Choosing to get my broken gaming gear fixed locally—hadn't really noticed "Game Hospital" before, but I got it repaired there
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/999/G999902/20251020033/
Editorial Department: Instruments, Photographer: Nagayama Wataru | 2025/10/25 00:00 (UTC)
I have two Nintendo Switch Pro controllers— one broken, and another purchased new.
Both are “Splatoon 2 Edition” models released in July 2017 when Splatoon 2 launched. I used them for various games including Splatoon 2, Xenoblade Chronicles: X, Monster Hunter Rise, and Pokémon Unite. Then, during play of Pokémon Unite, the left joystick suddenly failed— most likely due to a glitch with Lucario’s “Synchronicity” move.
By that time, the product’s warranty had long expired. So without hesitation, I bought a replacement. Familiar with its color scheme, I simply repurchased the same Pro controller. Thanks to this, I played Splatoon 3 using the old Pro controller from the Splatoon 2 version—and continued doing so for every new game that came out.
Meanwhile, the first one sat unused beside my gaming console for years, gathering dust until it looked completely filthy and unworthy of touching.
Having lived out his remaining days fully, there was nothing left to do but throw him away. Some might sell defective units, but that’s too much trouble. He’d just end up waiting for someone to step on the trash can lid and open it.
But then, I suddenly thought: What if I had considered repairing him back then? If there were a way to casually say “Fix this for me!” right around me—without having to send it off to the manufacturer—how different would his second life have been?
Today, dust continues falling on that already filthy Pro controller. I can’t look away—not because of its pitiful appearance, but because of the other possible future that could’ve existed.
Let’s go find a place that repairs broken controllers!
So I started searching for “repair service for broken Pro Controller.” Naturally, the standard approach is manufacturer repair—reliable and trustworthy regardless of warranty status. As game media, we also want to support platform holders, so let me state this upfront: there’s no better option.
Otherwise, it’s purely your own responsibility.
But it’s just too much hassle. The paperwork, packaging, shipping, then dealing with the price quote and confirming receipt afterward—all of it is exhausting.
I once suffered from a defective PSP model—early batch—with dead pixels on screen and a broken left joystick. On my Xbox 360, I got the infamous “Red Ring of Death” just one month after purchase. These painful memories made me dread manufacturer repair procedures for years. I’d only accept quick turnaround: drop it off, get it fixed quickly, pay the fee—simple.
So when I searched “Pro Controller broken repair store,” I found a local repair shop that accepts in-store visits called Game Hospital. Their slogan is “Same-day repairs as fast as 15 minutes”—just nine characters, yet perfectly captures what I wanted.
Also, since my broken Pro controller looked especially grim and dirty, I cleaned it up as best I could before bringing it in.
Incidentally, game media could also explore self-repair reports. But that requires a huge red warning: YOUR OWN RESPONSIBILITY, so I chose not to go down that path.
Also, 4Gamer is known for dismantling all sorts of gaming devices—but many delicate modern units end up with souls unrevived. And as someone who finds creation painful and can only express myself through destruction, self-repair was never even on my radar.
Now, let me clarify the legal aspects of gaming device repair services, just in case some intelligent readers are wondering: “Isn’t it illegal for anyone but the manufacturer to fix these?”
■ Radio Law
Wireless components inside gaming devices (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) must carry a “TELEC mark” under this law. Devices without this mark—whether game consoles, smartphones, or PCs—are technically illegal in Japan. In fact, some imported electronics are already illegal just by owning them.
From this perspective, repair shops generally can’t fix Wi-Fi components. Doing so would tamper with technical standard compliance certification, making the modification itself illegal. Also, after any changes, they must remove the mark; yet, without being a manufacturer, they cannot re-certify under TELEC standards.
Realistically speaking, even if legal methods existed, handling all these negotiations would be too time-consuming to sustain as a business. Still, repairs that don’t violate radio law are considered lawful.
■ Copyright Law
Tampering with the game device’s software is illegal. Therefore, repair shops cannot use programming as part of their repair method.
■ Product Liability Act (PL Law)
This law states “the manufacturer must take responsibility and fix it.” While not directly binding on repair shops, depending on interpretation, manufacturers could potentially show up to complain if something goes wrong later.
■ Minor anecdotes about repair services
In New York State, the Digital Fair Repair Act came into effect on July 1, 2023.
This law was initiated to prevent manufacturers from monopolizing repair rights: it requires that manufacturers provide parts, tools, and procedures for repairs fairly to users and repair shops—making this obligation mandatory. In other words (within legal limits), New York effectively becomes a “repairer’s paradise” for everyone.
Currently, Japan hasn’t adopted such laws yet—but who knows? Maybe one day kids will treat repairing iPhones or Switches as part of their summer vacation homework, handling them like model kits?
Anyway, most readers probably didn’t read all the legal details. So in short: it’s lawful as long as you don’t do anything illegal.
There may be other fine print and regulations involved, but honestly, I only discovered these through my research—so let me stop here.
Game repair services are not a typical area that game media usually promotes. But if we consider the relationship between platform holders and such businesses, it’s somewhat close—and yet far away.
Now, after this long introduction, we can finally reach the main topic.
Game Hospital started as a spin-off brand of “Smartphone Hospital,” primarily specializing in smartphone repairs. They also operate a buyback service called SMASPi and sell parts.
Stores are located nationwide, with most combining both Smartphone Hospital and Game Hospital under one roof. You can either bring your item in person or send it by mail. Their three main strengths include:
· “Same-day repair is our motto”
(Depending on the issue and part availability, a few days might be needed)
· “Up to 6 months of reliable warranty”
(Not just “fixed and done”—they offer after-service care)
· “High-quality parts at low prices!”
(You’d think cheap means poor quality—but they prove otherwise with top-tier components)
This is the flagship store in Kanto region: Game Hospital Shinjuku Branch Image Gallery No.006 thumbnail / Repairing broken gaming gear locally— I finally discovered “Game Hospital”
I visited the Game Hospital Kanda Branch Image Gallery No.007 thumbnail / Repairing broken gaming gear locally— I finally discovered “Game Hospital”
The Kanda store is located beneath the JR Kanda Station. It brings back memories of lunchtimes in my late 20s—but that’s beside the point. It’s situated right on a lively bar street, very convenient for station access. The dim cyberpunk vibe from the nearby unmanned massage parlor adds to its charm.
At the Kanda branch, you ring the doorbell at ground-level reception, and staff descend from upstairs (reserved for employees) to assist. At the counter, you sign an agreement stating: “Future manufacturer warranties will no longer apply; all repairs are your own responsibility.” Then, they ask about the symptoms and causes of failure—prepare answers in advance.
Of course, sometimes there’s nothing you can do but say the classic repairer favorite: “It broke for no reason at all!” I did exactly that—I blamed Lucario again.
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Whether same-day repair is possible depends on the case. For common repairs like Pro Controllers or battery replacements (causing device failure), it’s usually feasible. After dropping off your item, just return at the scheduled time—your refreshed beloved gadget will be waiting.
By the way, when I asked who typically uses their service, most people are exactly like me: “I want to bring this in and get it fixed quickly.” And almost everyone says things like, “Warranty? Doesn’t matter—I just want it fixed now.” As mentioned earlier, we could talk all day about supporting manufacturers or issuing warnings—but the truth is, what comes out naturally is simply: “Yeah, I know.”
※ I’m the type who often loses warranty receipts and gets emotionally attached to my items—sometimes even “dying” with them without proof. Usually, I manage things properly.
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During my visit in the early afternoon, I was allowed to observe the repair process on the second floor. The room is filled with desks and broken devices: PS4/PS3 units that now feel nostalgic, a Switch that looks almost modern (since I haven’t yet gotten next-gen), and older friends like PS Vita and 3DS scattered around.
These are currently the main devices they handle—but they also accept repairs for countless legacy hardware models.
With legal compliance as their foundation, repairs generally use either remanufactured parts (taken from broken units) or compatible parts, though there’s no domestic supply—most compatible components come from overseas. Since mass production isn’t feasible, availability is limited. Especially 3DS parts have become increasingly scarce lately.
Of course, they never touch any TELEC-compliance-related components (they even repair PSP Wi-Fi boards). They don’t access the device’s program code either. In essence, “It’s more like part replacement than actual repair.” Yet, despite this, they strive to keep prices lower than official manufacturer repairs.
Additionally, for cases where “Wi-Fi isn’t working,” most often it’s just a faulty board or antenna—something that can be legally fixed within the bounds of regulations. Honestly, most users don’t even know what’s wrong with their Wi-Fi. So instead of giving up because “there’s radio law,” it makes more sense to speak up and let professionals investigate.
Case Study 1: “My Wi-Fi is broken!”
Case Study 2: “My Wi-Fi is broken!”
At the Kanda store, I was first shown a 3DS LL repair—a device filled with someone’s memories. The reported issue: “It won’t turn on,” simple but fatal. The technician focused immediately on the most likely cause: battery failure—and began disassembling the unit skillfully.
After replacing it with a new battery, they used a current/voltage checker to measure the console’s heartbeat. Suddenly, the previously silent electrocardiogram came back to life—revived in an instant.
Then, further checks were made on circuit boards as well, thoroughly examining every possible root cause.
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The Kanda branch also serves as a training ground for new staff, though it operates mostly with one person per store—staff known for their craftsmanship.
However, the skilled technician I met had actually started from scratch in the food service industry. He studied only the company’s basic manuals at first, then continued learning and practicing. It took about three years of work before he became capable of making sound judgments and performing repairs independently—even after one year on the job, his knowledge and skills were still insufficient.
This transformation speaks volumes about the company’s training strength… But as we talked further, I learned about his hobby—plastic model building: “Lately I’ve just been stacking them up, but in the past, I used to build a lot. Things like Dendrobium (※).”
Dendrobium-grade models? That implies quite some skill level.
※ Refers to Bandai’s “HGUC 1/144 Gundam GP03 Dendrobium” model kit—priced at ¥30,000, an ultra-large-scale item roughly the size of two PS5 consoles.
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Then came my turn: my Pro Controller. Since this model sees frequent repairs, the disassembly process is straightforward. I cleaned up its exterior—but as each casing layer peeled off, a grimy inner core was revealed. Embarrassing.
The issue with this unit was that the left joystick kept moving downward on its own, causing characters to move unexpectedly even when not touched—especially during movement or idle periods. The stick didn’t actually move; only the input signal reached the Switch. So no matter how hard I physically tried controlling it, accidents were unavoidable.
No amount of recalibrating via Switch’s controller correction function solved this issue—so I suspected a fault. Indeed, similar symptoms had been reported for earlier Pro Controllers at that time.
Interestingly, once before, I’d attempted to pry open the casing using my own cheap tools from a 100-yen store. That damaged the screw holes and forced me to give up. I hadn’t thought about it since—until today, when staff pointed out: “The screw hole’s slightly dented.” It suddenly came back to me. I’d actually tried fixing it myself once.
Anyway, the biggest lesson here is: never use tools that lack precision.
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After the left joystick was fully exposed, staff examined it from all angles and then blew air using an air duster (an item that blows away dust with compressed air). At that moment, I thought I saw something—white like a paper fragment flying off (confirmed by the photographer too).
I should’ve searched for it—but prioritizing interview flow, I ignored it. Now, regretting my failure to collect physical evidence.
After completing internal inspection, they used PC tools to test startup functionality. The Pro Controller woke up as if nothing had happened—its joystick moved smoothly and precisely on-screen with no drift. In just a few minutes, one breath later—it was healed completely. I couldn’t help but laugh at how simple it all seemed.
Incidentally, despite the name “Hospital,” they don’t offer warm little remarks like “Your child is feeling better now!”
In general, Game Hospital staff handle frequent repair cases using manuals and experience. For rare ones, they search online—individually or with help from peers.
While such new devices like Switch 2 or PS5 aren’t expected to appear soon, if they do come in, highly skilled technicians known for their expertise will be assigned. Each successful repair adds to the industry’s collective knowledge base.
Unlike official manufacturer repair specialists, Game Hospital operates more like a true neighborhood repair shop—offering something new yet strangely nostalgic in value.
With that said… What should I do with this Pro Controller now? Though it served as an article topic, back at home, he’ll likely never be used again. He was born for the Switch—but his final major task was done outside gaming. Still, I can’t bring myself to throw him away—and selling is too much trouble. So in time, he’ll probably just gather more dust and become another useless ornament. Since there are two Pro Controllers, their combined utility increases—but if one fails again due to aging? Then, sighing tiredly, I’d have to take it back to the game doctor once more.