PS1 Repair: Won't Turn On

Assessment £4.99 Quote confirmed before work starts

No fix, no fee · 12-month warranty · Insured, tracked returns

Signs you need this repair

  • No power light when you press the power button
  • The power light comes on but nothing happens
  • The console turns on only sometimes
  • It switches off by itself
  • A click or buzz from inside, then nothing

When a PS1 won't turn on, the usual suspect is the power supply board inside the console. Unlike many older consoles, the PS1 has its power supply built in rather than in an external brick, so the fault is normally inside the case. Parts on that board age like any other electronics, and a failed component there can leave the console completely dead.

Because a no-power fault can sit in more than one place, this is an assessment rather than a fixed-price repair. You pay £4.99 to book. I test the console on my bench, find the fault and send you a quote before I do any work. If you go ahead, the £4.99 comes off the repair. If you decide not to, the £4.99 covers the return postage and the console comes back to you.

For no-power jobs, I ask for the power supply to be sent with the console. On the PS1 that's built in, so please send the mains lead you use with it, so I can rule it out.

To be honest about the limits: some faults need parts that are hard to find, and if that's the case I'll say so in the quote. If your PS1 powers up but won't read games, book the PS1 disc read repair instead. For a wider view of what repairs cost, see the guide to retro console repair costs.

I've been repairing electronics for over 25 years, and it's always good to hear the PS1 start-up sound again. Every repair comes with a 12-month warranty.

PS1 Repair: Won't Turn On

Frequently asked questions

Should I try anything before booking?
Check the mains lead is pushed fully into the back of the console and try a different socket. A loose lead can look like a dead console.
What does "repairs from £39" mean?
It's a guide to the lowest repair price for this type of fault. Your actual price depends on what I find, and you'll see it in the quote before any work starts.
My PS1 turns on but games won't load. Is this the right service?
No. That points to the disc drive, so the PS1 disc read repair is the one to book.

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About this service

How does your mail-in repair service work?
Three steps: book and pay for your repair online, post your item to me using the packing instructions I email you, and I repair it, test it, and send it back tracked. You'll get updates as it moves through each stage.
What is your no-fix-no-fee promise?
Payment is taken upfront at booking. If I can't fix your item, there's no repair fee — I refund what you paid, less £4.99 return postage to send it back to you. Assessment bookings work differently: the £4.99 covers return postage and comes off the repair if you go ahead, but isn't refunded if you decide not to or it can't be repaired.
Do your repairs come with a warranty?
Yes. Every repair carries a 12-month workmanship warranty against the same fault returning. If it does, I'll put it right.
How long will my repair take?
Most repairs are completed within 3-6 working days of arrival, then posted back by tracked post. If a part needs ordering, I'll tell you as soon as I've diagnosed it and give you a realistic date. Diagnostic-led jobs take a little longer if I'm waiting on your approval of a quote.
How do I package my item safely to post it?
I send clear packing guidance when you book. In short: wrap the item well, use plenty of padding, and a sturdy box — the return leg is insured and tracked, and good packing on the way in protects your item too.
Where do I send my item?
Your postage address is included in the confirmation email after you book — you don't post anything until you've booked, so your item is always matched to your order.
Do you cover the whole UK?
Yes — I run a mail-in repair service, so you can send your item from anywhere in the UK. There's nothing local you need to find.
What if my item turns out to be unrepairable?
I'll post it back, and the £4.99 you paid covers the tracked return postage. If you'd rather I recycled it responsibly, I'll refund the £4.99 in full.