FAQ

Because there are so many different consoles, it is hard to cover everything in one text blurb.

In general, you can expect the following:

• The console will be totally disassembled and cleaned in hot, soapy water or possibly a degreaser. I avoid things like Oxiclean or other chemicals in order to keep any markings like logos or controller labelings from fading.
• The internals of the console will be cleaned, removing things like dust, grime, or any other foreign objects that have made their way inside the system over the years.
• Any internal shielding will be inspected to ensure there is no rusting. If rusting is found, it is neutralized in vinegar, and in the case of more severe damage will be painted over with a conductive paint to prevent further corrosion and make it look a bit nicer.
• Any major faults of the system will be addressed. This varies from system to system, but such an example is any Original Xbox would have its clock capacitor removed.
• The game interface will be serviced. On cartridge systems this includes servicing the pins on the cart slot, and on disk based systems this will include things like tuning or replacing the laser, if possible, replacing grease on the gears, replacing the drive band, etc.
• Any thermal compound will be replaced, if required. Thermal paste is always replaced, while thermal pads are only replaced when required.
• I will attempt to buff out any scratches from the case. This is a case by case basis, some will be more hidden than others depending on the depth and total number. If the case is too damaged, it will either be replaced or the damage will be noted.
• The case will have a plastic treatment applied which acts as a protectant and gives it a nice finish.
• If the case has been severely yellowed, it will be retrobrited to restore the color.

Anything beyond this will typically be noted in the listing for the system. If you have a specific question you can reach out.

Yes. My goal is to provide as close to a new console as possible. While I can't always get everything 100% perfect, I try my absolute best.

Yes. Fill out a ticket on the "request a service" section and I will get back to you with an approximate price range.

Typically around $60.

Restorations are significantly discounted when combined with a repair/mod install.

This will depend on repair, but expect the price to be around $60-$80 for most repairs. A lot of common issues can be solved around this price, but more complex repairs will cost more. Conversely, some may be quick fixes and cost less. I will always confirm with you before proceeding with any work, and you will be given a range if you request a quote that I try to stay within.

Restorations are significantly discounted when purchased with a repair.

There is no fee to perform an initial diagnosis of your system. I can usually give an estimate with just a description of the issue, but I will happily take a look at the system at no charge. If you book a repair and I am unable to repair your system there is no fee. I do not charge a fee ahead of time. You will be invoiced upon completion of the job.

The exception is there is a $30 bench fee for any system which has had prior work or repair attempts. This fee is absorbed into your repair cost upon a successful job (IE If I quote $70 and complete the repair successfully, you would pay $70. If I can not complete the repair, you would pay $30). I charge this fee to avoid total junk being sent in, and I may waive or apply it at my own discretion depending on the condition of the console. If there are obvious signs of work inside the console when I receive it, I will let you know and confirm with you if you would like to proceed.

If you decide to proceed and after an effort has been made to complete the repair without success/the console is deemed a no-fix, you will be invoiced for the $30 prior attempt fee.

Understand that I really do want to fix your console, but not everything can be repaired. Again, this fee is in place to prevent things like sending in a system that has been in a the bottom of a lake for 10 years, the owner knows it, and wants to see if they can get away with a repair for cheap. I'd be happy to take a look at a system like that, but it will be billed appropriately depending on the work required.