Console Repair by Technicians Who Are Genuine Gamers
At FixPlay, we don't merely repair hardware. Our technicians have been passionate PlayStation and Xbox gamers for over 20 years.
We have been playing Call of Duty since 2007, along with EA Sports FC, FIFA, Fortnite, and demanding next-gen titles. We truly understand what competitive players expect: a console that runs quietly, smoothly, reliably, and remains cool even during intense gaming marathons. Every machine is treated with patience, meticulous precision, and care.
Accurate Diagnostics and Meticulous Craftsmanship
Each console undergoes a structured inspection to identify the exact root cause of failure. Our technicians take the time necessary to deliver clean, durable repairs, especially on delicate motherboard circuits and power delivery rails.
Broken or Damaged HDMI Port
Expert replacement of ripped or bent HDMI 2.1 ports with reinforced solder joints for PS5 and Xbox Series X.
Faulty USB or Power Connectors
Replacement of damaged USB-C ports on controllers and Nintendo Switch, plus internal power sockets.
Overheating Console
Complete thermal overhaul to permanently solve PS5 overheating, loud fan noise, and thermal shutdowns.
Console Shuts Down In-Game
Targeted diagnosis of thermal safety cuts, power supply failure, or APU heat spikes under heavy load.
Display & Black Screen Issues
Resolution of no-signal problems, graphic artifacts, and faulty HDMI Retimer / encoder chips.
Internal PSU & Power Failure
Repair of internal power supply units, shorted MOSFET transistors, and blown SMD protection fuses.
Complete Internal Cleaning
Surgical dust removal from heatsinks, power supply cages, and centrifugal fans for optimal airflow.
Thermal Paste Replacement
Application of premium non-conductive thermal paste on Xbox Series X/S, PS4 Pro, and Nintendo Switch.
Liquid Metal Inspection & Service
APU deoxidation, surface re-leveling, and fresh liquid metal application with protective foam barrier.
Motherboard Component Repair
Micro-soldering of Power IC management chips, diodes, and filtering capacitors on console logic boards.
Precision Micro-Soldering
High-precision rework under stereo microscope using temperature-controlled hot air stations.
Complex Fault Diagnostics
Systematic probing of voltage rails, short circuit isolation, and electronic benchmark testing.
Carefully Selected Parts and Materials
The longevity of a repair relies on technical expertise and component quality. FixPlay strictly prioritizes original parts whenever available, or rigorously tested premium compatible components.
High-Performance Thermal Paste
High thermal conductivity compound that does not degrade or bleed over long-term gaming sessions.
Pure Liquid Metal Alloy
Certified pure gallium-indium alloy designed specifically for PlayStation 5 APU thermal dissipation.
Professional Soldering Flux
Premium no-clean flux providing shiny, mechanically solid, and non-corrosive solder joints.
RoHS Electronic Solder Alloys
Lead-free alloy matching OEM factory specifications for multi-layer console motherboards.
Durable HDMI & USB Ports
Reinforced anchor brackets and gold-plated pins designed to endure frequent cable insertions.
Certified Electronic Components
OEM power ICs, PWM controllers, and MOSFETs sourced directly from reputable manufacturers.
Residue-Free Cleaners
99.9% pure electronic-grade isopropyl alcohol and deoxidizers to preserve delicate PCB traces.
Why Consoles Fail During Demanding Games
Many Swiss gamers contact FixPlay because their console gets blazing hot, spins its fan at maximum speed, or turns off without warning in the middle of a game.
This typically occurs during demanding, visually intensive titles:
Common causes of random in-game shutdowns:
- Dust build-up: Heatsink fins choked with dust form a thermal barrier.
- Obstructed or failing fan: Decreased airflow due to worn bearings.
- Blocked ventilation ports: Restricted cool air intake and hot air exhaust.
- Degraded thermal paste: Dried out paste on Xbox Series X/S or PS4 Pro.
- Uneven liquid metal coverage: Dry spots forming on the PS5 APU die.
- Poor heatsink clamping pressure: Inefficient heat transfer from chip to heatsink.
- Power supply overheating: PSU shutting down under continuous 200W+ loads.
- Elevated motherboard temperatures: Overheated GDDR6 VRAM chips or VRM voltage regulators.
Rigorous Stress-Testing Under Real Gaming Conditions
Following any repair, all affected circuits are systematically checked and the console is placed on our test bench to ensure rock-solid stability.
Depending on the breakdown and service performed, quality control includes:
HDMI Signal Validation
Tested at 1080p, 4K HDR at 60Hz and 120Hz with full VRR handshake verification.
Boot & Standby Cycles
Multiple cold boots, sleep mode entries, and resume tests to ensure firmware stability.
Fan Acoustics & Regulation
Testing PWM speed profiles and checking for abnormal bearing vibrations or whine.
Thermal Measurement
Thermal assessment of exhaust air to confirm heat is being cleanly drawn away from the APU.
Full Load Game Stability
Real gameplay testing under demanding graphical loads without crashes or thermal throttling.
Port & Wireless Inspection
Checking all USB ports, Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi antennas, and wireless controller sync.
Our Recommendations to Prevent Console Overheating
As both gaming enthusiasts and repair engineers, we see consoles damaged by simple placement mistakes daily. Here are our console-specific guidelines:
PlayStation 5 & PS5 Slim
[ SONY // NEXT_GEN ]- Horizontal positioning preferred: Place the console horizontally on its official stand on a flat, stable desk.
- Manufacturer specification: The PS5 is officially rated to run vertically or horizontally. Horizontal orientation is a FixPlay precautionary recommendation to minimize the risk of liquid metal migration.
- Wall clearance: Never place the console flush against a wall. Maintain 10 to 15 cm of open space around all exhaust vents.
- No closed entertainment centers: Never enclose your console in a closed TV cabinet where hot air recirculates.
- Avoid soft surfaces: Never place your console on carpets, rugs, beds, or couches.
- Regular checkups: Periodically check dust catchers and exterior vents for debris.
- Heed warning signs: Never ignore a loud fan or sudden shutdowns in games.
PlayStation 4 & PS4 Pro
[ SONY // PREVIOUS_GEN ]- Rear clearance is critical: Keep at least 15 cm behind the console for high-temperature exhaust air.
- Do not stack devices: Never place TV boxes, receivers, or items on top of the console.
- Avoid enclosed shelves: PS4 Pro generates heavy heat and requires constant airflow.
- Renew thermal paste: If the fan screams in the game lobby, the thermal paste is dried out.
- Preventive cleaning: Schedule internal cleaning to extend lifespan.
Xbox Series X
[ MICROSOFT // MONOLITH ]- Flexible orientation: Xbox Series X operates stably in vertical or horizontal orientation.
- Keep top grille completely clear: Never obstruct the large concave top exhaust grille.
- Do not place items on top: Never rest controllers, cases, or discs on the grille.
- Maintain 10-15 cm clearance: Ensure open space above and around the tower.
- Clean rear intake vents: Periodically vacuum rear lower air intakes.
Xbox Series S
[ MICROSOFT // COMPACT ]- Clear black exhaust fan disc: Keep the circular black vent entirely unobstructed.
- Distance from walls: Do not place directly against a wall or shelf backing.
- 10 cm breathing room: Allow sufficient open air on all sides.
- Solid surface required: Avoid soft mats or fabrics that block bottom intakes.
Nintendo Switch & Switch OLED
[ NINTENDO // HYBRID ]- Open dock position: Place the dock in an open area, never wedged behind a hot TV panel.
- Top and bottom grilles: Ensure small intake and exhaust vents remain lint-free.
- Fan alert: If the micro-fan buzzes, whines, or stops spinning, get it inspected immediately.
- Official charger: Use an official Nintendo adapter or certified Power Delivery charger.
- Charging heat check: Have your console checked if it gets burning hot during charging.
Best Practices for Every Gaming Console
Avoid Floors, Rugs & Enclosed Units
Floors attract dust and pet hair. Closed cabinets trap hot air and overheat electronics.
Keep Away from Heaters
Position your setup at a safe distance from radiators, fireplaces, or space heaters.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Direct sun through windows rapidly increases internal plastic and component temperatures.
Never Cover a Running Console
Do not use dust covers while the console is powered on or downloading in rest mode.
Clean Outer Vents Gently
Wipe exterior grilles regularly using a dry micro-fiber cloth.
Beware of High-Pressure Air Cans
Do not blast high-pressure air into vents (risk of fan over-spin or compacting dust blocks).
Avoid Smoke and Vape Residue
Smoke forms a sticky tar layer that permanently clogs heatsink fins.
Use Surge-Protected Power Strips
Protect your hardware against voltage spikes and power line fluctuations.
Shut Down on Temperature Warnings
Save your game and power off immediately if an on-screen overheat warning appears.
Seek Prompt Inspection
Consult a specialist at the first sign of abnormal noise to prevent chip damage.
Why Gamers Trust FixPlay
Gamer Technicians for 20+ Years
A team of genuine gamers who understand the value of your hardware and your gaming expectations.
Call of Duty Players Since 2007
Thousands of hours on PlayStation and Xbox: we know what competitive gaming demands.
Micro-Soldering & Motherboard Repair
Advanced laboratory tooling to repair complex board faults that other shops decline.
Selected Parts & Materials
Reliable components, pure liquid metal, and professional thermal pastes for durable repairs.
Precise & Methodical Diagnostics
Thorough examination before any work begins to address the true root cause.
Clear Explanations & Transparency
Transparent explanations, photo updates, and honest advice for every player.
Entrust Your Console to FixPlay
Whether your console suffers from a broken HDMI port, overheating, power failure, or motherboard damage, FixPlay brings technical mastery and gaming passion to every repair.
📦 Insured mail-in service across all Switzerland or workshop drop-off by appointment.
FixPlay — Console repair by technicians who are genuine gamers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Demanding games put heavy load on the GPU, PSU, and cooling system. Dust clogging, dry spots in liquid metal, poor dissipation, or failing power delivery can trigger a protective emergency shutdown.
These games do not directly break hardware. However, they push the console hard enough to expose underlying cooling or power supply issues that are already present.
The PS5 is engineered to operate in both positions. FixPlay recommends a horizontal setup as a precautionary measure, especially for consoles that previously suffered from overheating or liquid metal displacement.
A cleanout is recommended when the console becomes unusually loud, runs extremely hot, throttles performance, or shuts down. Frequency depends on dust levels, pets, and room environment.
FixPlay prioritizes original parts whenever available. When not obtainable, we use carefully selected, high-grade compatible components that meet strict quality standards.
Yes, many motherboard issues can be fixed after thorough diagnosis, including damaged HDMI ports, charging chips, SMD components, and power management circuits.