Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Your Video Game Consoles

Video game consoles are the heart of any gamers setup, proper cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep even the most retro consoles running smoothly. Poor maintenance can negatively impact performance, making your PS5 run like an Atari 2600! Over this post we will share our best practices for maintaining your consoles that we've learned over our many years as gamers and repair junkies.

1.  Regular Dusting: Use a soft, dry cloth or a microfiber cloth to gently remove dust from the console's exterior. Use compressed air to get the dirt and debris out from the vent and fans to prevent overheating.

2.  Ventilation is Key: Keep your console in a well-ventilated area to avoid overheating. Ensure that there's enough space around the console for proper airflow.

3.  Cleaning Disc Drives: If your console has a disc drive, periodically clean it using a disc drive cleaning kit or compressed air to remove dust and debris that can interfere with game loading.

4.  Controller Maintenance: Clean your controllers as well to prevent dirt buildup. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and avoid using excessive moisture.

5.  Update Firmware: Regularly check for firmware updates and install them. These updates often include performance enhancements and bug fixes that can optimize your console's functionality.

6.  Protect Against Power Surges: Use a surge protector to safeguard your console from sudden power spikes. This helps prevent potential damage to the internal components.

7.  Avoid using 3rd party adapters and plugs: 3rd party adapters and plugs may seem like a great option to save money, but you run the risk of damaging the console. The most infamous example I can think of is 3rd party docks for the Nintendo Switch, which would brick the console.