Gamepolitics has created a simple equation which is said to derive the apporximate failure rate of the Xbox 360. They conclude that a failure rate of anywhere between 29-43% is possible, and say that perhaps the 33% failure rate cited by retailers is just about correct.

Now, math is not especially GP’s strong suit, but if each repair (Y) costs MS $100, that translates to a staggering failure rate of 86%.

At $200, the failure rate is 43%. At $300 it’s 29%. At $400, it’s 22%

At the high end, the $400 repair cost on a 22% failure rate is very unlikely. Since that is the current system’s MSRP, why bother to repair? They could just send you a new 360 to replace your dead one.

On the other end, the 86% scenario seems pretty extreme (perhaps not if you’re one of the unfortunates who have lost multiple 360’s to the dreaded rings).

There is a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff we can’t know here. But, based on the numbers, a failure rate between 29% and 43% would not be unreasonable. So maybe those 33% reports aren’t so far off the mark, after all.