Gaming Console Repair Guide: PS5, Xbox & Switch

Pro Tip

Key Takeaways:

• HDMI port damage is the #1 issue across all current-gen consoles — accounts for 30-40% of repairs.
• UK repairs typically cost £59-£129 — significantly cheaper than buying new (PS5: £449, Xbox Series X: £449, Switch OLED: £309).
• Most console repairs take 2-5 days — same-day service available for common issues.
• Joy-Con drift is the cheapest fix at £25-45 — Nintendo's free repair programme ended in 2024.
• Manufacturer warranty is 1 year — repairs during warranty are free if not user-caused damage.

Your gaming console has stopped working. Before you panic about replacing a £300-450 device, know this: over 80% of console issues are repairable, often for a fraction of the replacement cost.

This guide covers the three major platforms — PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch — with honest pricing, repair timelines, and clear advice on when repair makes sense versus buying new.

Which Console Do You Have?

PlayStation 5 Repairs

The PS5 launched in November 2020 and has become Sony's fastest-selling console. As these consoles age past their 1-year warranty, repair needs are increasing.

Most common PS5 issues

• HDMI port damage — No display, flickering, or "no signal" (35%)
• Disc drive problems — Won't read discs, grinding sounds, stuck discs (25%)
• Overheating — Shutdowns, loud fan, thermal throttling (20%)
• Power issues — Won't turn on, beeps but no power (15%)
• Rest mode crashes — Crashes when entering/exiting rest mode (5%)

The PS5 Digital Edition is generally more reliable due to having no disc drive, but all models share the same HDMI and power supply vulnerabilities.

→ Full guide: PlayStation 5 Repair Guide (Costs, Common Issues & DIY Tips)

Xbox Series X|S Repairs

Microsoft's Xbox Series X and Series S launched alongside the PS5 in 2020. The Series S is disc-less and has fewer mechanical failures, while the Series X shares many of the same vulnerabilities as the PS5.

Most common Xbox issues

• HDMI port damage — No display, signal dropouts (30%)
• Disc drive failures (Series X) — Reading issues, grinding (25%)
• Overheating — Shutdowns, performance drops (20%)
• Power issues — Won't power on, random shutdowns (15%)
• Controller drift — Unintended stick movement (10%)

Xbox disc drives are less tightly integrated with the motherboard than PS5 drives, making replacement somewhat simpler — but still requiring proper equipment.

→ Full guide: Xbox Series X|S Repair Guide (UK Costs & Common Problems)

Nintendo Switch Repairs

The Nintendo Switch (2017), Switch Lite (2019), and Switch OLED (2021) are among the most repairable current-gen consoles. Joy-Con drift alone affects millions of units.

Most common Switch issues

• Joy-Con drift — Stick registers input without touching (45%)
• Charging port damage — Won't charge, loose connection (20%)
• Screen damage — Cracked, dead pixels, burn-in (15%)
• Rail connector issues — Joy-Cons don't connect (10%)
• Battery degradation — Poor battery life after 3+ years (10%)

Nintendo offered free Joy-Con drift repairs until 2024, but this programme has ended in most regions. Third-party repairs are now the most cost-effective option.

→ Full guide: Nintendo Switch Repair Guide (Joy-Con Drift, Screen & More)

Common Issues Across All Consoles

Regardless of brand, some problems affect all modern gaming consoles:

HDMI port damage

All three platforms use HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 ports that are vulnerable to physical damage. The most common causes:

• Moving the console with the cable connected
• Tripping over HDMI cables
• Pets or children pulling cables
• Repeated cable insertions/removals

Prevention: Never move a console with cables attached. Use angled HDMI cables to reduce stress on the port. Keep cables secured and out of foot traffic.

Overheating

Modern consoles generate significant heat. Overheating symptoms include:

• Loud fan noise
• Performance drops or stuttering
• Unexpected shutdowns
• Console feeling very hot to touch

Prevention: Ensure at least 10cm clearance on all sides. Keep vents clear of dust. Don't place in enclosed cabinets. Clean dust from vents every 3-6 months.

Power supply issues

Power-related failures often stem from:

• Power surges during storms
• Faulty wall outlets
• Internal capacitor degradation
• Dust accumulation on power components

Prevention: Use a surge protector. Avoid switching off at the wall while the console is in rest/standby mode.

UK Repair Costs Breakdown

When to Repair vs Replace

Use this framework to decide:

✅ Repair makes sense when:

• Single issue with clear diagnosis (e.g., HDMI port only)
• Console is less than 3 years old
• Repair cost is under 40% of replacement
• You have game library on disc or want to keep digital purchases
• Limited edition or sentimental value

❌ Consider replacement when:

• Multiple concurrent issues
• Console is 4+ years old with previous repairs
• Repair cost exceeds 50% of new console
• Motherboard or main board failure
• Evidence of liquid damage or physical abuse

🤔 Grey area situations:

• Launch console with one major issue — usually worth repairing
• Console with expired warranty and overheating — depends on severity
• Disc drive failure on mostly-digital library — may not be worth it

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do console repairs take?

Most common repairs (HDMI port, disc drive, Joy-Con drift) take 2-5 working days. Same-day service is available for simple issues like controller drift or thermal paste replacement. Complex motherboard repairs may take 5-10 days.

Will I lose my game saves?

For PS5 and Xbox: Cloud saves with PS Plus or Xbox Game Pass preserve your data. For Switch: Nintendo Switch Online members have cloud saves for most games. Local saves remain on the console's internal storage during most repairs.

Do you offer mail-in repairs?

Yes. We provide free insured shipping for UK customers. Send your console to us, we'll diagnose, quote, and repair with return shipping included. Learn about our mail-in service →

What warranty do repairs come with?

All celltech repairs come with a 90-day warranty covering the specific repair performed. If the same issue recurs within 90 days, we'll fix it free of charge.