Just how fragile are the PS3, XBox 360, and Wii?

[Squall]

OK... So, after over a year of saving up my money, I finally own all three of the modern home consoles -- a PS3, Wii, and XBox 360. Bought all three late in the Summer, just in time to start enjoying Heavenly Sword, Zelda: Twilight Princess, Metroid Prime 3, BioShock and Blue Dragon. :cool:

However, since I had to save up so much money for so long to buy these consoles, I've become afraid (for the first time) of damaging them. I'm afraid to move them, especially if they're on, I dust them regularly, and God help you if you get any food or drink near them! :sweat:

This goes double for my PS3. I have the 60 GB model of the PS3, which has the PS2 chip physically put on the motherboard for PS2/PS1 backward compatibility, making it 99% backward compatible. The new 80 GB PS3 models use emulation for their backward compatibility, reducing their PS2/PS1 backward compatibility to about 70%. (Well, 70% for now, though Sony said their goal is to get that percentage back up into the 95%-99% range with firmware updates.) In other words, I'm doubly anxious about damaging my PS3 because the model of the PS3 I like and own will soon be irreplacable.

I even bought a DVD cleaner for the first time in my life; if I buy a used DVD, I clean it before I even think about putting it in my PS3 (or XBox 360).

Have I just become paranoid because it took me so long to save up the money for them, and I hope to make these three consoles last a minimum of 7-10 years in my living room? Or because Sony no longer produces the model of the PS3 I like? Or are these three consoles really that fragile?
:confused:

[Charlie]

So far I've heard very little about PS3 problems. And from the few "destroy a ps3" videos I've seen they seem to be one of the most well built systems out.

Wii is just as good, plus is got one of those awesome Nintendo warranties behind it. I've delt with two problems with Nintendo Products ('Cube and DS) both of which where a very easy situation to deal with.

Only operate your 360 in a air tight clean room, a bible near by seems to help too. Had mine for 3 months then up and died. But so far Microsoft's customer service, too, has been a breeze.


Just don't move them when they are on and dust-bust back there once a month.

[BCVM22]

You're paranoid about both your Wii and your PS3, those are both absolutely fine as long as you keep dust and any other foreign material from getting inside the systems themselves. You could put your Wii Remote through a wall and into the next room and it'd likely still function.

Your 360, if it's going to go Red Ring of Death on you, it's going to do so whether you kept it every speck of dust off the casing or not, so don't lose too much sleep over it, especially since Microsoft just bumped the warranty on 360 units that display the Red Ring of Death to three years from the date of purchase (as announced here (http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/petermooreletter.htm)), meaning even launch units are covered for another 14 months or so.

[Mynd Hed]

I noticed two potential issues with my Wii: it becomes very hot when the WiiConnect24 mode is active (because the system is still "on," but the fan is disabled), and ever since I forgot to eject a game disc before moving the system, the disc drive has been louder than seems normal.

Fortunately, both issues are easily dealt with-- disable the WiiConnect24 mode if heat is a concern (as it is for me-- I live in the bloody desert, where the dry air and the heat chew up things like personal electronics and car batteries and spit them out). It's not like Nintendo has done anything fun with it yet anyway. And always remember to eject the game disc before moving the system. Problems solved.

Can't speak for the other two from personal experience, although all accounts seem to agree that the PS3 is built like a tank and the 360 suffers from chronic overheating problems. Your best bet is probably to make sure the 360 has ample ventilation room around all its fan grills, and give it frequent breaks during extended play sessions (which you should probably be doing to preserve your eyesight and mental health anyway). I'd stay away from third-party cooling systems; I've heard horror stories of them bricking 360s.

[Swordfish_II]

The Wii is capable of surviving multiple 4' falls without damage.

Well, you may have to buy a new cover for the Gamecube controller ports.

:sweat:

[Bird Boy]

Unless you drop them, they aren't going to break. The best thing you can do, for any electronics device, really, is to keep it well ventilated. Wherever there are vents, make sure there is ample exposure around them and there's really nothing more you can do past that.

-BB

[Simpler Simon]

So I just got an used original xbox a few months back, and two days ago it gave me the flashing red light, along with the customer service warning. I rebooted it, and it seems to be working okay. Should I be worried, or was the red light not quite the same death indicator on the old model as it is on the 360?

[Squall]

Well, a week ago I did move my PS3, with a DVD in it. However, the DVD wasn't actively playing at the time (the PS3 was showing its main menu), and the HDD light on the PS3 wasn't on (so I presume that the hard drive wasn't running, either).

And, the PS3 still seems to be fine, so far. Still playing Blu-Ray disks, DVDs, audio CDs, PS3 / PS2 / PS1 games, and getting online with no problems.

... OK, my girlfriend, who is watching me type this, says that the correct wording, in her opinion, is "slightly nudge just a few millimeters" instead of just "move". :sweat:

[Mynd Hed]

Well, a week ago I did move my PS3, with a DVD in it. However, the DVD wasn't actively playing at the time (the PS3 was showing its main menu), and the HDD light on the PS3 wasn't on (so I presume that the hard drive wasn't running, either).

And, the PS3 still seems to be fine, so far. Still playing Blu-Ray disks, DVDs, audio CDs, PS3 / PS2 / PS1 games, and getting online with no problems.

... OK, my girlfriend, who is watching me type this, says that the correct wording, in her opinion, is "slightly nudge just a few millimeters" instead of just "move". :sweat:

Yeah, when I said I left the disc in and "moved" my Wii, I mean that I unplugged it, stuck it in the car, and drove it across town, not making any particular effort to be gentle with it. I don't think any console is so fragile that making slight adjustments to its position on the shelf while it's running is going to do anything.

[Draven]

I agree with Mynd Hed. Consoles, can be un-hooked, transported, re-hooked up, played at a friends house or whatever, un-hooked again, and set back up, no problem.

Nintendo products in particular are QUITE sturdy, possibly the most sturdy on the console market. I used to take my NES and Game Boy when I traveled on air-planes. They lasted me for YEARS and I never had to replace them.

However, I DO think it is good that you treat your systems with care. I agree with your no food or drink rule. Taking care of your system is one of the marks of a true gamer.

Just be sure ALL your systems have plenty of air-flow, and don't forget the Wii has a fan on the bottom. If you ever need to unhook your system, don't yank the cords, pull them by the end (the colored parts of the AV cable, the plug, etc.) And transport them carefully.

I will attest the 360 will brick without warning or provication. The 360 at my Game Stop, in a case mind you, just bricked. And a friend of mine has been through FOUR diffrent 360 systems. And he takes care of his systems. That's Microsoft for you. But now Microsoft has given the lucky bastard a limited-edition Halo 3 console.

[danreyes1]

My Wii is very sturdy. I needed to send the Wiimote in for repairs recently, but that was easy and quick.

PS3 looks durable, which is surprising for a Sony console. The 360, I hear, has the greatest amount of repairs needed, though... they recently needed to extend the warranty, from what I heard.

[Bird Boy]

PS3 looks durable, which is surprising for a Sony console.

It is? Aside from drive failure in the PS2, I haven't heard anything bad about the construction of the PS1 or PS2.

-BB

[Mynd Hed]

I've heard isolated stories of similar drive failures in the PS1, but I'm not sure how widespread they really were.

[peacebyanymeans]

I went through three PS1s...

Two PSXs and one PSOne.

:/

[danreyes1]

My girlfriends's PS2 is failing, my best friend went through two PS1s and three PS2s. And two Sony CD players... my own also died last year. And the PSP feels really fragile, and I'm not the only one who thinks so.

Not to pick on Sony (really!) but they're known more for looking cool than building durable products.

But they're better than Microsoft products in any case ^^

[Novapocalypse]

Okay,this Is an old console(97) but there's this wierd rattling sound in my PS1, but It plays fine(well,acceptably anyway) but seems to get very hot after about 20mins of gaming.It used to take It awhile to get this hot. I'm afraid to play It to long these days,anyone got a clue on what It is?

[Bird Boy]

I went through three PS1s...

Two PSXs and one PSOne.

:/

But were they they drives? Because drive failure in a system, to me, isn't it being "Fragile", it just has a bad drive.

Fragile, to me, is like danreyes1 says, the PSP "feels" fragile. Cheap construction and the like, that's what I'm talking about.

-BB

[Cyporiean]

we've dropped our 360 from about 5'... onto concrete.. twice.

it broke the faceplace's holding mechanism, and kept working. it wouldn't have fallen if it wasn't for the the power brick being latched into the friggen system.

[Beat]

My PS2 stopped working due to a dirty lens, but that was easily fixed by opening up the console and applying a bit of rubbing alcohol.

All my other consoles still work.

[Shawn Hopkins]

My 360 has behaved fine. I keep it elevated on a book just to make sure it gets good airflow. But the reports of failures worry me and I'm glad they extended the warranty.

Since people have started talking about older systems:

My PSX did have a disc skipping problem. I could alleviate it by putting my console on its side, but eventually it got to the point where I had to put it on its side to have a chance of playing any but the newest, most pristine games.

Some PS2s do have a drive problem, but I think in most cases it's a simple alignment issue that can be easily fixed if you know what to do. Mine showed most of the reported symptoms, such as not playing blue discs and certain DVDs, but I fixed it myself. There's a little gear you can adjust inside.

I had a Dreamcast also get out of alignment, which was a little more complex to fix but doable.

The only console I've had that I've had to replace because of failure is my first Xbox. That had a defective Thompson Drive that pretty much gave up.

Since we're on the subject, the NES is one of the most problematic systems of all time. Putting the cartridge slot in that loading mechanism was a really bad idea and all the ones I've seen get significant playtime eventually wear out. It can be fixed with either installing a new connector or taking it apart and sandpapering the contacts, but it's a little beyond eight-year-olds who think blowing on cartridges (thus getting saliva inside their system) is the solution. Fortunately they wised up and went with stable top loading designs for the SNES and N64.

[Squall]

Aaah! OK, today I did something really stupid... I woke up this morning about 11:00 am, spent 30 minutes getting dressed and eating brunch, and then played my PS3 for a few hours. Then, my girlfriend came over, and we went out for the day (trip to the local mall, a friend's apartment, etc.)

I thought I had turned my PS3 off when I left. Well, I returned to my apartment at 1:30 am, and to my horror, I had left the PS3 on the entire time! That's 14 hours straight of the PS3 being left on, constantly running!

My question is, what are the chances that this did any damage to the PS3, due to overheating? What little I've had time to check so far (tried playing a DVD, then a PS3 game... after letting it rest for a couple of hours) seems to be working OK.

What do you think?

P.S. - For everyone who got a PS3, Wii, or XBox 360 for Christmas this year... congrats! :sweat: (Same goes for new PSP or DS owners.) Have you noticed any durability issues with your console since opening it on Christmas morning?

(I still get nervous every time I or my girlfriend accidentally bumps the home entertainment center - it's an old one - with the PS3 in it. Especially if it's running at the time it gets bumped...)

[Icer]

I've had a 360 since a few months after release, I made sure to put it by itself with space to vent, and it hasn't given me an issue. I also have a launch PS2 that never game me one problem. However I had an original Xbox break on me.

I've never had a Nintendo console give me issues besides the blowing in the cartridge for NES/SNES days.

My GameGear was awful though, thing worked 1/2 the time...maybe

As for leaving the console on for 12 hours, I'd say that's fine. You can have gaming sessions that go that long so I dont see how one would damage your system. Maybe if it was a few days, or it was in a enclosed tight space. I'd be more concerned had it been a 360 than a PS3.

[Cyporiean]

Aaah! OK, today I did something really stupid... I woke up this morning about 11:00 am, spent 30 minutes getting dressed and eating brunch, and then played my PS3 for a few hours. Then, my girlfriend came over, and we went out for the day (trip to the local mall, a friend's apartment, etc.)

I thought I had turned my PS3 off when I left. Well, I returned to my apartment at 1:30 am, and to my horror, I had left the PS3 on the entire time! That's 14 hours straight of the PS3 being left on, constantly running!

My question is, what are the chances that this did any damage to the PS3, due to overheating? What little I've had time to check so far (tried playing a DVD, then a PS3 game... after letting it rest for a couple of hours) seems to be working OK.

What do you think?

P.S. - For everyone who got a PS3, Wii, or XBox 360 for Christmas this year... congrats! :sweat: (Same goes for new PSP or DS owners.) Have you noticed any durability issues with your console since opening it on Christmas morning?

(I still get nervous every time I or my girlfriend accidentally bumps the home entertainment center - it's an old one - with the PS3 in it. Especially if it's running at the time it gets bumped...)


Unless you keep your PS3 inside of a box with no ventilation, all you have to worry about is a higher electric bill. My husband has left his 360 on for about three weeks now much to my nagging him to turn the damn thing off to save us some money. But I do rather like leaving the PS3 on in the winter, helps keep the whole room nice and warm.

[CronoT]

Of all my current-gen consoles, my GameCube is still running like a Swiss watch, almost 6 years after I purchased it. My PS2, on the other hand, started slowing dow at the 2 year mark, and it's been a slow, steady decline since then. My Xbox has been pretty durable since I got it. It's slowed down a little since I first got it, but over-all, I've been lucky enough to avoid the RROD, and I got one of those replacement power cables a few years back.

My Wii is one durable little monster. I've taken it in a gift bag all the way from El Paso to Albuquerque and back, and it hasn't even twitched. However, I did hear the high-running noise once or twice. Turns out, it was the games I was playing, Red Steel and Call of Duty 3, that were doing it. Must be some high-draw games.

[River26]

For my Wii, ever since day one. It never encountered problems of whatsoever.

[BlackCat]

Like others said, it shouldn't be a problem to leave your PS3 on for that long. With applications like Folding@Home, many systems stay on overnight. I've never seen problems with mine, but I keep it in an open space to err on the safe side.

[Luna]

All my current consules/handhelds run just fine....As of now,I have...

Wii....got knocked over once by my niece,who was playing Naruto:Clash of Ninja for Gamecube,but nothing happened....my Wii and Gamecube games still run just fine,and my Wiimotes are still working well {except when the batteries die....luckily,I have the battery charger for Wii}...

PS2....I've had it since 2004{the older,bigger model},and I've never had a problem...

Japanese region PS2 {slim model}...haven't had any problems,though so far,all I've really used it for is playing the Japanese Kingdom Hearts games...

Nintendo DS....my most used video game player,runs just as well as when I got it,though I've only had it a little over a year....

PSP....runs fine,though it's fairly new...I've only had it since October...

[Tommy Lawson]

I thought I had turned my PS3 off when I left. Well, I returned to my apartment at 1:30 am, and to my horror, I had left the PS3 on the entire time! That's 14 hours straight of the PS3 being left on, constantly running!

My question is, what are the chances that this did any damage to the PS3, due to overheating? What little I've had time to check so far (tried playing a DVD, then a PS3 game... after letting it rest for a couple of hours) seems to be working OK.

What do you think?

You haven't read this PS3 Vault article (http://www.ps3vault.com/how-to-kill-a-ps3-console-1975) have you? The PS3 Vault ran tests far more extreme than what you have described, and it still worked after all that.

[Shawn Hopkins]

My Gamecube has always given me trouble. The eject button is defective, so it sticks down and it's hard to get the door to close. I hope it never comes open while a disk is spinning.

I don't know about a PS3, but I've left my 360 on longer than that and I've left my PS2 on for whole weekends at a time. I've also left it on overnight with a DVD in it, which works the drive much more and is much worse. No meltdowns on either.

[Squall]

... I've also left it on overnight with a DVD in it, which works the drive much more and is much worse. No meltdowns on either.

Really? That's not very comforting. When I left my PS3 on all day the other day, it had The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Game of The Year Edition) in it the entire time. :( Still seems to be working OK though, days later.


You haven't read this PS3 Vault article (http://www.ps3vault.com/how-to-kill-a-ps3-console-1975) have you? The PS3 Vault ran tests far more extreme than what you have described, and it still worked after all that.

Nope! But now I have. I guess that settles my worrying about leaving the PS3 on for too long, but I'm still scared that it's going to get violently bumped one day with the hard drive running and/or a disk in it, and I still wonder whether or not it could survive if it had food or drink spilled on it.

[Mynd Hed]

Nope! But now I have. I guess that settles my worrying about leaving the PS3 on for too long, but I'm still scared that it's going to get violently bumped one day with the hard drive running and/or a disk in it, and I still wonder whether or not it could survive if it had food or drink spilled on it.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a353/hbi2k/wiiDSCF7160.jpg

What about putting four-leaf clovers in it? 'Cause I know the Wii HATES that.

[Jave]

My Gamecube has always given me trouble. The eject button is defective, so it sticks down and it's hard to get the door to close. I hope it never comes open while a disk is spinning.

I don't know about a PS3, but I've left my 360 on longer than that and I've left my PS2 on for whole weekends at a time. I've also left it on overnight with a DVD in it, which works the drive much more and is much worse. No meltdowns on either.Oh! You mean this!

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y194/Javeman/gamecubeejectstuck.jpg

Exact same thing happens to me. Whenever I push the eject button it gets stuck and I have to jiggle it to get it back to normal.

[Swordfish_II]

Same thing happened to my Cube...

[ThePowerofPika]

My gamecube went into disc read error fits a few years back. Had to get a replacement gamecube at the time.=P
Probably bad luck.

My brother PS2 is still working like it was new however.


I've actually had errors happen twice on my Wii when loading the game the first time the game is put in. I found I was putting it in wrong those both times.XD

Other than that it works great.=)

Nintendo has a warranty so there's no big deal.

You shouldn't really worry. Take good care of your consoles and hopefully they should last.