This post was originally published May 2022; it was updated in May 2024.
It’s all fun and games ’til your game won’t boot, or your character keeps walking off a cliff. No matter how many power-ups you’ve got or how upgraded your rig is, you’re not immune to entropy. But that doesn’t mean it’s Game Over! Whether you’re a hardcore console gamer or are just tired of Minecraft draining your entire phone battery in one sitting, we’ve got the right tools and guides for you!
Steam Deck: Essential Electronics Toolkit for SSD Upgrades
One of the most highly anticipated consoles in the last decade, the Steam Deck is the long-awaited cure for the infamous hunched “gamer posture,” allowing PC gamers to play from the comfort of their bed or couch for a change. However, your posture isn’t the only thing you can fix—we created over two dozen Steam Deck repair guides for every part imaginable on the device. Are you the proud owner of a Steam Deck OLED? We’ve got you covered too!
While it boasts a library (almost) as vast as Steam itself, the base model Steam Deck LCD only comes with about 64 GB of storage. And, as you might know, video games are getting bigger and bigger every year, both in map size (looking at you, FromSoftware) and file size. With games like Call of Duty: Warzone reaching more than 100 GB, storage might be the first thing to upgrade on your newly acquired Steam Deck.
Our very own Essential Electronics Toolkit contains all the tools required for not only the SSD upgrade procedure but almost every Steam Deck repair guide. It’s a must-have for repairs on the go!
Nintendo Tools: Tri-Point Driver
There is perhaps no company as synonymous with “video games” as Nintendo. Some parents still call every console a “Nintendo”—kind of like how every Pokémon is a “Pikachu.” Although some gamers would say that both have an aversion to evolution, that doesn’t stop them from being fan favorites year after year.
Whether it’s the Game Boy, the DS, or the Switch, a tri-point (or Y-type) driver is essential for repairing nearly every Nintendo console. And of course, we can’t talk about Nintendo without mentioning the dreaded Joy-Con drift. Luckily, we’ve practically perfected this repair and have written guides on how to fix the issue—for both right and left Joy-Cons. Why shell out $80 for a new pair of controllers when you can nab a Joy-Con fix kit for only $20? If you are looking for a long-term solution to drifting Joy-Cons, check out the Gulikit Hall Effect replacement joysticks.
Console Tools & PC Gaming: Thermal Paste for Maintenance
What Microsoft lacks in repair-oriented design and console-naming prowess, it makes up for with Halo. If you’re old enough to remember the Xbox 360 Red Ring of Death, you’re definitely old enough to repair your own consoles. Seriously though, the industry’s most infamous gaming manufacturing defect is a more straightforward fix than you’d think!
Turns out, this issue can sometimes be fixed by replacing the thermal paste within the console. Everything you need to revive your favorite Halo 3 machine is included in this handy-dandy Red Ring of Death kit!
Don’t assume you are safe if you’re in camp Sony, however, as the PlayStation 3 struggles with its very own overheating issues. If you’re facing the Yellow Light of Death, don’t worry, we also have a kit for that.
It’s not just consoles, overheating is a very common issue across all electronics—including PCs and Laptops—and can cause damage to the internals in the long run. A tube of thermal paste is essential for console maintenance.
Xbox 360 Red Ring of Death Fix Kit
Remember RROD? Of course you do, here’s the fix—and as a bonus, it’s a preventative measure, too!
PlayStation Tools & Xbox Tools: Soldering Station for Stubborn Joystick Drift
You want console parts? We’ve got console parts. Whether you’re desperately trying to fix the drift on your DualSense controller or want to restore your Xbox Wireless Controller, we’ve got you covered!
While Joy-Con drift is relatively easy to repair on the Nintendo Switch, fixing drift on the DualSense controller unfortunately requires soldering. While soldering can feel a little daunting, it’s never too late to learn an invaluable skill—and this one can open up your repair possibilities tenfold. Take a look at our soldering station to get an idea of what you’ll need!
Mobile Gaming: Battery Fix Kits for Better, Longer Gaming
Games like Pokémon Go and Fortnite can take a serious toll on your phone battery. If you’re constantly lugging a mobile charging brick, or regularly see your battery percentage drop from 15% to 1% in a matter of minutes, your phone may be due for a battery replacement. For a more complete repair solution, snag a battery fix kit to extend your maximum playtime!
Game On
Sometimes turning your device off and on again is enough; for everything else, we’ve got thousands of free repair manuals, a wonderfully responsive community forum, and plenty of professional-grade tools to offer. Tag us in your latest fix on social media to show us how you’ve leveled up as a fixer!
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