MS comments on console banning

Warns that a pre-owned console that has already been banned won't have access to Xbox LIVE.

Microsoft's Larry Hryb (Major Nelson), Xbox Live Director of Programming has issued a statement concerning the recent swath of console bannings.

"As you may have read online, we’ve been actively banning consoles from Xbox LIVE that have been modified to play pirated games," stated Hryb. "Our commitment to combat piracy and support safer and more secure gameplay for the more than 20 million members of our Xbox LIVE community remains a top priority."

Hryb added: "All consumers should know that piracy is illegal, and that modifying their Xbox 360 console to play pirated discs, violates the Xbox LIVE terms of use, will void their warranty and result in a ban from Xbox LIVE. The health of the video game business depends on customers paying for the genuine products and services they receive from manufacturers, retailers, and the third parties that support them."

As a word of warning, Hryb also stated that gamers should be cautious when picking up a pre-owned Xbox 360 console.

"This would also be a good time to remind you that the warranty on an Xbox 360 console is not transferable and if you purchase a used console that has been previously banned, you will not be able to connect to Xbox LIVE," Hryb concluded.