Home Console Repair Service - Initial Diagnosis

The Retrolize Home Console Repair Service starts with a £34.99 initial diagnosis for supported original gaming hardware. Use this UK postal retro console repair service when your console will not switch on, produces no picture or sound, struggles to load games or develops another fault that needs investigation.

Listed console options include the NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, Nintendo GameCube, Virtual Boy, PlayStation, PlayStation 2, original Xbox and Sega Dreamcast. Other retro systems, including Sega Master System and Mega Drive consoles, can be assessed by prior arrangement. Contact us before selecting Other so we can confirm the correct booking.

Diagnosis focuses on the reported problem. Depending on the console and symptoms, checks can include disassembly, internal inspection, voltage and continuity testing, power supply and power circuit checks, video and audio testing, AV connections, controller ports, cartridge slots and optical drives. Known-good components may be used for comparison where available.

We also inspect corrosion, liquid damage, failed capacitors, broken solder joints, damaged connectors, circuit-board tracks and previous unsuccessful repairs or modifications. Where practical, approved repairs can address individual components, switches, connectors, capacitors, tracks, pads or power circuitry. The work required depends on the findings and suitable parts being available.

Once the assessment is complete, we contact you with our findings and a quotation for additional repair labour and replacement parts. The diagnostic charge is separate from that work. No extra chargeable repair or modification is carried out without your approval.

Following approved repair work, your console is reassembled, functionally tested and externally cleaned. UK return postage is included, and covered completed repairs receive a 12-month Retrolize repair warranty from the date the repaired hardware is delivered back to you.

For portable Nintendo systems, use our handheld console diagnosis service. Explore Retrolize Repairs for our other repair services.

Service Provider: Retrolize
Service Type: Retro Home Console Initial Inspection & Fault Diagnosis
Initial Console Diagnosis: £34.99 including VAT
Separate Controller Assessment: £6; model acceptance confirmed before booking
Additional Repair Labour: £60 per hour including VAT (£50 + VAT), quoted before approval
Replacement Parts: Charged separately where required
Diagnostic Lead Time: Up to approximately 3 weeks, depending on workshop capacity
Repair Approval: Required before additional chargeable work
Postage To Retrolize: Arranged and paid for by the customer
UK Return Postage: Included in the listed initial diagnostic service
Workshop: Retrolize UK workshop
Repair Warranty: 12 months on covered completed repairs
NES SKU: Repair_NES
SNES SKU: Repair_SNES
Nintendo 64 SKU: Repair_N64
Virtual Boy SKU: Repair_VB
PlayStation 1 SKU: Repair_PS1
PlayStation 2 SKU: Repair_PS2
Original Xbox SKU: Repair_XBOXOG
GameCube SKU: Repair_GameCube
Sega Dreamcast SKU: Repair_Dreamcast
Other Console SKU: Repair_HomeOther — prior agreement required

Nintendo Consoles

Nintendo Entertainment System / NES: Supported for initial diagnosis
Super Nintendo / SNES: Supported for initial diagnosis
Nintendo 64: Supported for initial diagnosis
Nintendo GameCube: Supported for initial diagnosis
Nintendo Virtual Boy: Supported for initial diagnosis

PlayStation & Original Xbox

Sony PlayStation / PS1: Supported for initial diagnosis
Sony PlayStation 2 / PS2: Supported for initial diagnosis
Microsoft Original Xbox: Supported for initial diagnosis

Sega Consoles

Sega Dreamcast: Dedicated console booking option
Sega Master System: Prior agreement required before booking Other
Sega Mega Drive: Prior agreement required before booking Other

Other Consoles & Controllers

Atari & Other Unlisted Consoles: Contact Retrolize before booking
Controllers: Separate £6 assessment option; confirm the model first
Other Booking Option: Prior agreement required

Assessment Requirements

Customer-Supplied Hardware: Required
Fault Description: Include the model, symptoms and previous work
Relevant Accessories: Send only as directed for the reported fault
Repair Availability: Subject to diagnosis, hardware condition and suitable parts

Initial Console Diagnosis: £34.99 covers the initial inspection and fault diagnosis of one home console. Additional repair labour, replacement parts and optional modifications are quoted separately.

Controller Option: Controller assessment is a separate £6 booking option. Contact us with the controller model and fault before booking so we can confirm whether an inspection is available.

Additional Repair Costs: The workshop labour rate is £60 per hour including VAT (£50 + VAT), with required parts charged separately. No additional chargeable work begins without your approval.

Diagnostic Lead Time: Allow up to approximately 3 weeks for initial diagnostics, depending on workshop capacity. This is the assessment lead time; any subsequent repair timeframe depends on the findings and parts required.

Postage: You arrange and pay for secure postage to Retrolize. UK return postage is included in the listed initial diagnostic service.

Console Selection: Choose the correct listed model and describe the fault. Contact us before selecting Other, or if your booking option is unavailable.

Accessories & Previous Work: Only send relevant power supplies, controllers, games, cables or other accessories as directed. Tell us about previous repairs, modifications, liquid damage or corrosion.

Repair Outcome: Repairability depends on the fault, hardware condition and suitable parts being available. Initial diagnosis does not guarantee a successful repair.

How The UK Postal Repair Service Works

1. Choose your console and describe the fault. Include the exact model, what happens when you use it and any previous repairs or modifications.
2. Book the initial diagnosis and wait for your send-in instructions. We provide the repair address and posting details after purchase.
3. Package and send your hardware securely. Include your name and order number, use protective packaging and arrange tracked postage to Retrolize. Follow the instructions about relevant accessories.
4. Review our findings and quotation. We explain the identified fault and any additional repair work or parts required. Extra chargeable work proceeds only with your approval.
5. Testing and return. After approved repairs, your hardware is reassembled, functionally tested and externally cleaned before return. UK return postage is included.

Initial inspection & fault diagnosis for the selected console or agreed controller
Fault findings & quotation for further repair work where required
UK return postage for the assessed hardware

Additional repair labour, replacement parts, servicing and optional modifications are quoted separately. No console, controller or accessories are supplied with this service.

All completed covered repairs include a 12-month Retrolize repair warranty, starting on the date your repaired hardware is delivered back to you.

The warranty covers the repair work carried out by Retrolize and any covered replacement components supplied as part of that repair.

The warranty does not cover unrelated faults, accidental damage, misuse, liquid damage occurring after repair, subsequent modification or repair work carried out by another party.

If a fault relating to our original repair develops during the warranty period, contact Retrolize before carrying out further work. Include your order details, the hardware model and a description of the symptoms so we can advise on assessment and the next steps.

This warranty is provided in addition to your statutory consumer rights, which remain unaffected. Full Retrolize warranty terms apply.

What Does The £34.99 Diagnostic Fee Cover?

It covers the initial inspection and fault diagnosis of your home console, our findings and a quotation for any further repair work required. UK return postage is included. Additional repair labour, parts and modifications are separate.

Is The Full Repair Included In The Booking Price?

No. This booking is for initial diagnosis. Additional repair labour is charged at £60 per hour including VAT (£50 + VAT), with required parts charged separately. We quote the work and obtain your approval before proceeding.

Can You Assess A Console With No Power, Picture Or Sound?

Yes. We investigate power, video and audio faults on supported consoles. Include the model, the cables or video adapters used and what happens when you switch it on. Tell us whether the problem is constant or intermittent.

Can You Diagnose Disc-Reading Or Drive Problems?

Yes. On supported disc-based consoles, assessment can include disc-reading faults, tray behaviour, drive connections, power and associated electronics. The repair needed depends on the findings and suitable replacement parts being available.

Can You Check Cartridge Slots And Controller Ports?

Yes. Cartridge-reading and controller-port faults are among the problems we assess on compatible systems. Tell us whether the fault affects every game, controller or port, or only a particular item.

Can You Inspect A Modified Or Previously Repaired Console?

Yes. Tell us what has been fitted or attempted, including replacement power supplies, HDMI mods, optical-drive emulators or previous soldering. This helps us assess the hardware and understand the reported fault.

Can You Repair Corrosion Or Liquid Damage?

We can inspect the damage and assess whether treatment, component replacement or circuit-board repair is practical. Severe corrosion or liquid damage can affect repairability, so a successful repair cannot be guaranteed.

How Long Does Diagnosis Take?

Initial diagnostics can take up to approximately 3 weeks, depending on workshop capacity. Any subsequent repair time depends on the fault, approved work and parts availability; we discuss the expected timeframe with you.

What If A Repair Is Not Possible Or I Decline The Quote?

We explain our findings and any available options. You can decide whether to authorise the quoted work. If it cannot proceed, we arrange return of your hardware; UK return postage is included in the listed initial diagnostic service.

Should I Send The Power Supply, Controller Or Games?

Only send accessories relevant to the fault and follow your send-in instructions. Tell us if the issue occurs with a particular power supply, cable, controller, cartridge or disc. Ask before posting if you are unsure what to include.

How Do I Book Controller Diagnosis?

Contact us with the controller make, model and fault before choosing the separate Controllers option. Its initial assessment price is £6; additional repair work and parts are quoted separately.

Can I Request A Recap, HDMI Mod Or Other Upgrade?

Mention the work you would like before booking or in your fault description. Availability depends on the console, its condition and the parts required. Recapping, upgrades and modifications are quoted separately from initial diagnosis.

What If My Console Is Not Listed?

Contact Retrolize with the exact make, model and fault before selecting Other or posting the device. This also applies to systems without a dedicated booking option, including Sega Master System, Mega Drive and Atari enquiries.

Can I Send Hardware From Outside The UK?

Contact us before booking to confirm whether the hardware can be accepted and to agree postage and return arrangements. The included return postage in this listing covers UK returns; international costs and arrangements must be confirmed separately.

Does The Repair Come With A Warranty?

Covered completed repairs receive a 12-month Retrolize repair warranty from redelivery. It covers the repair work and covered replacement components supplied as part of that repair; it does not provide a new warranty for every part of an existing console.

What If The Booking Shows Sold Out Or Unavailable?

Contact Retrolize before sending your hardware. We can confirm whether an assessment is available and advise which service or booking option is appropriate.