Q: Around 18 months ago, I bought an electronic game for my son for the price of €600. The game carried with it a one-year commercial guarantee. A few weeks ago, the equipment did not read the games.

When I went back to the retailer to check it out, I was told the blue ray laser was not functioning and that it could not be repaired. Since the guarantee has expired, the only option I was offered was to have it replaced at a charge of €250, but this time with only a six-month commercial guarantee.

After doing some research on the internet, I found out this was a common defect with such equipment.

I informed the mother company in the UK but was told I had to deal with the local agents.

Is there any way I can have the electronic game replaced at no extra cost?

A: Under the Consumer Affairs Act, all products purchased by consumers are legally protected for two years from date of purchase. Since this game was bought less than two years ago, it is therefore still covered by law in case of latent defects. The law gives you the right to request a free-of-charge remedy whenever the product purchased is either not in conformity with the description and specifications in the contract of sale, or else is not fit for the purpose for which it was bought.

In other words, if this defect was not something caused by wear and tear or misuse, legally you may still be entitled to have the game replaced free of charge.

To register your complaint with the Consumer and Competition Division, you can either call Freephone 8007 4400 or call at our offices in Canon Road, St Venera.