Gaming Console Repair Should be Left to the Professionals

Gaming Console Repair Should be Left to the Professionals

Gaming console repair can be a difficult task. For an avid gamer, there’s probably nothing worse than being in the middle of a good game and having your system crash! Luckily there are pros on hand who can perform all kinds of repairs, on all types of consoles.

Gaming Console Varieties

We’ve come a long way from the old-school Ataris, and today’s premier eighth-generation gaming systems include Microsoft’s Xbox One, the Sony PlayStation (PS4), and the one-of-a-kind Nintendo Wii U.

The Xbox One is manufactured by Microsoft, with an added emphasis on cloud computing and the inclusion of various services and entertainment applications, in addition to games. Users can enjoy television programing, multitasking apps with split screens, and even second-screen functionality for multiple uses or optimal gaming. The optional Knelt sensor uses voice recognition and motion tracking as controlling options, in addition to the more traditional button controller.

The Nintendo PS4 was created by Sony, and emphasizes social interaction as well as the integration of other services and devices. The PS4 supports remote play on off-console mobile devices, and features a unique controller that includes an integrated touchpad.

Nintendo’s Wii U includes an integrated touchscreen, which can be used in conjunction with a main screen (replacing the need for split screen in multiplayer games) or in place of the television screen entirely.  Wii was the first gaming console to support the use of controlling devices that used body motion with the Wii remote, and it offers additional controllers like the nunchuk (a hand-held, corded controller that works in tandem with the main one), the Wii wheel (a steering wheel accessory), the Zapper (a gun-shaped controller), and the balance board (which players stand on, registering motion and balance shifts).

When Gaming Goes Wrong

Each of these systems offers fabulous entertainment options, but those all go down the tube when the system malfunctions.

Here are a few common problems that might require gaming console repair:

• Bad disk drives. The disk drive on your gaming console is the element that reads and plays your game or movie disks. With their moving parts and delicate technology, they are subject to periodic failure and may need to be replaced. The good news is that the disk drive doesn’t hold any of your data or formatting, so you shouldn’t be at risk for losing your programming.

• Hard drive failure. The hard drive drive on a gaming console is sort of like the “brain” of the game system, and malfunctions in disk drives are not easily repaired at home. If you’ve tested with additional controllers or screens and still find the system won’t work, it’s time to take your console in to an expert for repair. Techs will do what they can to save your data (and recover it if needed) while repairing or replacing your hard drive. You can make this easier by keeping regular backups yourself as a preventive measure against the day when you might experience a hard drive failure.

• The “blue light of death”. Specific to the Nintendo PlayStation 4, the infamous “blue light of death” is a generalized error code, meaning it can be hard to figure out exactly what has gone wrong. The problem might be anything from an issue with the power supply to a problem with the hard drive, and you might need an experienced tech to sort it out for you.

• Software issues. If your game freezes while you play, or if you find yourself facing an odd error message, your first move should be to reboot your console. Check your cables and make sure the console has not gotten overheated with use. If you keep experiencing freezing, you may want a tech to take a look and see if you’re experiencing software issues.

If you happen to run into any type of issue the Repair Sharks can help you out with your gaming console repair. We service a wide variety of problems for just about any console available on the market including Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, One, PS3, and PS4. Feel free to contact us or give us a call if you need a hand. Mail-in and drop-off services available for all consoles.