Microsoft's Autumn Xbox 360 update is causing consoles to freeze at random intervals during play. The snafu apparently affects all games. The update was bugled on the Xbox community site as "another 85 reasons why 360 rocks".

Microsoft sent us this statement:

We’re aware that a very small number of Xbox 360 customers have been experiencing some issues with their console after the Autumn Update has been applied. We’re working with each customer individually to resolve any problems. Any Xbox 360 customers who have any issues with their console should contact the customer service team on 0870 60 10 100.

So far Redmond's idea "working with each customer individually" has mostly been to demand $139 to pick up the console and have it repaired, which is odd considering Microsoft told The Register the problem is caused by its update.

More details from other gamers here in the official Xbox site forum. One user says he was told by Xbox tech support that part of the update was intended to freeze 360s with mod chips. ®