As with any technology, there is always the risk of things being faulty from the manufacturer or just breaking after lots of (or improper) use. It’s not common for the BluRay laser to need replacing in the PS3, but it does happen and it’s not something you can just fix on your own. If your disc reader has stopped reading discs consistently and cleaning it has not solved the problem, you’ll need to send it in to get it fixed.
The original cartridge-based game consoles were some of the hardiest technology products of all time. Consoles like the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, the Sega Genesis, and even the handheld Gameboy Advance could withstand the test of time and all the misfortune little brothers and sisters the world over could muster. Whether Coke was spilled in the cartridge slot, the console took a swan dive off the entertainment center, or the Gameboy was flushed down the toilet (oh yes, it happened), these resilient consoles could take the punishment. When the newer laser disc based systems hit the market, their reliability was constantly in flux. With more complex technology based on lasers, lenses, and complex electronics, newer systems are just far more prone to break down. However, it’s natural to need to perform Wii, Xbox 360, or PlayStation 3 repairs, and manufacturers and third party repair services have realized that there is…
