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A great gaming experience doesn’t just come from having the fastest graphics and the smoothest gameplay, but also a fully-functional console. While gaming consoles have become indispensable to us, they are not cheap investments, so it’s essential to make them last as long as possible. While you may be tempted to get your hands on the latest consoles, having to lose your gaming console to an early death definitely isn’t how you want to go about it. Fortunately, the good news is that with proper care and some simple maintenance, you can prolong the lifespan of your gaming console and get the maximum value out of it. After all, nothing contributes to a positive gaming experience more than a fully operational console. Let’s delve into how you can store and maintain your gaming consoles to keep them running smoothly over the years.
Overheating can trigger thermal throttling, making your console slow down for its own protection, wreaking havoc on your gaming performance. Ensure that your console has enough room to breathe and dissipate heat effectively. Never rest your console on top of the vents, but rather keep the vents facing outward at all times to ensure sufficient airflow. Also, avoid placing it in cramped spaces, on soft surfaces (like beds or couches), or inside enclosed cabinets where the vents can be blocked. For added measures, consider installing risers under your console to keep the vents free of clutter and even investing in an external cooling fan for your console.
Dust and dirt tend to gather inside your console over time, which can lead to overheating and malfunctioning. Periodically cleaning the vents will allow effortless dissipation of the warm air keeping the thermal components from becoming overheated, prolonging the life of your console. Unplug all the connected cables use only a soft microfiber to clean the dust and grime from the exterior. Try not to use any harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could leave scratches. Also, try not to use compressed or canned air when cleaning out your vents, since the pressure from the compressed air can further blow the dust inside the internal components or even damage internal components. If you do need to use an air can, be sure to take off the vent plate to avoid further damage or use short, controlled bursts of air.
Familiar with the message, “Please don’t turn off your console” during system updates? Ignore it at your own peril!
Gaming console manufacturers frequently release updates, such as bug fixes, security patches, and performance improvements to enhance system stability and security and keep your console working without a glitch. While we may turn up our noses at software updates, it is important to keep your console’s firmware and games up to date for a flawless, seamless gaming experience.
Extreme temperature fluctuations can mean an untimely death for your console’s components. Avoid exposing it to extreme heat or cold and never leave it in a car during hot summer days or freezing winter nights. Store your console in a temperature-controlled environment to ensure its longevity.
Power surges and voltage spikes can prove to be fatal for your console’s internal components. This is why you need a cutting-edge surge protector to absorb any excess voltage, and protect your console from unexpected power spikes. This is a relatively small investment that can save you from costly repairs or replacements down the road. Additionally, it won’t hurt to unplug your console during thunderstorms or any other weather event that could cause power fluctuations.
For those who engage in extended gaming sessions, consider using external cooling systems or cooling pads designed for gaming consoles. These small changes can help you regulate the temperature around your console which is essential for the longevity of your console.
Treat your gaming console with care, which also means not moving it from place to place. Avoid moving it while a disc is spinning, and only transport it in its original packaging or a dedicated carrying case when needed. Moving around your console a lot could increase the chances of dropping it, dinging it, or damaging it, leading to mechanical failures or scratches on discs. If you do need to give your console another home, detach all cords from the system from moving it to avoid bending the wires or manipulating the position of the internal port.
When not in use, keep your console covered with a dust cover. This prevents dust from settling on the console and its ports. Additionally, store your games and accessories in an organized manner to reduce clutter and potential damage.
Many modern consoles provide playtime statistics, allowing you to keep tabs on your gaming time. Extended usage without breaks can overwork the hardware, leading to damage and overheating. Even when you leave the console in sleep mode, it is still running in the background, which can still lead to overheating. Cut down your screen time to give your console a rest and reduce the risk of overheating.
If your console runs into issues, do not try DIY fixes, especially if it’s under warranty. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for repairs or replacements. DIY repairs can void your warranty and potentially cause more damage.
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