While video game consoles are generally replaced with newer generations every few years, this does not mean you need to replace yours. In fact, with proper care, your consoles can last for many years to come, albeit you may not be able to play the latest games at its fullest. That said, there are still thousands of games you can still play with your current console, and the secret to a long-lasting console is with maintenance. Whether you are using a PlayStation 2 or an Xbox 360, you can continue rocking games on it by following these maintenance tips:
1. Do not drop it
While they might look like they can take a hit, there are delicate components inside that can be damaged by any impact. This is especially true for consoles designed to sit in one place, where a drop can hurt its internals. As for handhelds, they are a lot tougher, meaning that the chances of damaging something when dropped are much less. However, this does not mean they are immune. Dropping a handheld can still cause problems, such as a cracked screen or a broken button.
Simply put, do not drop your console, handheld or not.
2. Give it space
Large console devices emit plenty of heat. This heat needs to be adequately dissipated for the device to stay cool and run properly. Placing them in an enclosed space will do nothing more than suffocating the console, allowing hot air to build up inside and risk overheating. When your device overheats, not only will it underperform, but you will drastically reduce its lifespan.
To ensure your console has plenty of air around it to keep it cool, place it where there are no objects near it to obstruct the flow of air. Try your best not to surround it with anything, as doing so will only put it at a higher risk of overheating.
3. Dust it often
Your console will inevitably collect dust over time. That is because dust is everywhere, whether we like it or not. Just as you would dust your furniture every so often, you should do the same for your console. Not doing this will mean that dust will accumulate on and inside the console, causing hot air to be trapped and overheating the device.
To dust your console, you can start by wiping it clean. After that, if you feel like the device is getting hotter than normal, you can remove dust from the internals, especially the fan area if possible. Be careful not to damage anything in the process.
4. Keep it dry
Electronics and water do not go hand-in-hand. If one ever gets into contact with the other, that is a one-way ticket to shorting the electronics. A fried console is one that needs to be replaced, and if you do not want to replace your console anytime soon, keep it dry.
To keep it dry, always ensure that it is far away from any drinks or sources of water. If it does get wet, switch it off immediately and leave it to dry for a day or even two to be sure. While it will not guarantee that your console has not been damaged, ensuring that it is totally dry will make sure when you do switch it on, its insides do not fry.
Conclusion
By following these maintenance tips, you will ensure that your console will last for many years to come. That being said, if you do find that your console has been damaged one way or the other, you must send it in for repairs immediately. That way, the problem will not worsen and give you the highest chance to walk home with a console that still works properly.
Gamer Tech is an established repair company in the UK, offering the latest repair techniques and high-quality parts to get devices fixed like new. If you are looking for PS4 repairs in the UK or other consoles, contact us today!