Troubleshooting Plug & Play TV Games

What is a Plug &Play TV Game?

• A plug-and-play TV game is a small, inexpensive game console. The games to be played on the console are stored in the system itself, and any given console can contain one or many games. The plug-and-play TV game console usually runs on batteries, and connects directly into your television via an A/V cable.

Starting Up

• Before you begin the process of troubleshooting your plug-and-play TV game, be sure that you have the appropriate screwdriver and a box of AA batteries. You will need a screwdriver in order to remove the cover of the battery pack, and the AA batteries in order to power the console. Use the screwdriver to uncover the empty battery pack, and place the batteries inside. Close the cover and screw it tight. Now connect your console's A/V cable to the television set and press power (be sure your television is set to input, or A/V).

Common Issues

• One of the common issues associated with plug-and-play TVgames is using rechargeable batteries. Many people would like to save money on their console by using it with rechargeable batteries. While this method may save money on batteries, it could also lead to issues operating the game console. Many of the problems concerning plug-and-play TV game consoles occur when the console's batteries are low or dead, and rechargeable batteries may sometimes lose power faster than normal ones.

  Another issue concerning the plug-and-play variety of games is knowing how long one should wait before replacing the console's batteries. Generally, you should change your console's batteries after every three to four hours of gameplay, to avoid malfunctions. If you start seeing a distortion in the display on the screen, it's time for new batteries.

  Distortion is probably the most common issue to plague plug-and-play TV games. Distortion usually happens when the console's batteries are low. If you've recharged your batteries, though, and the distortion still occurs, the issue may be with your television's sattelite signal, if you have one. Disconnect the sattelite's cable box, and you should be able to play problem free. If you still have problems with distortion, your console may be damaged, and you may have to purchase a new one.