistance for buyers
- service centerBusiness performing maintenance work
technical support · troubleshooting · recall · replacement · RMA · coffin · shipping box · repair kit
Shared online humor
- iconicWidely recognized, enduring
- infamousHaving a terrible reputation
- generationAge-defined peer group
- nostalgiaLonging for the past
Intense hostile emotion
- disappointmentSadness from unmet expectations
- rageIntense, violent anger
- dismayDistressed loss of courage
- devastationSevere widespread destruction
despair · heartbreak · disbelief · denial · grief · outrage · anguish · meltdown
console
Comfort in distress
- overheatingBecoming dangerously warm
- motherboardComputer's primary circuit platform
- GPUVisual processing hardware
soldering · power supply · ventilation · thermal paste · heat sink · processor · graphics chip · solder joint · reflow · capacitor
malfunction
Failure to operate properly
- error codeNumbered malfunction message
- glitchMinor system fault
- crashSudden violent impact
freeze · breakdown · defective · faulty · bricked · unresponsive · boot failure · system failure · hardware failure · corrupted
warranty
Formal repair promise
- repairRestore to working order
- MicrosoftRedmond technology corporation
- customer serviceAssistance for buyers
service center · technical support · troubleshooting · recall · replacement · RMA · coffin · shipping box · repair kit · extended warranty
meme
Shared online humor
- iconicWidely recognized, enduring
- infamousHaving a terrible reputation
- generationAge-defined peer group
nostalgia · cautionary tale · gaming history · symbol · legacy
anger
Intense hostile emotion
- disappointmentSadness from unmet expectations
- rageIntense, violent anger
- dismayDistressed loss of courage
devastation · despair · heartbreak · disbelief · denial · grief · outrage · anguish · meltdown · tantrum