The only thing on your mind when your Xbox 360 overheats and dies is getting it fixed as soon as possible. You could send it to Microsoft, but it will cost you around $150 if your 3 year RROD warranty has expired. In this case, you’ll want to seek assistance elsewhere. All you know is that you want your Xbox fixed fast, fixed properly, and you don’t want to pay too much for the repair.

If you decide that the Microsoft repair option is not for you, then you need to look for a reputable Xbox 360 repair shop in your area. The trouble is, everyone and their sister claims to be a proven game console repair expert, and the wrong shop can really muck things up for you. To keep you and your game system out of trouble, take note of the following points, which should help you find a reliable Xbox repair facility.

Locating a trustworthy and reliable Xbox 360 repair shop needs to be your main concern. It does you no good to choose a cheap repair deal only to have your Xbox returned to you missing pieces or in poor working order. Remember, you want it done affordably, but you need for it to be done right. Choose incorrectly and you’ll have wasted both time and money.

The best ways to find a good Xbox repair shop include going online to reliable blogs, discussion boards, and websites that deal with Xbox gaming - or checking out online local directories like Yahoo or Google. Each of these options should provide you with reviews for each shop you can look over. Oh, and remember to check and see how long the Xbox repair shop has been in business. New shops may pose a risk over longer, more well-established ones.

The cost to fix your Xbox 360 game system is one of the main reasons people stay away from using Xbox 360 repair services. You should consider your options here carefully. Sending your Xbox off to Microsoft will cost you about $150 for even the most basic repair. Shop around to find an Xbox repair facility that can offer you a repair price that falls below this dollar amount. Chances are, you won’t find prices below $100, but it’s worth a look.

Time is the main benefit you enjoy from using the local Xbox repair shop. You’ll still pay as much as $100 for the fix, but your Xbox will be up and running, and you’ll be able to get back to gaming. Be sure to ask each repair place you check with how long it will take them to finish the job. If they offer unacceptable time frames, ask if they offer other options for faster service. You may have to pay a bit extra - but hey, you want to get your game on don’t you?

Lastly, customer service can’t be overlooked here. Hey, you need your Xbox 360 working now, right? If you can’t find a shop that can get you back your Xbox in time, maybe one can offer you a “loaner” to take home while yours is being fixed? Hey - you can ask. And don’t worry, you’re not the only gamer out there who can’t handle waiting for “your” fix. Local repair business is competitive. If the guys at the shop you choose want to stay in business, they may just do you a solid. Word of mouth is a powerful thing.

Tags: How to fix a Xbox