Xbox One problems earn affected gamers a free game

Microsoft is giving away a free game to gamers suffering from a borked Xbox One. If your Xbox has let you down, you can choose from a free copy of Dead Rising 3, Ryse: Son of Rome, Forza Motorsport 5, or Zoo Tycoon.

"Only a very small number of Xbox One customers are suffering hardware issues," a Microsoft spokesperson told me today. "We’re working directly with those affected to get a replacement console to them as soon as possible through our advance exchange program. While a replacement console is on its way, we will provide each of these customers with a free digital download of one of the launch titles published by Microsoft Studios."

Microsoft admits there's a problem with some consoles' disc drive, memorably described by one gamer as sounding "like a robot vomiting."

Xbox customer care staff offer the choice of free game as a download to gamers with consoles that are on the wonk. If you think there's something up with your Xbox, get in touch with Microsoft at at support.xbox.com/en-gb/.

The new Xbox One, which went on sale on Friday, sold twice as many as its predecessor the Xbox 360 in its first weekend, according to sales monitoring group GfK Chart-Track.

But this Friday the rival Sony PlayStation 4 hits shops, costing a whopping £80 less than the Xbox One.

The PS4 also has its share of problems, with reports of a Blue Light of Death. Both Sony and Microsoft maintain only a small number of consoles have problems though, which leaves millions of gamers fragging away merrily.

How are you getting on with the Xbox One? What's your pick of the launch titles? And which next-gen console will emerge victorious -- Xbox One or PS4? Tell me your thoughts in the comments or on our Facebook page -- and for more gaming goodness, check out our button-bashing buddies at GameSpot.