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.

However, during the excitement and enjoyment of the games, users often forget about proper maintenance of their Xbox 360. You may place it anywhere, bring it any which way, and just leave it be until you realize that the dreaded “ring of death” has manifested itself on your gaming console. By then, it will almost be too late to rectify the errors of your past ways.

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.

For dust problems, it is highly recommended that the Xbox 360 be positioned away from areas that generate plenty of dust. These can include constantly open windows and outside doors, even under the bed. (You will be surprised at how many users hide their units for one reason or another) And if you are not using the Xbox 360, it is a good idea to provide dust protection for it.

If you take your Xbox with you when traveling, you should get a carrying case for it which provides adequate padding and protection from dust and dirt as you carry it around.

As for dirt, always clean the area around the gaming console. You want it to be as clean as possible with as little dust and dirt as humanly possible. This way, you can delay the appearance of the “ring of death”. This also applies to the discs used in the Xbox 360, which must also be kept away from dust and dirt by placing them in protective covers. Plus, don’t smoke your cigarettes around the unit as smoke can damage the Xbox 360, too.

Your Xbox 360 is not just any gaming system - it is an investment you need to protect. With diligent care, you can ensure that your Xbox can keep you entertained for years to come.

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