How to Fix a Game Cube

Check and review your GameCube's warranty before actually trying to fix anything in your console. If your unit is still under warranty, then simply pack up your game console and send it to Nintendo for their professional staff to troubleshoot and repair your unit for you. Note that opening your GameCube will void any remaining console warranty.

Unplug the GameCube from your power source, along with any other wires connected with your console. It is important that you check if any power is still running through your console before continuing in order to prevent injuries and damage. Aside from ensuring your safety, this is also needed to ensure that no further damage will occur with either the GameCube's hardware or system processes.

Buy a GameCube screwdriver or find a makeshift one. Nintendo uses a uniquely-shaped screwdriver common to almost all of its products and devices. If you plan on buying one, simply search online using the keywords "GameCube screwdriver".

Melt the tip of a hollow plastic pen if you want to make a screwdriver for free. While the pen is still pliable due to the heat, simply place the melting pen tip around one of the console's screws. Hold the pen still for a minute until the plastic becomes hard again. Once it has cooled, you will now have your very own home-made GameCube screwdriver.

Flip over your game console, unscrew the four screws holding the case to the console's main body, and then simply detach the top part from the console.

Clean your lens carefully using a Q-tip that is moistened with rubbing alcohol. The lens is the small round glass that can be found in the upper part of the game console. Make sure to use soft and gentle strokes, as the lens is sensitive to scratches and dust.

Dry the lens using a dry Q-tip, using careful and gentle strokes. Once dry, close your GameCube, screw the top to the console's body, and then carefully plug it in. Insert a title and see if the console works properly this time. If so, then you have been successful in fixing your GameCube, if not, repeat steps 2 and 4 again.

Locate your disk reader. The disk reader is what holds the game. It is the black object where the lens is located.

Carefully unscrew the four screws that are attached to the disk reader, and then remove it gently. Once out, flip the disk reader over and look for a little black box. The disk read error is most likely caused by the overturning of this tiny screw -- misaligning the disk's laser.

Rotate the screw on the tiny box clockwise using a Phillips screwdriver. This will give the laser a better focus. Take note that you must not rotate the screw more than 90 degrees; otherwise, you are risking further damage to your GameCube console.

Screw the detached GameCube components back into their respective places. Make sure that all screws are accounted for. Once done, plug the console and turn it on. If you did the steps properly, the Disk Read Error will be gone. Otherwise repeat step 6, slightly turning the screw on the little black box either clockwise or counter-clockwise. Keep adjusting until the Disk Read Error is gone.