Scratched game discs can cause your game to freeze or simply not play at all. Finding a store that repairs game discs can be difficult, but what about the most popular video game retailer? Does Gamestop fix scratched discs? The Gamestops in the U.S. do not do repairs of any kind, this includes fixing scratched discs.
If you are looking to fix a scratched game disc, there are quite a few ways to go about it. You can take your game disc to a local video game repair shop that offers the option of fixing scratched game discs, or you can try to fix it yourself.
There are quite a few home remedies that can be tried at home, as well as a more expensive route by purchasing a professional disc cleaner.
Can Scratches Be Removed From Discs?
Scratches can be removed from a game disc, but this usually requires some sort of buffing from a disc cleaner or machine. However, just because scratches are removed from a game doesn’t mean that it will be fixed.
If the scratches are too deep, even buffing them out will still cause the game disc to not play. If the scratches are light surface scratches, then there is a high chance that the scratches can be removed and the game will playable.
We recommend only trying to fix scratches on a game disc if the scratches are causing the game to not be read, skip, or freeze during gameplay. The reason for this is because buffing out scratches does cause permanent damage to your game disc and may cause it to not work properly even if it was working before.
Toothpaste or Metal Polish
A popular at home method of disc repair includes either white toothpaste, or metal polish. Apply a small amount of toothpaste or metal polish to a lint free cloth and gently rub your game disc along the scratch from the center of the disc outwards.
Be sure to cover the full length of the scratch and to perform this multiple times for the best results. Be sure to wipe off any excess toothpaste or polish before trying to play the game.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Scratched Disc?
On average, it costs about $4 to $5 to have a game disc cleaned and resurfaced by a professional. Most stores will use a professional disc cleaner like the JFJ Easy Pro to clean and buff your game disc. This is well worth the price if it can restore a dead game disc, especially if the game is worth a lot of money.
If you plan on purchasing a disc buffer, then this can run you around $10 – $50 for a decent repair kit. If you are planning on having it repaired with a professional buffer, then this could set you back hundreds of dollars, but you will be able to restore multiple game discs.
Where Can I Get a Scratched Disc Fixed?
The best way to find a place that can repair a scratched game disc is to go on google and type “game disc repair near me” in the google search bar. This will hopefully bring up a list of stores or shops in your area that you can call and inquire about game disc repair services.
How to Professionally Fix Scratched Discs Yourself
The best way to fix scratched game discs yourself is to use a professional disc buffer. We recommend checking out the JFJ Easy Pro. It has a steep price, but it is one of the best disc buffers on the market. Many video game stores and resellers alike will use this device to repair or restore non-working video games.
The JFJ Easy Pro is compatible and works with Music CD, CD-Rom, DVDs, Playstation, Xbox, Blue-Ray, Wii, Wii U, Gamecube (other accessories are sold separately due to game discs being smaller), CD-R, DVD-R, and HD DVD.
It’s also very easy to use. You simply place the solution on the game disc, put the disc in the machine, and let it run. It comes with two different solutions that are applied to the game discs before being placed into the disc buffer.
We recommend using a professional disc cleaner like the JFJ Easy Pro. To check the current price and availability, click here to view the listing on Amazon.
Final Thoughts
There are a number of reasons why you would want to repair a scratched disc. From rare, vintage titles, to just wanting to play your old favorite games, fixing a game can be nostalgic or to restore its value for selling.
Unfortunately Gamestop in the States does not currently repair scratched game discs, or do any repairs for that matter. The best way to find a shop or store that repairs game discs in your area is to do a quick google search.
The best way to repair a game disc at home is with a professional disc buffer like a JFJ Easy Pro. This is especially good if you are running a reselling business and will be repairing game discs often. The expensive cost of this device will eventually pay itself off with the amount of games you will be able to fix/sell.