Controller/Headset/Play-Charge Kit Broken!?!? Mine too! PLEASE READ: XBOX/Microsoft Design ...

I am writing this post in hopes to spread awareness of how Xbox is designing their equipment.

My experience with Microsoft, and their Xbox one accessories is as follows:

Since the launch of Xbox One, I have owned a total of: 5 wireless controllers, 2 play and charge kits, and 3 wired headsets. Now, let’s be clear, I don’t own all of these things just for fun…I’m not a collector of xbox accessories…I don’t plan to sell
them on ebay at a later date for a profit..

I have had NO CHOICE but to purchase these things in order to USE MY XBOX.

That last part is key. Because really, what is an Xbox One without its accessories? It’s nothing but an oversized, bulky, and honestly fairly ugly paper weight.



I Suppose I could have used the clumsy voice commands to navigate through the menus, but only to watch Netflix…not play a game, or communicate with my friends (through xbox live which I am also paying a monthly subscription for).



I was able to get 2 of my 5 controllers for free from Microsoft as replacements for the 2 “bad” controllers they sold me on day one. Both controllers had broken left analog sticks after just a couple of weeks of use. One of these new controllers is also
beginning to fail, this time the A button is getting stuck and being “pressed” more times than I intend it to…so I reckon I will be onto my 6th controller soon…but that’s neither here nor there.



The reason I had to buy the 5th controller was that it took Microsoft nearly HALF A YEAR (after countless hours of phone calls and email chains) to send me replacements for the 2 “bad” controllers I was sold at launch…



So for about 2 Months (Feb-March), I had no controller…again, I had NO CHOICE but to pay for a 3rd controller (while waiting for replacements) when I’m only ever using 1 at a time. My choices were A) Don’t use your xbox. Or B) Pay for another
controller.



Since launch I’ve seen tens if not hundreds of threads on the forums discussing the same issues I’ve seen with my controllers….these threads never see any attention from an Xbox admin, they never see any responses. Xbox/Microsoft denies that there is ANY
problem with their controllers. At this point in time, most of the threads are now locked or deleted (by xbox/Microsoft) so we are no longer able to openly discuss these issues…like they don’t exist..

I thought the forums were an open place for discussion, and not Nazi Germany, but I guess I was wrong.



The controllers are bad enough, but really that’s just the beginning.

As stated above, I am onto my 2nd play and charge kit. Let me start this by saying: Xbox, do you really hate your customers so much as to not have the charge kit built into your already overpriced system? Even PS3 had it….like come on guys…get
serious.

Anyway, the issue with the play and charge kit is simple…it doesn’t charge. The wires in the cord frayed almost IMMEDIATELY after I took the kit out of its box. At first the cord would still charge the controller, but I couldn’t be playing while it charged….so
how can it be called a “PLAY and charge kit”? It would charge only if the cord was bent in a certain direction and the controller had to be perfectly still, any slight movement would disconnect the frayed wires and so, the controller would disconnect.



It got to a point where even if I left the controller on the ground, plugged in to the cord, propped up so the wires and everything was in the appropriate position, the vibration of footsteps in the room (i kid you not) would cause enough movement to disconnect
the charging cord. So basically, I have to keep a constant eye on my controller while its charging or it will likely become disconnected very quickly and not charge at all. I do not think this was the intention of the play and charge kit….certainly not how
it is marketed. 1st cord was tossed, now onto my second.

My second play and charge cord has already begun displaying the same issues as the first. It is clear that the wires are frayed and have a hard time staying connected unless carefully placed in the appropriate orientation. It is a chore EVERYTIME I want
to charge my controller.



And of course, who could forget the wired headset!?! I am now onto my 3rd wired headset in under a year.

These things are probably the worst of them all. Within the first month after launch, I began to notice that my microphone would cut in and out. I first thought it was a connection issue, but it turned out (similar to the charge kit) it was just another
case of frayed wires. If I wiggled the cord around and held it in place, the fray wires would connect and I could be heard…but that was the only way…I had to hold the wire (where the cord meets the controller adaptor) in the proper orientation to get a connection.
It got worse and worse over the next couple weeks until it was simply un-usable.

At that point in time, I was in the process of having my replacement controllers shipped, and was luckily able to piggyback a wired headset replacement with the controllers.

Unfortunately, since then, my replacement headset has failed in the exact same way as the first. The microphone began to cut in and out, I noticed if I moved my arms (while holding the controller) the mic would continuously connect and disconnect. Again,
it became useless…



So now, here I am again, forced to buy another accessory to simply USE MY XBOX.



Let me make it clear again that I did not abuse these accessories…my controllers/headsets rest safely on top of my xbox when not in use, I do not pull or bend the cords (especially around the controller adaptor, as I know how HORRIBLE OF A DESIGN that is).
Every time I plug the headset into my controller you’d think I was handling a butterfly. I am SO careful, yet they continue to break.



Keep in mind, these are my own experiences…many of my personal friends with the Xbox One have had identical issues (especially with regards to the controllers and headsets).



So now, as I have gone through 5 controllers, 2 play and charge kits, and 3 wired headsets in less than a year… I ask xbox this. Do you expect your customers to keep spending 300$ a year to maintain their accessories? Simply to use their console?



What is it going to take for Xbox/Microsoft to sell me a functioning piece of equipment?



I click “Get a Replacement” on your website, thinking “Oh, that’s nice, they know there is an issue and are sending replacements!”



But this link only leads customers to a checkout page where they can BUY ANOTHER…which is NOT the same as getting a “replacement”. Very tricky wording there Xbox…very coy.

So…what is it going to take?

Do I need to go through the escalation process every time an accessory breaks? I don’t have enough time in the day to spend 2 hours on the phone with your terrible call centers. What would you have me do Xbox? Please advise, I would love some advice here.

Any lawyers out there? I've seen a few posts about a lawsuit but it seems they are yet to *** off the wrong person.

Xbox...i want to contiune to support you as i have for the past 10+ years...but you are making it extremely difficult to do so. Why are you selling your customers junk?

:)

 

Controller/Headset/Play-Charge Kit Broken!?!? Mine too! PLEASE READ: XBOX/Microsoft Design All Accessories to Break! Microsoft trying to hide this post!

I am writing this post in hopes to spread awareness of how Xbox is designing their equipment.

My experience with Microsoft, and their Xbox one accessories is as follows:

Since the launch of Xbox One, I have owned a total of: 5 wireless controllers, 2 play and charge kits, and 3 wired headsets. Now, let’s be clear, I don’t own all of these things just for fun…I’m not a collector of xbox accessories…I don’t plan to sell
them on ebay at a later date for a profit..

I have had NO CHOICE but to purchase these things in order to USE MY XBOX.

That last part is key. Because really, what is an Xbox One without its accessories? It’s nothing but an oversized, bulky, and honestly fairly ugly paper weight.



I Suppose I could have used the clumsy voice commands to navigate through the menus, but only to watch Netflix…not play a game, or communicate with my friends (through xbox live which I am also paying a monthly subscription for).



I was able to get 2 of my 5 controllers for free from Microsoft as replacements for the 2 “bad” controllers they sold me on day one. Both controllers had broken left analog sticks after just a couple of weeks of use. One of these new controllers is also
beginning to fail, this time the A button is getting stuck and being “pressed” more times than I intend it to…so I reckon I will be onto my 6th controller soon…but that’s neither here nor there.



The reason I had to buy the 5th controller was that it took Microsoft nearly HALF A YEAR (after countless hours of phone calls and email chains) to send me replacements for the 2 “bad” controllers I was sold at launch…



So for about 2 Months (Feb-March), I had no controller…again, I had NO CHOICE but to pay for a 3rd controller (while waiting for replacements) when I’m only ever using 1 at a time. My choices were A) Don’t use your xbox. Or B) Pay for another
controller.



Since launch I’ve seen tens if not hundreds of threads on the forums discussing the same issues I’ve seen with my controllers….these threads never see any attention from an Xbox admin, they never see any responses. Xbox/Microsoft denies that there is ANY
problem with their controllers. At this point in time, most of the threads are now locked or deleted (by xbox/Microsoft) so we are no longer able to openly discuss these issues…like they don’t exist..

I thought the forums were an open place for discussion, and not Nazi Germany, but I guess I was wrong.



The controllers are bad enough, but really that’s just the beginning.

As stated above, I am onto my 2nd play and charge kit. Let me start this by saying: Xbox, do you really hate your customers so much as to not have the charge kit built into your already overpriced system? Even PS3 had it….like come on guys…get
serious.

Anyway, the issue with the play and charge kit is simple…it doesn’t charge. The wires in the cord frayed almost IMMEDIATELY after I took the kit out of its box. At first the cord would still charge the controller, but I couldn’t be playing while it charged….so
how can it be called a “PLAY and charge kit”? It would charge only if the cord was bent in a certain direction and the controller had to be perfectly still, any slight movement would disconnect the frayed wires and so, the controller would disconnect.



It got to a point where even if I left the controller on the ground, plugged in to the cord, propped up so the wires and everything was in the appropriate position, the vibration of footsteps in the room (i kid you not) would cause enough movement to disconnect
the charging cord. So basically, I have to keep a constant eye on my controller while its charging or it will likely become disconnected very quickly and not charge at all. I do not think this was the intention of the play and charge kit….certainly not how
it is marketed. 1st cord was tossed, now onto my second.

My second play and charge cord has already begun displaying the same issues as the first. It is clear that the wires are frayed and have a hard time staying connected unless carefully placed in the appropriate orientation. It is a chore EVERYTIME I want
to charge my controller.



And of course, who could forget the wired headset!?! I am now onto my 3rd wired headset in under a year.

These things are probably the worst of them all. Within the first month after launch, I began to notice that my microphone would cut in and out. I first thought it was a connection issue, but it turned out (similar to the charge kit) it was just another
case of frayed wires. If I wiggled the cord around and held it in place, the fray wires would connect and I could be heard…but that was the only way…I had to hold the wire (where the cord meets the controller adaptor) in the proper orientation to get a connection.
It got worse and worse over the next couple weeks until it was simply un-usable.

At that point in time, I was in the process of having my replacement controllers shipped, and was luckily able to piggyback a wired headset replacement with the controllers.

Unfortunately, since then, my replacement headset has failed in the exact same way as the first. The microphone began to cut in and out, I noticed if I moved my arms (while holding the controller) the mic would continuously connect and disconnect. Again,
it became useless…



So now, here I am again, forced to buy another accessory to simply USE MY XBOX.



Let me make it clear again that I did not abuse these accessories…my controllers/headsets rest safely on top of my xbox when not in use, I do not pull or bend the cords (especially around the controller adaptor, as I know how HORRIBLE OF A DESIGN that is).
Every time I plug the headset into my controller you’d think I was handling a butterfly. I am SO careful, yet they continue to break.



Keep in mind, these are my own experiences…many of my personal friends with the Xbox One have had identical issues (especially with regards to the controllers and headsets).



So now, as I have gone through 5 controllers, 2 play and charge kits, and 3 wired headsets in less than a year… I ask xbox this. Do you expect your customers to keep spending 300$ a year to maintain their accessories? Simply to use their console?



What is it going to take for Xbox/Microsoft to sell me a functioning piece of equipment?



I click “Get a Replacement” on your website, thinking “Oh, that’s nice, they know there is an issue and are sending replacements!”



But this link only leads customers to a checkout page where they can BUY ANOTHER…which is NOT the same as getting a “replacement”. Very tricky wording there Xbox…very coy.

So…what is it going to take?

Do I need to go through the escalation process every time an accessory breaks? I don’t have enough time in the day to spend 2 hours on the phone with your terrible call centers. What would you have me do Xbox? Please advise, I would love some advice here.

Any lawyers out there? I've seen a few posts about a lawsuit but it seems they are yet to *** off the wrong person.

Xbox...i want to contiune to support you as i have for the past 10+ years...but you are making it extremely difficult to do so. Why are you selling your customers junk?

 

Controller/Headset/Play-Charge Kit Broken!?!? Mine too! PLEASE READ: XBOX/Microsoft Design All Accessories to Break! Microsoft trying to hide this post!

right so i re-posted to avoid said flame war....

and had done so successfully....

Its not my fault if people respond to my post...it should not be against the rules for me to post my experiences...

This is important to me. I want a good reason that this information cant stay on a forum...it was originally moved by a moderator to a different spot...so it was acceptable to be viewed by that person....but now, since someone responded and said some stupid
things, it cant be posted anywhere ever again? If thats the case, these forums are more of a joke than i thought.

 

Hey, ant! Since this doesn't seem to be a support issue, I've moved you over to General Discussion. If you would like to send feedback about the way the accessories are made, please hit up our
Feedback site.

 

LOL Why wouldn't you just move this to the feedback forum?

 

I've had my X1 set up since December 27th, give or take a day, and have had no issues with the controller or headset. Either you have terrible luck or you don't treat your "toys" very nice. ;-)

Peace, J.R.

 

Have had mine since Dec 3/13..... junior has dropped/thrown my controller numerous times and it still works 100%......

 

Had mine since launch, dogs have pushed my Day One controller off the couch dozens of times and I haven't had an issue with controller, charge and play, or headset adapter, no electronic device is going to last forever, but sounds like you need to treat
your stuff a little better.

 

Dont own the X1, but am knowledgable about these sorts of problems.

1, Theyll never admit it, but the X1 thumbsticks are weak where they connect to the mod, and will break/wallow out during normal use. Solution take it back to the place of purchase for a replacement, or if thats not an option and MS want replace it.

Buy replacement thumbsticks, which can be had cheap online and simply replace them. Youtube has videos on how to do it. Whats causing them to break is clicking on the thumbstick for sprinting in games like CoD etc, and while clicked moving in one direction
or the other, the plastic shank of the thumbstick shell will often split, allowing the stem to wallow around inside.

The original, and xbox 360 thumbsticks could take the abuse, but the redesigned x1 controler with its brittle thumbsticks simply cannot. I forget how much MS said it spent redesigning the controller, but whatever the cost was, it was completely offset by
using shabby matterial/workmenship in its construction.

.

2, Dont use play and charge kits. Purchase rechargable batteries, and charger. Often less than 20 bucks for 4 batteries plus charger at wally world etc..and use them instead. Play and charge kits. In my personal view. Are simply a 'dead' expense.

.

3, it sounds as if the wires/connections for the headsets are less than ad to do the intended job. Thus you may want to try using better quality headsets. Or you can try slidding the connector outwards a touch when connected. What I mean by that is.. Connect
the headset to the controller and then ever so slightly begin slidding the connector probe outwards until you can hear others through the headset clearly. If it still dont work... Well, ive no other ideals at this time.

 

While it's unfortunate that you are having so many issues, ant, I have personally had virtually no issues with my controller and I've had it, along with my console, for nearly an entire year. IMO, you are actually in the minority - most people don't have
any issues with any of these (or at least don't take the time to complain about it online if they do). For example, my play and charge kit fits nice and snug within my controller - in fact, it's so tight, I have to tug really very hard in order to get it out
(basically the opposite of your issue).

It seems to me you already know of not one, but several solutions to this issue - you've already contacted support and had replacements sent to you as well as bought new replacements yourself; both are valid solutions (that most people would likely do WITHOUT
complaining about it here). If you know the solution and have followed through, why the need to complain or inform others? Since you're posting to this forum to educate others, allow me to educate you: I'm afraid it will largely fall on deaf ears either because
as I already said, theirs probably works, or they simply don't want to read about other people's issues. I'd also like to inform you that although these are the official Xbox forums, they are not run or read by Microsoft in any official capacity - again, your
complaints/info will likely fall on deaf ears.

Finally, you shouldn't presume to tell us how they are manufactured - we know exactly how they are manufactured. In fact, it was featured in a video during Xbox One's release, which can be seen
.

 

I also tried to add this video to my post, but the edit limit prevented it:

 

Geek, my play and charge is also snug in the controller...its the frayed wires within the cord that casue the connection to fail....this is EXTREMELY detailed in my original post...did you even read it?

Your response really couldnt have been any less helpfull, or any more condescending...thanks for nothing. If you had ANY IDEA (which you dont) whiat i had to go through to get those replacement controllres, you wouldnt bring your ignornace in here.

I could show you in a video i suppose...ANY movement of the controller or cord while the cord is plugged in will cause it to disconnect.

And to ANYONE (Zero Divided) who thinks someone who had done the damge to their stuff themselves would be ignorant enough, mentally challenged enough, to come online and write a god damned essay describing the experiences that he has had, you sir, are a
fool, and you are not helping anyone.

Like you really think im damaging my stuff? my post clearly states that i am no abusing the accessories, many of them have problems after a few week of use. I am a grown a$$ man and I treat the things that I BUY very carefully...if you are going to wrongfully
assume i am the one causing the damage, please take your comments elsewhere. you are wasting my time.

 

Sorry but I was only speaking of my own experiences and those of the people I game with almost daily, no one I associate with seem to have any of these problems, several with Day One consoles, and several purchased over the past few months, I use the charging
cable daily to charge my controller, phone and tablet and it still works as perfectly as the day I took it out of the box.

All I can do is go off of what you written in your posts, and from it I gather that either you, and your friends, are the most unlucky people... Like ever, or there is something more to the story.

And just because someone says something you didn't like doesn't mean you should start with the personal attacks, that is not how grown men handle a disagreement, and that is how threads get deleted and locked.

 

Hmm, well, my apologies for trying to tell you like it is. For example, no I didn't need or want to read your entire post, so yes, I did miss the part about the frayed wires. And why was that? Because I didn't want to read about someone's complaints when
they obviously already knew of (and mentioned) several ways to solve their own issue and decided to complain anyways.

So, by all means, keep it up! With an attitude like that where you keep attacking every single person who replies to your thread, just wait and see how many others will still be willing to help you...

Good day to you sir!

...and good riddance.