Just like any other gadget or electronics, video game consoles have their own set of proper maintenance practices. If you neglect these processes, you might end up damaging your device, leading to expensive repairs and even breaking them permanently. Here are mistakes you should avoid.
1. Overworking Your Console
It's understandable that you want to grind at a certain video game to progress further, but consoles also have their limits. If you feel like your device is already too hot, you need to let it rest for at least an hour before turning it on again. Overheating can lead to its interior components becoming damaged to the point where you'll need to replace them.
2. Not Cleaning It Regularly
Consoles come with fans to help cool the device while it's in use. Unfortunately, those same openings where hot air comes out are also where dust tends to accumulate. If you don't clean your console regularly, the dust will prevent proper airflow and will cause the console to overheat much quicker.
3. Self-Repair
If you have the proper expertise to repair your console when it needs fixing, then maybe this rule does not apply to you. But if you think you might do more damage than good, it's best to leave it to the professionals. Besides, opening your unit up will automatically void the warranty, so you'll have to pay for the repairs that might've cost you nothing.
4. Skipping Surge Protectors
Power surges or outages can cause damage to both hardware and data, which is why a surge protector might save you from a headache. This is essential, especially if you live in an area where this happens often. With a surge protector, your console could overload and short out, which could even lead to damages that cannot be fixed.
5. Not Properly Powering It Off
There's a reason that PCs and consoles have on-screen power-off controls. You need to use those so that the device will know when you wrap everything up. Abruptly turning them off by unplugging them could leave your data corrupted. For consoles, that would mean that all those hours you poured into a video game could no longer be loaded.
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6. Not Backing Up Data
You'll come to regret not taking the time to back up your data if you suddenly lose them through corruption, or even just accidentally overwriting them. There are several ways you can store your data, with the easiest being cloud saves. If you prefer a more offline approach, you can store your files on a hard drive, although you'll have to constantly update it manually.
7. Not Buying Essential Accessories
Just because Sony doesn't sell it officially, doesn't mean you won't need it. There are a couple of interesting gadgets and accessories that you could benefit from. For instance, purchasing a crystal or silicone case for your controller might not be the worst thing, especially if you're clumsy and often drop your device. It would certainly let you say a couple of bucks from repairs or replacements.
