Demand for Nintendo, Sony PlayStation and Microsoft Xbox consoles in Russia showed signs of revival in 2023. Marketplaces and retailers reported sales rising 2.8 times in the first quarter and average checks for new devices up 24 percent from the previous year. This resurgence has heightened the challenge of repairing consoles without official service networks.
Is spare parts availability a problem?
When it comes to spare parts for consoles, the situation remains largely the same. Most supplies still originate from China, according to Stanislav Pronin, a technician at Joyserivce.ru who spoke with Gazeta.ru. He noted that the team has filtered out low quality suppliers and now relies on stable, reliable sources. He added that in set-top boxes, some malfunctions stem from the manufacturers themselves. For instance, after a recent official update, many devices malfunctioned in a way that affected multiple systems.
He explained that restoration can be performed with service software that only official centers typically have. Such tools connect devices to the internet and to the main Sony or Nintendo servers, enabling repair progress. He acknowledged that his workshop does not have that level of access.
Aleksey Malakhov, head of the XboxFlash repair shop, told socialbites.ca that spare parts are also available on the open market, with AliExpress as a primary source for many components. He characterized AliExpress as a central hub for finding essential parts, and noted that while spare parts have remained relatively affordable, some prices rose due to currency shifts. Some non replaceable modules could be sourced from other devices. Sony does not officially confirm this, so authorized service for set-top boxes would remain centralized, yet functional for repair purposes, according to him.
He observed that private technicians faced high demand before, but today they handle tasks that customers previously could address under warranty. He added that Sony and Microsoft often did not repair under warranty, instead replacing the set-top box, discarding the old one and issuing a replacement.
In discussing a flawless PlayStation 5, Stanislav Pronin reported an uptick in breakdowns in Russia, caused by a variety of factors. Some issues cannot be fixed by specialists. For example, if the processor is damaged, only official service centers can replace it. He noted that many PS5 units arrive with dead processors. Authorities reportedly stock and replace processors, but current practice shows customers are sometimes not reimbursed under warranty. Consequently, many buyers opt to sell non working consoles for parts and purchase a new unit.
Alexey Malakhov of XboxFlash also mentioned receiving several PS5 units for repair, attributing the trend to higher failure rates of the new generation. He pointed out that the laser in the drive can fail due to exposure to light or dust, and that the PS5 is harder to repair than the PS4. He estimated that around 150 PS5 consoles had passed through his hands, mainly with GPU or SSD failures. Pronin explained that external damage to PS5 units is often linked to parallel imports rather than owner actions, noting that some buyers remove boxes to make devices more transportable, leading to more fragile components. The resulting wear can shorten the device lifespan significantly.
Are more customers showing up?
According to Stanislav Pronin, after three years of operation, Joyserivce.ru has seen a steady growth in customer flow. He observed that events around game company exits and other industry shifts kept interest high and the repair shop continued to attract new clients. He also recalled stories of players pushing devices to the limit, sometimes breaking features well before warranty expiry.
One anecdote involved a customer who complained about a very dirty Xbox One X, a console known for its resistance to buildup. The customer explained that heavy gaming sessions caused unusual wear. Pronin suggested that taking breaks every few hours could extend the life of the device, a point illustrated by a mother who described her son playing for long stretches and wearing out hardware faster than expected.
Malakhov noted that more customers are seeking repairs because retailers’ warranty channels can lead to long waits. As official service centers operate separately, many private technicians have become the go to experts for set-top box repairs. He mentioned that retailers often contract third shops for repairs and sometimes approach independent craftsmen for more affordable turnaround. For some operators, continuing work with private technicians proved more profitable than locking in with a large service company.
According to Malakhov, this trend extends beyond individual customers and includes retailer referrals as well, creating a broader base for repair specialists—albeit requiring experience and capital to grow a sustainable business.
How have earnings changed over 18 months?
Pronin explained that earnings have not shifted dramatically. Parts costs rose slightly, but sufficient demand kept profits steady. He noted currency fluctuations in shipping and the complexity of cross border logistics. Delivery times lengthened as shipments traveled through multiple countries, increasing from roughly 10 days to a month or more in some cases.
Malakhov confirmed that repair income for next generation consoles has grown, with PS5 repairs commanding higher rates. A full PlayStation 4 cleaning could cost 2–3 thousand rubles, while PS5 cleanups run at 7–8 thousand rubles. He highlighted the extensive thermal paste replacement and the use of silicone gel in PS5 cooling, stressing that the latter material comes with a significant price. He added that experienced, long standing repair technicians stand to gain the most, while newcomers face a steeper path to profitability.
Both experts agreed that private craftsmen with a proven client base and strong reputations are best positioned to capitalize on the rising demand. They warned that beginners would need substantial investment and practice to become viable players in the market.
Which console is most commonly repaired?
The two technicians concur that PlayStation 4 consoles are most frequently brought in for service. They noted a broad mix of PS4 models including the PS4 Pro for 4K setups and the standard PS4 for non 4K displays. Malakhov added that PS5 units are increasingly appearing at repair shops, a trend tied to parallel imports and a basic one year warranty that leaves many devices vulnerable to failures after early use.
Throughout the discussion, the emphasis remains on the broader ecosystem—where independent service providers fill gaps left by official channels, and where the economics of spare parts, shipping, and repair labor shape the practical realities of keeping game consoles alive in a marketplace marked by heavy usage and rapid hardware updates. This analysis reflects how consumers in North America and beyond navigate similar repair challenges when official channels lag behind demand, and how shop owners adapt to a rapidly changing supply chain and repair landscape.