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  • Welcome to Nintendo Support

    Get support for your Nintendo systems, software and services

    Tips on How to Keep the Nintendo Switch Console in Good Working Condition

    We have compiled examples of improper treatment of the Nintendo Switch console that users should avoid. Please be mindful of these points so that you can continue to enjoy playing your Nintendo Switch console for many years to come.

    Type of Damage



    Dropping the console onto a hard surface

    Your Nintendo Switch console may break if it hits the ground. Even if it looks fine from the outside, the buttons or control sticks could stop working.

    Please be careful not to drop it, or hit it against a hard surface.


    Main issues seen in products arriving at Nintendo for repairs:

    • Damaged buttons or control sticks
    • Internal parts of console or Joy-Con being broken
    • Console screen cracking, damage to touch screen function
    01.png
    Leaving the console on a sofa/chair

    You might forget where you've left your console and end up accidentally sitting on it. Even if it looks fine from the outside, the buttons or the control sticks might have stopped working.

    Once you finish playing with your Nintendo Switch console, please make sure to put it away somewhere safe.


    Main issues seen in products arriving at Nintendo for repairs:

    • Damaged buttons or control sticks
    • Damage to Nintendo Switch console and Joy-Con rail area
    • Console or Joy-Con being deformed
    • Console screen cracking
    02.png
    Putting the console into an overly full bag

    If you put your Nintendo Switch console into a bag full of things, it could end up being squashed against other items in the bag, and the buttons or control sticks could stop working as a result.

    When carrying your console in a bag, please make sure there’s enough room. Using the Nintendo Switch carrying case (sold separately) is also a good idea.

    Even if the bag is not full, leaning into the backpack could create extra pressure, so please be mindful.


    Main issues seen in products arriving at Nintendo for repairs:

    • Damaged buttons or control sticks
    • Console screen cracking, damage to touch screen function
    • Console or Joy-Con being deformed
    03.png
    Using incompatible cables, or forcibly inserting/removing cables

    If you forcibly insert incompatible cables (such as smart device charging cables) into a port on your console, the connector part of the cable and the port could get damaged.

    If you feel something is wrong when connecting a cable, please check if you’re using the correct one, and that you are inserting it into the port properly.

    Also, please be careful not to trip on a connected cable. This could put strain on the connector and the cord, leading to damage.


    Main issues seen in products arriving at Nintendo for repairs:

    • Damage to USB Type-C™ port
    • Damage to the cable connector (official Nintendo product)
    04.png
    Forcibly attaching and detaching Joy-Con controllers

    When you want to detach the Joy-Con controllers from your Nintendo Switch console (for example, in order to play in TV mode), make sure to hold down the release buttons at the back of the Joy-Con controllers and detach the controllers gently.

    Forcibly attaching and detaching Joy-Con controllers will make the locking mechanisms loose, and the Joy-Con controllers will be prone to come off even when they are attached.

    When attaching a Joy-Con, please move it slowly along the rail.


    Main issues seen in products arriving at Nintendo for repairs:

    • Damage to Joy-Con rail area
    05.png
    Leaving the console in areas with sudden changes in temperature

    Condensation may form on the Nintendo Switch console if it is exposed to sudden changes in temperature.

    If you notice any condensation droplets, please power off your console, wipe it clean with a dry cloth and leave it in a warm room until they disappear.


    Main issues seen in products arriving at Nintendo for repairs:

    • Internal parts of console, Joy-Con or dock being broken
    10.png
    Leaving the console battery uncharged for long periods of time

    The built-in battery in the Nintendo Switch console may fail if it is not charged or used for a long time.

    Please be sure to charge the battery at least once every six months.


    Main issues seen in products arriving at Nintendo for repairs:

    • Deterioration of rechargeable battery in console or Joy-Con
    11.png
    Watch out for water, on the go and at home

    A loose water bottle lid leading to a leak in your rucksack. A tipped-over glass spilling water onto the table. A nearby humidifier... There are many potential sources of water damage in our daily lives.

    Please do not allow your Nintendo Switch console to come into contact with water, or expose it to sources of high humidity (such as a humidifier). Some internal parts could get wet and stop working.


    Main issues seen in products arriving at Nintendo for repairs:

    • Internal parts of console or Joy-Con being broken
    • Console display screen cracking
    06.png
    Touching a console with wet hands

    Touching your console when your hands are still damp after washing them could cause it to break. Even if it looks fine from the outside, some internal parts could get wet and stop working.

    If you have wet hands, please make sure to dry them before using your console.


    Main issues seen in products arriving at Nintendo for repairs:

    • Internal parts of console, Joy-Con or dock being broken
    07.png
    Touching the game card connector

    Please avoid touching the game card connector (the gold and green area on the back of the game card). If you touch this area repeatedly, the game card could stop working properly, preventing you from playing the game.

    A lot of information is stored on the game card, so please handle it with care and avoid touching the connector area.

    • If the software is not recognised when inserting the game card, please click here

    Main issues seen in products arriving at Nintendo for repairs:

    • Unable to load the game card
    08.png
    Leaving your console or controllers around pets

    You accidentally left your console around your pets. In no time at all, it's covered in drool... Letting your pets play with your console or controllers could result in them being damaged.

    If you have pets at home, please make sure to keep your console and controllers away from them.


    Main issues seen in products arriving at Nintendo for repairs:

    • Damaged buttons or control sticks
    • Internal parts of console or Joy-Con being broken
    09.png
    Touching inside the console game card slot

    Inside the game card slot on your Nintendo Switch console, there are connectors that read the game card. Cotton swabs for cleaning and game cards with broken connectors could get caught and damage the card slot connector, so please do not put them into the card slot.

    Please avoid touching the inside of the card slot.


    Main issues seen in products arriving at Nintendo for repairs:

    • Internal parts of console being broken
    12.png
    Playing with a detached Joy-Con without paying attention to your surroundings

    When playing games that involve shaking and moving a Joy-Con, follow the in-game instructions, put the strap around your wrist and adjust the strap lock so that the Joy-Con won’t fly out of your hand.

    Please also be mindful of your surroundings and ensure that you have adequate space around you while playing.


    Main issues seen in products arriving at Nintendo for repairs:

    • Damage to Joy-Con
    13.png