Sixth Generation (1998 – 2013)
Sony Playstation 2
Years (2000-2013)
Interesting fact: If the Playstation made Sony a force in the gaming industry, the PS2 turned them into a juggernaut. Released in 2000, the PS2 sold over 155 million units, making it the best-selling console ever. (source; source) Featuring a DVD player at an affordable cost at a time when the technology was nascent and expensive, was a brilliant move by Sony. (source) That it was backwards compatible and that it would go on to feature a plethora of third-party games, made the PS2 into an icon.
Condition When Acquired: Fully Functional – small CD tray issue
Current Condition: Fully Functional
Project Details: This was a FB Marketplace deal that came with 25 games. The system worked but the CD tray had a tendency to retract as soon as it was opened. This made loading or removing a game very difficult. When I opened the console, I could also see that it was quite dirty, so I gave it a detailed inspection and cleaning. Not seeing anything out of the ordinary, I focused on the CD tray. However, somehow in the process of removing and then reinstalling it, the issue had resolved itself. From what I’ve online, it might have been related to how tight the screws were on the drive housing; in particular, the two small ones located near the front and close to the middle of the system. After testing the system and seeing everything worked great, I then disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled the controllers. This system is another favourite of my kids, though as my son said, “I seem to remember the graphics being better”. 😂
Parts & Products Used: 99% isopropyl alcohol; Chemical Guys Natural Shine; compressed air
Microsoft Xbox
Years (2001-2006)
Interesting fact: Not to be left behind, Microsoft began to plan for their entry into the console market as far back as 1998. Released in 2001, the Xbox initially did well in North America, but struggled everywhere else. Its saving features were the game, Halo, the launch of Xbox Live in 2002, and a price drop from $299 to $199. (source) Despite losing money on each Xbox it sold, Microsoft continued on, releasing the Xbox 360 in 2005.
Condition When Acquired: Fully Functional
Current Condition: Fully Functional
Project Details: Like the PS2, I picked this up on FB Marketplace for an extremely good price. The seller said he was the original owner and that the system worked the last time he played it – which after some questioning, was several years ago. When I got it home, I set it up and powered it on… Bingo! It and the controller worked extremely well. It was however, very dirty and I could tell that it had never been opened before. So, I set about taking it apart; guided by a great video byArctic Lab Services. Though disassembly is involved, it’s a straightforward process. However, I think of all my systems to date, this unit had the most pieces I’ve removed for cleaning. Once inside, I could see numerous dust bunnies along with a noticeable layer of dust on almost every component. It was clear that this had been well-loved and played over the years. After stripping it back to the main board, I proceeded to remove the heatsinks on both the GPU and CPU; finding another layer of dust underneath. I used IPA to remove the old thermal paste from the heatsinks and the processors. I then applied new thermal paste to each and reset the heatsinks.
Parts & Products Used:99% isopropyl alcohol; Chemical Guys Natural Shine; thermal paste;
Seventh Generation (2005 – 2017)
Sony Playstation 4 Slim
Years (2013 – present; PS4 Slim released 2017)
Interesting fact: The troubles with the PS3 were largely addressed with the PS4, including an architecture that made it easier for developers to produce games. (source) Two innovations included a clickable touchpad on the controller (source) and in 2016, the PS VR, which was a virtual reality headset. (source)
Condition When Acquired: Fully Functional
Current Condition: Fully Functional
Project Details: This is my everyday system if I want to play a game. – usually the latest version of EA’s NHL series or any WWI or WWII game like Battlefield I. I bought it new, so I’m the original owner. One day I’ll graduate to a PS5 and then I’ll pull this unit apart and give it a good cleaning. For now, I’m good with it. 🙂
Parts & Products Used: None yet
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