PS1 Console Diagnostic Service
Expert Retro Gaming Repair for the Original PlayStation
Why Your PS1 Deserves a Proper Diagnostic
The original PlayStation changed gaming forever, those grey consoles introduced millions of us to Crash Bandicoot, Final Fantasy VII, Metal Gear Solid and more.
But almost 30 years later (I know, right?), most PS1 consoles are now showing their age. If yours won’t read discs, won’t power on, or behaves unpredictably, it needs a proper assessment rather than guesswork or outdated forum advice.
That’s exactly what our £19 PS1 diagnostic service is for.
Our £19 PS1 Diagnostic Service
For just £19, we carry out a full technical assessment on your original PlayStation.
If you choose to proceed with repairs, the fee is deducted from the final cost.
Common PS1 Issues We See
We still see PS1 consoles regularly in our workshop. These are the most common faults:
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Disc read issues:
The classic PS1 problem, discs not reading, only reading upside down, or loading inconsistently. Often linked to a tired laser, alignment issues, or drive mechanism wear.
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No power:
No lights, no fan noise, no boot. Could be the power supply, internal fuses, or the power board. Many of these faults are repairable.
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Video output problems:
No picture, distorted picture, or incorrect colour output. Often related to the AV port or video encoder chip.
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Overheating and shutdowns:
Old thermal paste and decades of dust can cause overheating, freezing, or sudden power-offs.
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Memory card slot faults:
Not reading cards, corrupting saves, or erratic behaviour. Typically caused by worn contacts or debris.
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Controller port issues:
Controllers not responding or only partially working. Ports can loosen or fail over time.
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CD audio playback faults:
The PS1 plays audio CDs, if music playback fails but games load, it’s often a separate laser or tracking issue.
Why Professional Diagnosis Matters
These consoles are now genuine retro hardware. Parts are ageing, delicate, and in some cases rare. Proper diagnosis prevents further damage.
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Parts are limited – You don’t want to buy the wrong replacement component.
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PS1 internals are fragile – Age makes components sensitive to DIY repairs.
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Multiple issues often overlap – Power, laser, and overheating faults frequently occur together.
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Bad repairs can ruin a console – One incorrect adjustment can turn a fixable PS1 into scrap.
A £19 professional assessment saves time, money, and risk, and gives you certainty.
Our Diagnostic Process
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Initial inspection: signs of previous repairs, liquid damage, casing damage, or wear.
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Power system check: PSU testing and voltage verification.
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Laser and disc mechanism tests: including black discs, silver discs, and audio CDs.
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Input/output tests: controller ports, memory card slots, and AV output.
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Extended running test: checking for overheating, freezing, or stability problems.
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Component-level assessment: capacitors, laser assembly, motors, motherboard.
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Detailed report: explanation of faults, causes, pricing, and parts availability.
Should You Repair Your PS1?
This depends on the condition of the console, parts availability, and your sentimental connection to it.
Our diagnostic report gives you everything you need to make an informed decision, with no pressure either way.
Why Retro Consoles Matter
For many people, the PS1 isn’t “just hardware”.
It’s childhood memories, late-night gaming, iconic soundtracks, and the games that shaped the industry.
We treat every PS1 with that respect. Whether you want a full repair, data recovery, or simply clarity about what went wrong, we’ll help you protect that piece of gaming history.
How to Book Your PS1 Diagnostic Service
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Book online – Select the PS1 Diagnostic Service.
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Free shipping label – We’ll email you a prepaid label.
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Pack your console – Follow our [packing guide page].
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Send it off – Drop it at your nearest post office.
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Get your report – Full diagnosis within 1–2 business days.
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Decide – Choose whether to proceed with repairs (no obligation).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you work on all PS1 models?
Yes — we repair the SCPH-1000 through SCPH-9000 series, including the PSone compact model.
What if my PS1 has been modified?
We can still diagnose it. We’ll simply note modifications in the report.
Can you recover memory card saves?
If the cards are intact, yes — even if the console doesn’t boot.
What if you can’t find the issue?
We’ll be honest if the problem can’t be replicated. You’ll never be charged for unnecessary work.
Are PS1 parts still available?
We stock many common components, although some are now rare. Availability will be included in your report.
How long does diagnosis take?
Normally 1–2 business days after we receive your console.
Will you tell me if repair isn’t worth it?
Yes — we’ll always be honest if repair isn’t financially sensible.
Can I send specific games for testing?
Yes, as long as you understand the risk of posting them. We use a variety of test discs by default.
Preserve Your Piece of Gaming History
The original PlayStation is a landmark console. If yours develops a fault, you deserve to know exactly what’s wrong, without guesswork.
For £19, you’ll get expert diagnosis from technicians who understand and appreciate retro gaming hardware.
Book your diagnostic service today and we’ll help keep your PS1, and its legacy, alive.
