What is the problem and do I just need to get a new one

Hello, and thanks for getting in touch. I'm Aileen, and I'm here to provide you with advice as an Independent Advisor.

I understand your Xbox One S has suddenly started acting up — the HDMI and controller both stopped working, you saw the blinking power light (which points to a ventilation issue), and now even after moving it to a better spot and factory resetting, the issue came back. Plus, you're now hearing a soft grinding noise after shutdown. I know that’s a lot to deal with, especially after five years of it running just fine.

Based on everything you described, here’s what’s likely going on:

Hardware strain or overheating damage

Even though your console was stable in its old spot for years, long-term heat exposure or dust buildup inside the unit can cause damage over time. A blinking power light on Xbox One S often signals thermal shutdown behavior.

Internal hardware failure:

The grinding noise you’re hearing could be a worn-out fan or power supply issue — especially if it keeps happening after shutdown. Combined with HDMI issues and controller connection dropouts, this suggests the problem is deeper than just software.

Temporary reset success:

The fact that a factory reset and HDMI swap briefly worked points to an intermittent failure — something inside the unit is only sometimes connecting or powering properly, but not reliably.

What you can try before replacing it:

Disconnect everything fully

Unplug the power cord, HDMI, controller, and any accessories.

Wait 10 full minutes, then reconnect only power and HDMI to a different TV input or monitor.

Turn it on and watch for the power light behavior.

Test without controller connected

Try powering on with just the console power button, not the controller.

See if it stays on and shows any video output.

Use the Xbox Startup Troubleshooter (if accessible)

Power off the console.

Hold the Bind button + Eject button, then press Power (keep holding the first two until you hear a second beep).

If it loads the troubleshoot menu, you might still be able to do an offline update or full reset.

If none of the above works and the symptoms keep repeating — blinking light, no HDMI output, noise after shutdown — then unfortunately, it does sound like your console may be reaching end of life. At that point, replacing it might be the most reliable long-term solution.

Let me know what happens when you try the steps above, and if you're considering getting a replacement, I can help you explore affordable upgrade options too.

xbox live needs a new way to get the cheaters and i know a way play the games with them watch them then they will get what they need to do what they have to do one step ahead of the cheaters

i know making posts won't fix the problem, Microsoft needs to fix the problem. i just want to vent a bit and to know what if anything is being done. it is getting very old to have to sign in every time i want to do anything on my xbox, and with the new stuff
happening now it is only getting worse IMO.

Hello, Murbot. I'm Arturo, and I'll be glad to provide assistance with your inquiry today.

I think you're talking about the Xbox Series X, right?

If that's correct, I personally recommend the Elite Series 2 in terms of upgraded controllers. Especially for the paddles, because I can map some buttons, like pressing the R stick or L stick, and the option to short the trigger (this one allows me to shoot faster compared to the default option).

In case you're interested in checking out the Elite Series 2, here's the link from the Xbox website:
https://www.xbox.com/accessories/controllers/elite-wireless-controller-series-2

Of course, there are other accessories, but I didn't test them.

Moreover, purchasing the controller is not a must, but you may notice a difference compared to the standard Xbox controller.

Additionally, if you mean the expansion card when you say "mem card", it is not mandatory. The main difference between the dedicated expansion card and a regular external hard drive is that you can play and store next-gen games (games with the "X|S" badge), with a regular external hard drive, you can only store next-gen games, and in order to play them, you just need to transfer them to the internal storage of the console.

I hope this helps. Thanks for your attention,

Arturo.

The list you have there will do, but to play online multiplayer, you will need to get Game Pass Core (new name for Gold) or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which includes Game Pass Core, Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, EA Play & Cloud Gaming.

The Elite Series controllers won't really make much of a difference to your gameplay. If you want to use one, then that is entirely your choice.