PlayStation or Xbox playing up? What we fix

Game consoles work hard and run hot, so they do develop faults over time. The reassuring news is that most of the common ones are repairable, and usually for a lot less than replacing the whole console. Here are the faults we see most often on PlayStation and Xbox, what causes them, and whether they are worth fixing.

It will not turn on

A console that is completely dead, or that beeps and shuts straight back off, usually points to a power supply fault. On both PlayStation and Xbox the internal power supply unit is a common failure point, and it is a self-contained part that can often be replaced on its own. Before assuming the worst, try a different wall socket and a different power cable to rule out the simple causes.

Overheating and loud fans

If your console roars like a jet engine, gets very hot, or shuts itself down mid-game, it is almost always a cooling problem. Over the years dust clogs the vents and the thermal paste on the main chip dries out, so heat cannot escape. A proper strip-down clean and fresh thermal paste usually brings temperatures and noise right back down and can add years to the console's life.

Broken HDMI port

No picture on the TV, or a loose, flickering signal? A damaged HDMI port is one of the most common console repairs, often caused by a knock to the cable while it is plugged in, or a pet or child pulling it. The port itself can be replaced, restoring a clean picture without needing a new machine.

Disc drive and other faults

• Discs not reading or ejecting. A worn drive or laser, usually repairable or replaceable.
• Blinking lights or error codes. Often a power, cooling or connection issue underneath, worth a proper diagnosis.
• Controller drift and faults. Sticks that move on their own or buttons that stop responding can be repaired too.

Is it worth repairing?

Almost always, yes. A power supply, a clean and re-paste, or an HDMI port repair costs a fraction of a new console, and it keeps a perfectly good machine out of a drawer. We give a free diagnostic first so you know exactly what is wrong and what it will cost before deciding. You can book a console repair here, at our High Wycombe shop.