One of the biggest problems maintaining video game systems is keeping your controllers from going bad. Anything from drops, cracks and spills can cause them to stop working properly. The older the system, the harder is it to keep your controllers working as long as you need them. If they go bad, hunting down a new one for an older console can be expensive. Taking care of your controllers from the start is the best way to save money and be able to play long after the system is replaced by the next best thing.

First and foremost, examine how you use your controller. It does not matter what system you are using, we all use the controller a certain way. Some people hold it delicately, barely touching the buttons and control pads to move; others are what we call button mashers, and they use all their might to spring into action in game. If you are one of the latter, you may want to try and unlearn the behavior. Button mashing is a surefire way to slash your controller life in half.

It is hard after all those years to retrain your fingers not to bash in those controls, so if that is not up your alley, you will want to keep your controller in otherwise good condition. Cleaning your controller on a weekly basis and properly storing it are the key ways to make them last longer. Properly storing a controller can be done in severe ways, but it all comes down to the space you have to store your console, game and accessories. Make sure they are in an area that is secure, so that they cannot be stepped on or otherwise physically damaged by passerbyers, pets or any other traffic in the area.

Cleaning your controller is simple as well. You want to take something tiny, such as a Q-Tip to clean between analog controls, buttons and other nooks and crannies. You can use something as simple as a dash of water to rubbing alcohol to clean it if you find the grime not coming off as easily. For the rest of the controller, a damp cloth with either water or rubbing alcohol will work to get the dust, dirt and grime of it. Make sure to be careful not to scrub too hard or else you could damage the controller. Also, make sure that your Q-Tips and cloth are not too wet, or you risk getting the inside of your controller wet.

Taking the time to make sure you controllers are properly cleaned will help keep them working long after their shelf life. Only by taking proper care of them will you be able to save yourself the hassle of investing in new ones. Maintenance is your best friend when taking care of any electronics, game controllers included.