Unfortunately, the teenagers using gaming consoles the most generally aren't worried about how wear and tear affects their favorite past-time, until their gaming system is rendered useless. If you've purchased a gaming console before, you know that the initial purchase isn't cheap nor is the repair or replacement when it breaks.
The importance of having an extended warranty for gaming consoles really speaks for itself. But in addition to accidental damage caused by the users, the smart technology built in to gaming consoles makes them even more prone to malfunctions, motherboard failures and other electronic issues.
Considering how difficult it is to get your hands on the newest model gaming consoles these days, it’s important that you have measures in place to protect yourself and your investment. Even if you can afford to replace it, you may not be able to find one to purchase!
When you subscribe to Mulberry Unlimited, you won't have to worry about repair or replacement. You'll get coverage for all your gaming consoles, accessories, and more under the same product protection plan. Let someone else handle it when your kid comes to complain that their gaming console isn't working.
What are common gaming console problems?
Tech issues can arise for all kinds of reasons—manufacturing errors, mechanical malfunctions, physical damage, misuse—all contributing to the wearing down of a gaming console. The most common issues that gamers report include:
- Freezing
- Shutting down
- Audio/video problems
- Disc drive issues
- Internet connection
Video game console manufacturer warranties
With these issues in mind, let’s look at some of the most popular gaming brands and their standard warranty offerings.
Nintendo warranty
Nintendo has been a major player in the video game world since 1983 and has a huge hand in the portable gaming market.
With an extended warranty, you can purchase additional coverage for accessories like a Nintendo Switch screen protector or Nintendo Switch grip. That way, you’ll never be without the items you need most to continue using your devices and keeping them in the best working shape possible.
Your Nintendo system is covered by a standard one-year warranty, whereas any accessories and games will only have protection for three months. Depending on how often you play, that might not even be enough time to discover an issue with a controller or other accessory.
PlayStation warranty
The PS5 took the gaming world by storm when consoles flew off shelves and consumers all over the globe were willing to pay well above market value to get their hands on the highly-coveted PS5 console.
The PS5 manufacturer's warranty is similar to other brands—your console is protected for up to 12 months, with the PS5 controller warranty only covering 3 months, which applies to all other accessories too.
Many gamers will purchase an extended PS5 warranty because of the long-term value. Knowing that it can take half a decade or more for a new model to come out, it makes sense to protect your PS5 for as long as you’re going to use it. PlayStation also has popular older consoles that are still in circulation, making an extended warranty even more important.
Xbox warranty
If you’re an Xbox loyalist, you might be familiar with the old “red ring of death” in which your power display shows four red light segments instead of green, indicating total mechanical failure. These days, you can’t afford to risk that happening, especially if there are new games coming out and you have a timeline to stick to.
The standard manufacturer’s warranty will cover any mechanical defects for up to one year from the purchase date. If you fall within this period, repairs are free. However, remember that on average, most Xbox users have their consoles for 7-9 years. Considering the sky-high price tag of the new Xbox Series X, and accompanying accessories like the Xbox Series X skins, an extended warranty is a logical choice.
If your Xbox controller suddenly stops working, it can be frustrating, but it might be easier to deal with than you think. The basic Xbox controller warranty will cover you for up to one year.
Protect your gaming consoles with an extended warranty
If you plan to have your gaming console for more than a year, you'll probably want to consider an extended warranty beyond the standard manufacturer's warranty. With an extended warranty, you can protect your gaming consoles and accessories for as long as you choose.
Subscribe to Mulberry Unlimited, so you'll be covered for nearly anything your video game console might go through. Get product protection for all your video game consoles, controllers, accessories, and more under the same plan, for just $9.99 a month.
