We are a few months away from the launch of Sony’s PlayStation 5 and Microsoft’s Xbox Series X. As is the case with any new generation of console, there is a lot of excitement around the new machines, but their arrival does not mean that their current devices will it immediately becomes obsolete. Many games will keep falling for both PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, and you can continue playing for years if you treat your console well.
the biggest threats to their old game systems’ life expectancy–really, the biggest risks to Most of the technology in general is dust and heat. Fortunately, you can generally keep both under control with proper cleaning and storage. We will go over some tips for maintaining your PS4 and Xbox One using the same tips collectors have used to maintain retro consoles working even decades later.
Dust and clean
Maintenance begins with cleaning and dusting their consoles. Give your consoles and surrounding areas routine cleanings and jolts to avoid build-up This can prevent adequate ventilation and cause overheating.
Remember, electronics and humidity don’t mix. Single use dry dust cloths to clean your consolenever use wet towels or wipes, and avoid Cleaning products. W humidityTowels or chemicals sprayed from a bottle can leak into cracks or vents in the console. and cause all kinds of problems.
As for the interior of your console, use compressed air to blow dust out of the fan vents and other cracks. The trick here is to spray the powder outside, not inside. Aim so that the can nozzle sprays parallel to the vent opening, not directly on the console, doing that ca reality push more dust and debris inside the machine, which … is not good.
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Cooling and storage
Proper storage of your console is as important as routine cleaning, especially if the machines are used regularly.
Store your consoles in open areas with plenty of space between your ventilation fans and any bookshelves or walls. I don’t knowplace them or place them next to windows, heating vents or other devices. Oh, and make sure they’re in the right position.Some consoles can be placed vertically or horizontally, but we suggest researching which orientation allows the most movement, and using the proper brackets if you do. put them upright. Personally, I would suggest keeping your consoles flat to avoid accidental rollovers, which is the most likely cause of hardware failure or data loss.
There are other DIY cooling solutions, including building your own. Cooling decks to keep your consoles running at optimal temperatures, but I can’t vouch for any of them. You are free to investigate if you want, but do it at your own risk.
Proper cooling and cleaning will keep your consoles running well, but at some point, you may also need to address hardware and software issues.
Software maintenance
Sometimes a console slows down due to an internal software problem and recommendations on what to do in these cases aThey are the same as they would be for your smartphone or PC – make sure you have installed the latest updates and perform a factory reset if the problem persists. As with any device with an operating systemRestoring your consoles to their factory settings from time to time can maintain a device run smoother for longer. This is really just a problem in the original hardware of Post-PlayStation 2, but some newer third-party retro consoles also need regular software maintenance.
If you’re having trouble but can’t seem to find a problem with the console itself, games may be to blame. Proper storage and care will differ between cartridge-based systems and those that play discs; be sure to treat them well.
Hardware repairs
Regular cleanings with the proper technique should be sufficient to avoid the need for a deep cleaning a internal hardware of the console. However, if your machine is it really malfunctions, you may need to open the box and take a look inside, and maybe even replace something there. On newer consoles, the optical drive and hard drives will be common points of failure, but each machine has its weak points. Some consoles, like the PlayStation 4, allow users to easily swap out the original hard drive if they want, but if you need to replace anything else, you’ll need to open that one. suck.
The process for doing this is different for each machine, but it’s easy to find a guide for the console of your choice. with a google search however a fair caveat: opening the console is risky. You can void the warranty (admittedly not a problem for older devices that are already out of warranty) and it is easy to break something due to user error. Only open the box if you are absolutely sure it is necessary and you are sure that you will be able to properly handle the hardware.
Some hardware problems are unavoidable due to natural wear and tear, but you can avoid unnecessary failures with proper storage and cleaning. When in doubt, stake advantage of that canned air. You will need it if you want your older consoles to survive the next generation of games.
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