Nintendo has urged users to pay attention to protecting their Switch devices. The company is also aiding users by releasing the top 13 causes of Switch damage. Some of these causes—such as everyday routines or slick hands—are brought on by accidents or inevitable events. According to Nintendo, the Switch may sustain damage if it falls to the floor or the ground, is placed on a sofa or chair, or is shoved into a tight backpack. The Switch’s ability to function normally will also be hampered by using incorrect wire, plugging and disconnecting the Joy-Con forcefully, and not charging for a long period of time.
However, Nintendo specifically warned against using cotton swabs to clean the Switch’s game card slot since doing so could result in a problem. Similarly, positioning the Switch close to a humidifier could result in a fault due to the increased humidity. Moreover, keep dogs away from the Switch because their saliva and urine could cause the device to malfunction. Nintendo advises users to be cautious and practice good hygiene when using the Switch to prevent needless wear and tear on the device. You can ask Nintendo customer service for assistance if you notice that the device is acting out of the ordinary.
Here are the details of the 13 most common causes of damage to the Nintendo Switch.
1. Dropping on the floor or ground
Dropping the Nintendo Switch on the floor or ground can cause physical damage to the device, including cracks in the screen or casing. The device’s internal components, such as the battery or motherboard, can also be damaged due to the impact. Repeated dropping can cause cumulative damage to the device and eventually lead to permanent damage. Also, dropping the Nintendo Switch while it is turned on can cause the internal components to shift or become dislodged, which can result in malfunction or complete failure of the device.
2. Placing on a sofa or chair
If the Nintendo Switch is placed on a surface with soft cushioning such as a sofa, the device can overheat due to the reduced air circulation, which can cause damage to the battery or other internal components. Also, if the Nintendo Switch is placed on a surface with uneven or angled edges, it can lead to pressure being applied to the device, which can cause damage to the screen or casing. Also, if the chair or sofa is unstable, the Nintendo Switch can easily fall off and hit the ground, causing physical damage as discussed earlier.
3. Squeezed in a tight backpack
Squeezing the Nintendo Switch in a tight backpack can cause damage to the device in several ways. Firstly, if the backpack is too tight, it can put pressure on the Nintendo Switch, causing damage to the screen or casing. The pressure can also lead to internal components being dislodged, which can result in malfunction or complete failure of the device. Secondly, if the backpack is not adequately padded, it can expose the Nintendo Switch to impacts from other objects or accidental drops, which can cause physical damage to the device. Finally, if the Nintendo Switch is not adequately secured inside the backpack, it can move around during transportation, causing scratches or other forms of physical damage to the device.
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4. Using the wrong wire
Using the wrong wire can cause damage to the Nintendo Switch’s battery or internal components. The Nintendo Switch requires a specific type of USB-C cable for charging and data transfer, and using a cable that is not compatible with the device can result in overheating or damage to the battery. Also, using a low-quality or damaged cable can cause electrical surges or fluctuations that can damage the Nintendo Switch’s internal components, such as the motherboard or charging port.
5. Forcibly plugging and unplugging the Joy-Con at the wrong angle
Forcibly plugging and unplugging the Joy-Con at the wrong angle can cause damage to the Joy-Con. It may also damage the Nintendo Switch’s rail system. The Joy-Con is designed to be attached and detached from the Nintendo Switch’s rail system in a specific way. Thus, forcing it in or out at the wrong angle can cause the rail to become misaligned or damaged. Repeatedly forcing the Joy-Con in and out at the wrong angle can cause cumulative damage to the rail system. This will result in difficulty attaching or detaching the Joy-Con or even rendering the rail system unusable. It can also damage the Joy-Con’s internal parts, such as the buttons or joystick, making them unresponsive or not working properly.
6. Rapid temperature change
Spaces where the temperature changes rapidly (once water droplets appear, turn off the power and place them in a warm room until the water droplets dry up).
7. Not charging for a long time
Not charging a Switch for a long time can cause the battery to completely drain. This can potentially lead to the battery’s degradation and affect its overall performance. Lithium-ion batteries, like the one used in the N. Switch, have a limited lifespan. They can only withstand a certain number of charge cycles before their capacity starts to degrade. Leaving the N. Switch unused for a long time without charging can cause the battery to discharge below a safe level. This can lead to total damage to the battery’s chemical content. This can result in poor battery life and longer charging time. In fact, it may even cause the battery to stop holding power. It should be charged at least once every 6 months
Other notable causes of the Switch damage are
8. Placing the Switch close to a humidifier will increase the humidity of the Switch and cause damage.
9. Touching the Switch with a wet hand
10. Touching the Switch game card slot terminal with your hands.
11. Pet’s saliva and urine can cause severe damage
12. Touch or use a cotton swab to clean the Switch cassette reading slot.
13. Removing the Joy-Con while the game is in progress