Microsoft can no longer afford to send Xbox 360 'coffins'

Those plagued by a broken Xbox 360 will now be required to provide their own cardboard box.

Microsoft has decided to deny Xbox 360 owners a pre-paid cardboard coffin box, which was previously sent to all owners who needed to use the company's repair service.

Microsoft has told Joystiq that the policy was discontinued as of May 26th "in an effort to expedite the repair process." Instead, customers will have the option of a pre-paid e-label to stick to their own cardboard box.

"Customers can now ship their consoles themselves using an e-label provided by Microsoft and do not need to wait for an empty box to be shipped to them," a Microsoft representative told Joystiq.

It's nice that the company is trying to make this look like a positive, when in fact they're looking for a quick way to cut costs in an area of their business (Xbox 360 repairs) that's bleeding money.