Xbox 360 Maintenance Tips

The Xbox is one of the best gaming systems around, but it is not necessarily cheap. With prices of up to $300-$400 for consoles like the Elite Console and the Xbox Modern Warfare 2 Limited Edition Elite Console, an Xbox 360 can be a serious investment. When you factor in necessities like a universal remote and extra controllers, the price tag for a high quality system can be in the hundreds of dollars easily.

While these consoles may be somewhat costly, a lot of gamers do not really treat them as such. In the excitement of Xbox gaming, it is all too easy to forget about taking proper care of your Xbox 360 and allowing it to deteriorate until the infamous red ring of death appears; and by the time things have gotten to this point, it is time to start caring properly for your Xbox - or to start shopping for a new one.

Fortunately, you can take the following measures in protecting your Xbox 360 and, hence, prolonging its life for your gaming pleasure. Keep in mind that the main enemies of the Xbox are heat, dust and dirt.

Overheating is the downfall of many Xbox 360 consoles, but it is a preventable problem. Using your console for extended periods can tend to cause overheating; but a 30 minute break every few hours is all your Xbox needs to recover. It is important to keep your Xbox 360 away from materials which trap heat such as carpets and blankets as well as far from direct sunlight, vents and other heat sources.

Even electronics that generate large amounts of heat like amplifiers must be positioned well away from the Xbox 360. Plus, never store your unit in enclosed entertainment centers without the necessary ventilation. Better yet, place it in a fully air-conditioned room or at least have an electric fan pointed towards it to evenly distribute the heat. If you use third-party cooling accessories, be sure that these secure their power supply from another outlet instead of from the Xbox 360 unit itself.

To keep your Xbox 360 safe from dust and dirt, you should keep the console away from any place which tends to get dusty, such as open windows and especially underneath beds; a place where many Xbox owners seem to stash their consoles. It is recommended to use a cover to protect your Xbox 360 from dust when it is not actually in use.

If you must travel with your Xbox 360 in tow, be sure that you have a special carrying case for it. This way, you provide protection for the console from the dirt, dust and grime as well as the bumps and grinds of transportation.

You can keep your console protected from dust and dirt by keeping the area you keep your Xbox in as free of dirt as possible. You should also keep your Xbox 360 discs protected by keeping them in your cases, since dust and dirt can also damage your games. If you smoke, make sure not to do it around your console; smoke can also damage the system.

Indeed, when it comes to keeping your investment in the pricey Xbox 360, the most important thing is taking care of it like a diligent father would take care of his kids.