Author Topic: Craigslist brimming with banned Xboxes (Read 2744 times)

ManaByte · « **on:** November 12, 2009, 07:54:25 PM »

Quote

Want an Xbox 360 but don't care about playing online or taking part in any of the Xbox Live services? Then this is your lucky day.

Thanks to a recent decision by Microsoft to ban as many as a million players from Xbox Live for illegally modifying their consoles to run pirated games, there is now an absolute glut of "modded" Xboxes for sale on Craigslist.

And while a brand-new Xbox Arcade--the lowest-price version of the console--sells for $200 with no free games, it is now possible to spend as little as $100 for a used, modded Xbox that comes with a slew of hit titles. You just have to be willing to give up using Xbox Live and be OK with your new game collection including mainly pirated titles.

Running a search for "modded Xbox" on Craigslist's Bay Area site returned 35 listings from the past three days. A similar search on New York Craigslist resulted in 87 listings. And dozens and dozens more are for sale on other local Craigslist sites.

One listing promised a "banned/modded" Xbox 360 with a 20 gigabyte hard drive; 20 HD movies; and 13 games including Madden 2010, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, NBA 2K10, and others.

"Everything works perfectly," the ad reads. "The 360 was treated better than I treat most people."

The ad also reminded potential buyers that, "since the console is banned, you will not be able to connect to the Xbox Live service. Therefore, this posting is for those of you who don't care if you can play online or not."

One Craigslist poster named Danny Cuccovia, a 22-year-old student from West Valley College in Saratoga, Calif., was actually looking to buy a modded Xbox 360, and despite the incredible deals available right now, wasn't interested in one that couldn't get him onto Xbox Live.

A gamer looking to potentially go pro, Cuccovia suggested that modded Xboxes are great because there is no end to the supply of pirated games and that sellers of those games put very realistic-looking labels on them.

He also said he was sure that many of the people selling their banned Xboxes on Craigslist were doing so because they want to get a new one.

That was certainly the case with Kevin, a 29-year-old from Manhattan's East Village who logged into Xbox Live a few days ago only to discover the bad news about his console.

"I logged in, tried to play a game online, and it said I had been banned from the service for violating the terms of service," Kevin, who wouldn't give his last name, said. "I cursed, put my controller down, cursed Microsoft, and then bought another Xbox."

But even though he bought another used console that was advertised as being unmodified, Kevin said that when he tried to log on to Xbox Live, he quickly discovered he'd been cheated: the new device had been banned, too. So on Tuesday, he bought another one.

"If you're interested in a modded Xbox," he said, "I've got one for you."

Interestingly, Kevin and another New Yorker with a banned Xbox, 16-year-old Muhummad Sheikh, both said that the ban seemed to apply only to the console and not to their Xbox Live accounts.

Kevin said that his account still works, and that he was able to keep all his achievements, but he lost all the saved games. "They've done something funny," he said. "They call it a corrupted profile."

For sellers like Kevin, the rush to sell their banned Xboxes in order to buy a new one is pitting them against dozens, if not hundreds of people in the same boat. That means that getting the price they want is going to be near impossible. Kevin said that he had originally asked for $175--with an available legitimate copy of Rock Band for an additional $50--but has now dropped his price to $150. And still he has no bites.

"Someone (offered to) buy it for $100," Kevin said, "but I haven't capitulated yet."

In a statement issued late Wednesday to CNET News, Microsoft suggested that players who buy used Xboxes should beware that the company doesn't necessarily stand behind the consoles.

"If you purchase a modified console second-hand, the warranty is not transferable and the purchaser assumes the risk for any previous modifications," the Microsoft statement said. "If you purchase a console that has been previously banned, you will not be able to connect to (Xbox) Live."

To Kevin, the fact that the consoles have been banned but players' accounts still work smells a little fishy since that means if someone buys a new Xbox, they'll be able to get right back into their Xbox Live account and pick up, more or less, where they left off. And that could well mean that for the Xbox Live obsessed, there's no choice but to buy a brand-new machine, especially since many of the other consoles for sale on Craigslist right now have also been banned.

"Well, the holidays are around the corner," Kevin said. "They know what they're doing when it comes to making money."

LOL idiots with banned Xboxes are saying MS is just banning them to sell more systems.

brawndolicious · « **Reply #1 on:** November 12, 2009, 08:04:01 PM »

It was one million bannings. In the past, I think they left your hard drive and saved games alone, so you could pop in the same hdd into both your modded for offline and then put it back in your unmodded one when you wanted to go back online. This article suggests that they actually take away your old game saves.

demi · « **Reply #2 on:** November 12, 2009, 08:05:35 PM »

Good, fucking bitches

demi · « **Reply #3 on:** November 12, 2009, 08:06:48 PM »

It's like that here in Toledo too. Dirty poor Ohio

demi · « **Reply #4 on:** November 12, 2009, 08:10:07 PM »

if ur a dirty poor yes

Sho Nuff · « **Reply #5 on:** November 12, 2009, 08:53:30 PM »

This is an awesome way to sell more consoles

Bocsius · « **Reply #6 on:** November 12, 2009, 08:55:42 PM »

A million modded 360s? I find that dubious.

archie4208 · « **Reply #7 on:** November 12, 2009, 08:59:15 PM »

MS will now sell over 1 million 360s in November's NPD.

chronovore · « **Reply #8 on:** November 12, 2009, 11:53:12 PM »

Quote from: demi on November 12, 2009, 08:05:35 PM

Good, fucking bitches

I'd have gone with a different comma: "Good fucking, bitches!"

M3wThr33 · « **Reply #9 on:** November 13, 2009, 12:39:45 AM »

I think the biggest note on this is that NO ONE knows how MS detects modded consoles. It's hilarious to see how paranoid people are. They're afraid of everything and keep discovering new things, like how the console tracks how many times it boots up with the disc drive connected.

BlueTsunami · « **Reply #10 on:** November 13, 2009, 01:14:09 AM »

This is the correct way to curtail piracy. Put the fear of the Jesus that is money in their pockets (which they didn't want to spend in the first place).

GilloD · « **Reply #11 on:** November 13, 2009, 01:23:49 AM »

I'd jump on this. Online Play on Consoles is for jerky jerks. PC Master Race plz.

Don Flamenco · « **Reply #12 on:** November 13, 2009, 01:24:14 AM »

Quote from: GilloD on November 13, 2009, 01:23:49 AM

I'd jump on this. Online Play on Consoles is for jerky jerks. PC Master Race plz.

like in mw2 for example. OH SICK BURN

demi · « **Reply #13 on:** November 13, 2009, 01:28:49 AM »

Quote from: GilloD on November 13, 2009, 01:23:49 AM

I'd jump on this. Online Play on Consoles is for jerky jerks. PC Master Race plz.

So why would you buy one? You can pirate PC games just as easy.

Dont be like. So Dark. Man.

M3wThr33 · « **Reply #14 on:** November 13, 2009, 03:58:47 AM »

Quote from: Borys on November 13, 2009, 02:43:24 AM

Quote
"I cursed, put my controller down, cursed Microsoft, and then bought another Xbox."

smh

distinguished mentally-challenged fellows like this should be executed.

Well, what can you do? MS created a monster. They repeatedly lock down on piracy and have a horrifically high failure rate, but people just can't stop buying 360s.

GoofyGoober · « **Reply #15 on:** November 13, 2009, 12:01:49 PM »

What makes me SMH is the 25 year old whiner on BBC that is "in tears" over the ban because it's like MS killed his dog. Dude, you stole games from them, even admitted to "saving $600". But yet you are mad because they banned you from live. Morans.

M3wThr33 · « **Reply #16 on:** November 13, 2009, 02:10:53 PM »

Quote from: GoofyGoober on November 13, 2009, 12:01:49 PM

What makes me SMH is the 25 year old whiner on BBC that is "in tears" over the ban because it's like MS killed his dog. Dude, you stole games from them, even admitted to "saving $600". But yet you are mad because they banned you from live. Morans.

That's because this time around they're also disabling game saves and profiles, so you can't take them elsewhere. They fuck you over, as opposed to just needing a new 360.

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #17 on:** November 13, 2009, 02:15:48 PM »

Quote from: M3wThr33 on November 13, 2009, 02:10:53 PM

That's because this time around they're also disabling game saves and profiles, so you can't take them elsewhere. They fuck you over, as opposed to just needing a new 360.

HOW DARE THEY THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS

demi · « **Reply #18 on:** November 13, 2009, 02:17:33 PM »

I WANT A NEW DOG

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #19 on:** November 13, 2009, 02:18:01 PM »

MICROSOFT THOSE GREEDY CORPORATE BASTARDS

Bocsius · « **Reply #20 on:** November 13, 2009, 02:21:03 PM »

At minimum, Microsoft should provide them healthcare.

FlameOfCallandor · « **Reply #21 on:** November 13, 2009, 02:57:47 PM »

GoofyGoober · « **Reply #22 on:** November 13, 2009, 05:43:17 PM »

Quote from: M3wThr33 on November 13, 2009, 02:10:53 PM

Quote from: GoofyGoober on November 13, 2009, 12:01:49 PM
What makes me SMH is the 25 year old whiner on BBC that is "in tears" over the ban because it's like MS killed his dog. Dude, you stole games from them, even admitted to "saving $600". But yet you are mad because they banned you from live. Morans.
That's because this time around they're also disabling game saves and profiles, so you can't take them elsewhere. They fuck you over, as opposed to just needing a new 360.

I read about that too. Corrupt profiles. But you can format the drive and start over. I admit to not being a gamer score nerd, so maybe I don't understand the problem at hand. But you can get an arcade. Format the drive and start with a new life. I can sympathize with the pain and horror of playing Fallout 3 for 90+ hours and being one last battle from the end of the game.

But really they killed your dog?

M3wThr33 · « **Reply #23 on:** November 13, 2009, 05:55:40 PM »

I'm just saying they took a stronger stance this time.
An alternative to outright banning the XBL account. It's not horrific or unexpected, just something people should expect. For a lot of people, it'll make them think twice about pirating.

And yes, losing a Fallout 3 save would be tragic.

(Understand I say 'fuck' as a casual means of explaining the damage, not out of anger. I cuss quite frequently. Don't imagine everything I say in all caps.)

demi · « **Reply #24 on:** November 13, 2009, 06:00:43 PM »

I'm sorry you lost your save from your pirated copy of Fallout 3. Truly, my sympathies

GoofyGoober · « **Reply #25 on:** November 13, 2009, 06:04:51 PM »

Yes, it is a 180 from the normal bans. Hopefully it does make them think twice.

The Official xbox forums are one solid post after another of you banned me wrongfully. I see a few people lying and saying it isn't banned and selling it used as-is. Only time will tell what these people do.

Demi: I was using fallout 3 as an example. I have Fallout 3 collectors on the PS3 (Circuit City OOB sale). It was the only game I could think of at the time that was long and involved that people would understand when I say sucks to be you. But in the end all you can do is Man up and move on.

M3wThr33 · « **Reply #26 on:** November 13, 2009, 06:56:56 PM »

Quote from: demi on November 13, 2009, 06:00:43 PM

I'm sorry you lost your save from your pirated copy of Fallout 3. Truly, my sympathies

I have a legit Limited Edition on the PC. Although I pirated the last two 2 DLC packs. My save is fine. I just think people thought I was lashing out. I don't even OWN a 360. Yet?

ManaByte · « **Reply #27 on:** November 20, 2009, 08:00:37 PM »

Now the banned pirates are suing Microsoft:
http://www.incgamers.com/News/19698/

Quote

As has been reported widely in the media, tens of thousands of Xbox owners have had their modified Xbox consoles banned from Microsoft's online gaming service Xbox Live. Although modification of Xbox consoles is against the terms of use for Xbox/Xbox Live, Microsoft "conveniently" timed the Xbox console ban to occur just after the release of the new Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 game and less than two months after the release of the very popular Halo 3: ODST game. This "convenient" timing may have resulted in more Xbox Live subscription revenues for Microsoft than it would have generated had these Xbox console bans taken place at some time before the release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and Halo 3: ODST. Additionally, sales of both Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (published by Activision) and Halo 3: ODST (published by Microsoft Game Studios) would likely have been greatly diminished had the Xbox console ban occurred prior to the release of these games.

Brehvolution · « **Reply #28 on:** November 20, 2009, 08:14:35 PM »

I saw that today too and was

Those lawyers must be hurting for work.

chronovore · « **Reply #29 on:** November 21, 2009, 12:17:34 AM »

Christ. Really? Really...?

I'm a fan of people buying something, being able to do whatever they want with it. Hack your iPod. Hack your Xbox.

But I'm also a fan of the ever-elusive "even playing field" for online gaming, so MS has the right to say, "If you mod your xbox, have fun. Do your thing, but you're not allowed to play with it on XBox Live." Where's the harm in that? And if it's about their XBL fees going to waste, they're in violation of TOS, right?

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #30 on:** November 21, 2009, 02:36:36 AM »

Correct.

... but most kids, especially ones that can afford a Xbox 360, have entitlement issues.

Don Flamenco · « **Reply #31 on:** November 21, 2009, 03:09:30 AM »

Quote from: ManaByte on November 20, 2009, 08:00:37 PM

Now the banned pirates are suing Microsoft:
http://www.incgamers.com/News/19698/

Quote
As has been reported widely in the media, tens of thousands of Xbox owners have had their modified Xbox consoles banned from Microsoft's online gaming service Xbox Live. Although modification of Xbox consoles is against the terms of use for Xbox/Xbox Live, Microsoft "conveniently" timed the Xbox console ban to occur just after the release of the new Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 game and less than two months after the release of the very popular Halo 3: ODST game. This "convenient" timing may have resulted in more Xbox Live subscription revenues for Microsoft than it would have generated had these Xbox console bans taken place at some time before the release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and Halo 3: ODST. Additionally, sales of both Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (published by Activision) and Halo 3: ODST (published by Microsoft Game Studios) would likely have been greatly diminished had the Xbox console ban occurred prior to the release of these games.

That's definitely some intentional infliction of emotional distress.

brawndolicious · « **Reply #32 on:** November 21, 2009, 03:29:27 AM »

It's pretty weird how somebody who can't afford to buy games can get a lawyer to sue a huge company for something this idiotic. I'm betting the lawyer is doing this just for the free publicity.

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #33 on:** November 21, 2009, 03:35:58 AM »

It's not a matter of not being able to afford games, it's a matter of not being able to afford every game and middle-class kids thinking they're entitled to everything.

If they have enough money to buy a system, mod it and get a sub for Xbox Live, they're not dirty poor.

Olivia Wilde Homo · « **Reply #34 on:** November 21, 2009, 04:12:09 AM »

Not unexpected IMO.

Most pirates feel it is their god given right to download free copyrighted shit off the internet. Most of them think that they're revolutionaries for wanting to play Modern Warfare 2 for free. 99% of them are cheap fucks like myself but with a key difference that I don't have any illusions: if I can get it for free, I will. These people make it sound like they're fighting the machine when ultimately, they're just trying to save a buck here and there.

It explains the lawsuit. Most pirates think they are Che Guevara, fighting the machine that ultimately oppresses them! You know, the evil video game machine.

brawndolicious · « **Reply #35 on:** November 21, 2009, 04:23:58 AM »

Quote from: Willco on November 21, 2009, 03:35:58 AM

It's not a matter of not being able to afford games, it's a matter of not being able to afford every game and middle-class kids thinking they're entitled to everything.
If they have enough money to buy a system, mod it and get a sub for Xbox Live, they're not dirty poor.

yeah, I guess you're right.

chronovore · « **Reply #36 on:** November 21, 2009, 06:49:56 AM »

Quote from: am nintenho on November 21, 2009, 03:29:27 AM

It's pretty weird how somebody who can't afford to buy games can get a lawyer to sue a huge company for something this idiotic. I'm betting the lawyer is doing this just for the free publicity.

If this is a class action lawsuit, don't most lawyers engage in those sort of, whazzit, "on spec"? I mean the group signs on to take action, and if the suit goes through the lawyer makes a portion of EVERYONE's money. Otherwise, how would a class action suit be funded?

ManaByte · « **Reply #37 on:** November 21, 2009, 01:53:31 PM »

If Microsoft wants to be really evil they can get all RIAA on these kids and counter-sue them for pirating the games.

HyperZoneWasAwesome · « **Reply #38 on:** November 21, 2009, 02:47:31 PM »

"so about that Terms of Service thing you allegedly read and actually did agree to."

"Oh shit, yeah, right."

"Case dismissed."

shortest trial ever.

Olivia Wilde Homo · « **Reply #39 on:** November 21, 2009, 03:07:45 PM »

A lot of pirates would be delusional enough to try to go to court over it. When the judge dismisses the case, they'll blame it on capitalism and the judge being a tool of the corporate world.

The Fake Shemp · « **Reply #40 on:** November 21, 2009, 06:08:11 PM »

I don't think the goal is to get to court, where the case will undoubtedly be dismissed, but to create so much legal hassle and negative press that Microsoft tries to settle out of convenience. Which is still a dumb strategy, because I don't ever remember reading about Microsoft's easy-to-pushover legal staff.

Don Flamenco · « **Reply #41 on:** November 21, 2009, 11:22:48 PM »

Quote from: Kranz Fafka on November 21, 2009, 03:09:30 AM

Quote from: ManaByte on November 20, 2009, 08:00:37 PM
Now the banned pirates are suing Microsoft:
http://www.incgamers.com/News/19698/

Quote
As has been reported widely in the media, tens of thousands of Xbox owners have had their modified Xbox consoles banned from Microsoft's online gaming service Xbox Live. Although modification of Xbox consoles is against the terms of use for Xbox/Xbox Live, Microsoft "conveniently" timed the Xbox console ban to occur just after the release of the new Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 game and less than two months after the release of the very popular Halo 3: ODST game. This "convenient" timing may have resulted in more Xbox Live subscription revenues for Microsoft than it would have generated had these Xbox console bans taken place at some time before the release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and Halo 3: ODST. Additionally, sales of both Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (published by Activision) and Halo 3: ODST (published by Microsoft Game Studios) would likely have been greatly diminished had the Xbox console ban occurred prior to the release of these games.

That's definitely some intentional infliction of emotional distress.

I think of ridiculously stupid things, then god finds ways to trump me:
http://gamepolitics.com/2009/11/19/banned-resistance-gamer-targets-ms-and-noa-latest-suits

Quote

Microsoft is being sued for a “red ring of death” affecting the plaintiff’s Xbox 360 console. Estavillo notes that as he is disabled, he cannot afford to pay the “well over $100” fee to fix the console, nor can he afford to purchase a new one. He feels “that Microsoft should have to bear the burden that is now put on the shoulders of this disabled plaintiff.”

Estavillo is seeking $75,000 from Microsoft, due to the “undue stress” he has undergone since the 360 broke and the “sadness he will have in the mean time of finding one he can afford.”

The same complaint targets Nintendo over a Wii system update. Estavillo claims that update 4.3 disabled his Homebrew Channel, which he used to unlock characters in Mario Kart Wii. Plaintiff states that the only way to unlock characters in Mario Kart Wii is to purchase Super Mario Galaxy, which will unlock a single character in the former title. “In essence, Nintendo is forcing customers to buy another game to unlock one character in a different game.”

Damages to the tune of $5,000 are sought from Nintendo, for interfering in plaintiff’s “pursuit of happiness.” An injunction is also being sought to prohibit Nintendo from “deleting, blocking or prohibiting the Homebrew Channel and Ocarina applications.”

Estavillo says he suffers from depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia and Crohn’s disease, all of which lead to his leaning on videogames “heavily” for happiness.

Bocsius · « **Reply #42 on:** November 21, 2009, 11:41:03 PM »

How many entitlement-issue kids here on EB would be screwed if the music/movie/tv industries bricked your PCs?

Flannel Boy · « **Reply #43 on:** November 21, 2009, 11:48:08 PM »

Quote from: Bocsius on November 21, 2009, 11:41:03 PM

How many entitlement-issue kids here on EB would be screwed if the music/movie/tv industries bricked your PCs?

Don't recall that particular user agreement.

chronovore · « **Reply #44 on:** November 22, 2009, 11:02:01 AM »

Quote

Estavillo says he suffers from depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia and Crohn’s disease, all of which lead to his leaning on videogames “heavily” for happiness.

They left "stupidity" off the list for some reason.

MoxManiac · « **Reply #45 on:** November 22, 2009, 04:29:23 PM »

I had to look up what Crohn's disease is. Yeesh.

bork · « **Reply #46 on:** November 22, 2009, 04:34:43 PM »

I JUST GOT BANNED BY MICROSOFT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WTF?!?!?!?! I ONLY CHIPPED MY SYSTEM!!!!!

God DAMN IT, did I not BUY ur console for $300?!?!?! Did I not PAY $50 a year for Xbox Live?!?!?! U GOT YOUR MONEY, MS$, WHAT DO U CARE IF I DOWNLOAD SOME GAMES?!?!?!?! IT WAS ONLY A COUPLE HUNDRED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111

That's it, I'm SUING U FOR EMOTIONAL DISTRESS. :'( LIKE I DID ANYTHING WRONG.

WHAT I AM SUPPOSED TO DO WITH MY LIFE NOW?!?!?!

DO U KNOW WHAT I GO THROUGH EVERY DAY?!?!?!?!?! MY PARENTS DIDN'T GIVE ME MY $300 ALLOWANCE LAST WEEK!!! THEY SAID I COULDNT HAVE A NEW MUSTANG!!!!!!!!!! MY LIFE IS WORSE THAN THE GHETTO

:::puts on LINKIN PARK CD:::

FUCK U I WILL GET PLAYSTATION U R NOT E THEY HAVE TONY HAWK AND GUITAR HERO AND COD TOO, BITCH.

UP URS BILL GATES

originalz · « **Reply #47 on:** November 23, 2009, 07:06:20 PM »

Bill Gays

Olivia Wilde Homo · « **Reply #48 on:** November 23, 2009, 07:24:33 PM »

Quote from: the lyte edge™ on November 22, 2009, 04:34:43 PM

I JUST GOT BANNED BY MICROSOFT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WTF?!?!?!?! I ONLY CHIPPED MY SYSTEM!!!!!

God DAMN IT, did I not BUY ur console for $300?!?!?! Did I not PAY $50 a year for Xbox Live?!?!?! U GOT YOUR MONEY, MS$, WHAT DO U CARE IF I DOWNLOAD SOME GAMES?!?!?!?! IT WAS ONLY A COUPLE HUNDRED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111

That's it, I'm SUING U FOR EMOTIONAL DISTRESS. :'( LIKE I DID ANYTHING WRONG. WHAT I AM SUPPOSED TO DO WITH MY LIFE NOW?!?!?!
DO U KNOW WHAT I GO THROUGH EVERY DAY?!?!?!?!?! MY PARENTS DIDN'T GIVE ME MY $300 ALLOWANCE LAST WEEK!!! THEY SAID I COULDNT HAVE A NEW MUSTANG!!!!!!!!!! MY LIFE IS WORSE THAN THE GHETTO

:::puts on LINKIN PARK CD:::

FUCK U I WILL GET PLAYSTATION U R NOT E THEY HAVE TONY HAWK AND GUITAR HERO AND COD TOO, BITCH.

UP URS BILL GATES

...and then six months later, they get another 360.

pilonv1 · « **Reply #49 on:** November 23, 2009, 09:06:38 PM »

more like six days

Olivia Wilde Homo · « **Reply #50 on:** November 23, 2009, 09:41:24 PM »

Quote from: pilonv1 on November 23, 2009, 09:06:38 PM

more like six days

News:

Author Topic: Craigslist brimming with banned Xboxes (Read 2744 times)