At almost $400 for the Modern Warfare 2 Limited Edition Elite Console and $300 for the Elite Console the Xbox 360 is indeed an investment in itself. When you factor in the cost of must-have accessories like the universal remote and the additional controllers as well as the games themselves, you are looking at an investment that can and will run in the hundreds of dollars.

Even though this system can represent a serious investment, many gamers lose sight of the importance of practicing proper maintenance for their Xbox 360 in the thrill of the gaming this system provides. Gamers will often treat their console as if it were indestructible – at least until the much feared “red ring of death” shows up as a reminder that this system does need to be cared for properly. Once this sign appears, it is often a sign that you need to change your ways and fast if you hope to keep your console working.

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.

You should also keep your Xbox 360 away from electronics such as amplifiers; these can generate enough heat to cause trouble for your Xbox as well. Make sure not to keep your Xbox in an enclosed space such as a closed entertainment center while you play – your console needs adequate ventilation to stay cool. The best place to use your Xbox is in a room which is air conditioned or somewhere that you can point a fan directly at the console. There are cooling accessories which you can use to keep your console from overheating, but you need to make sure not to power these accessories from the Xbox 360 unit, since this will actually cause, not prevent overheating.

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 must travel with your Xbox 360 in tow, be sure that you have a special carrying case for it. This way, you provide protection for the console from the dirt, dust and grime as well as the bumps and grinds of transportation.

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.

You have made a significant investment in your Xbox 360, so why not treat it like one? You can enjoy your console for much longer if you simply follow the common sense maintenance tips given here; the extra gaming excitement you will receive more than makes up for the small amount of maintenance.

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