Well this isn't good. A user on NeoGAF has discovered that the new Xbox 360 'S' models are prone to overheating.As these pictures detail, when an overheating situation arises the console 'helpfully' switches itself off, while the power button exhibits a red light in the centre - a trait that is now being dubbed the "Red Dot of Death."
Technically, it's not a red dot of "death" if the console isn't dead - but then again, one has to wonder why it's even having such issues with overheating in the first place. There are great big hoofing vents on the thing, after all.
Of course, the photos could just as easily been created for the purpose of spreading fanboy flamebait - but is the human race really that shallow? Debate about this one in the forum below, if you please.
So, the "Red Dot of Death," then. Microsoft, for its part, has issued as statement responding to the pictures - here's what it says, courtesy of
NowGamer;
"We couldn't be more proud of the consoles we are building now, as well as the new Xbox 360. This console is the culmination of years of continuous innovation in design, testing and learning. Today we are confident we are shipping a high quality product."