We may earn a commission from links on this page.
This Nintendo Switch 2 Been out for almost a year. Maybe you bought one at launch, or maybe you’re looking Pick one up before the price skyrockets. Anyway, if you’re or are going to be the proud owner of a Nintendo Switch 2 (or even an OLED Switch, for that matter), there’s one thing you shouldn’t do to it: remove the film on the display.
That movie is going to stick to Switch 2 for good
Tuesday evening, Nintendo published a post on the X Warning users not to remove film from Switch 2 or Switch OLED models. According to the company, this is a “shatter-prevention film” applied during production to prevent pieces of the screen from flying everywhere if you break the display. Importantly, Nintendo notes that the film cannot be replaced if removed, and, as such, users are requested not to remove it. The company recommends that players apply a screen protector (with a film) over the display if you want to keep dirt and scratches at bay.
This tweet is currently unavailable. It may be loading or has been removed.
This is not necessarily new information. In fact, I wrote about this issue even before the Switch 2 launched last year. First spotted by GizmodoNintendo offers a similar wording of warning under the “Use with caution” section Switch 2 Instruction Manual: “The screen is covered with a film layer designed to prevent fragments from scattering in case of damage. Do not peel it off.” It makes sense: If you drop your Switch unit and the screen breaks, this film prevents shards of the display from flying all over the place. If you remove the film, a shattered Switch 2 screen can hurt someone if you don’t manage to pick up every little piece of the display you used to play. Mario Kart World Lose-lose on.
It’s unclear why Nintendo felt the need to share this update now. Aside from the instruction manual, it’s the first official notification I’ve seen from the company. It’s possible that many users are complaining about issues with their displays after removing this film, but without official confirmation from Nintendo, it’s impossible to tell. However, it’s clear that Nintendo doesn’t really want you to put this movie away, so you better fight that instinct.
What else is in the instruction manual?
There’s much more to Nintendo’s instruction manual than this simple warning, of course. The guide is full of advice for using your Switch 2 to its full potential, but most of it is common sense. That said, here are some interesting tips you should know about.
What do you think so far?
Nintendo says you need to charge the battery at least once every six months. If you are a frequent gamer, you will do it without thinking. But for any gamers who like to play once or twice a year (or less), the company warns that the battery may become impossible to charge if you don’t use it for long periods of time.
You may know the Switch 2 Joy-Cons attach via magnets. Nintendo warns that “do not swing or hang the console” or “apply force to the connecting parts” from the attached Joy-Con. You shouldn’t put stickers on the Joy-Cons where the SL/SR buttons are, as you could weaken the connection and separate the Joy-Cons (and risk breaking said screen).
Obviously, magnets are strong enough to attach other magnetic objects, such as screws or tacks. Nintendo advises that if these items are attached to the Switch 2 or Joy-Cons, use a cotton swab to remove them. In general, before using the Joy-Cons you should clean them whenever there is dust or debris.
