iFixit’s recent breakdown of the Nintendo Switch 2 is pretty worrying. It turns out the device is much harder to repair than the previous model. This could lead to a shorter lifespan and higher repair costs for users.
While the console has impressive internal upgrades, like a faster processor, more RAM, and extra storage, its design choices create major obstacles for anyone trying to fix it. Based on a teardown from iFixit, it is clear that the Switch 2 was carefully built for performance but seems intentionally designed to make DIY repairs difficult.
One of the biggest issues iFixit found is the battery. Like the original Switch, the Switch 2’s battery is tightly glued in place, making removal a time-consuming and risky process that requires special tools and isopropyl alcohol. The adhesive is so strong that the foam padding on the battery will often tear apart during removal. This makes any future battery replacement messy and complicated.
You would think designs should make battery access easy, which is important since batteries naturally wear out over time. The difficulty of replacing such a key part means the console’s lifespan could be shorter than it should be, even without considering normal battery wear. So if you can’t pay for the replacement, you’re going to be out of luck over time.
The Joy-Cons, which were infamous for joy-con drift in the original Switch, are still a problem. While the new models are slightly easier to open, replacing the joysticks is actually harder than before. Even worse, Nintendo has stuck with the same drift-prone joystick technology, meaning the Switch 2’s joysticks will likely suffer from the same wear and tear issues as the original. This decision is especially frustrating since better, drift-resistant options like Hall effect sensors exist.
Repairs are made even harder by the many hidden screws, often tucked under stickers. Removing these stickers damages them and can sometimes void a warrant, which makes reassembly more difficult. Additionally, important parts like the USB-C charging port, the main storage, and the game card reader are soldered directly to the motherboard, meaning they can’t be easily swapped out.
Related
How I Saved My Broken Nintendo Switch Joy-Con By Remapping the Buttons
The Joy-Cons on the Nintendo Switch are highly versatile controllers until they go wrong. Joy-Con drift can render them unusable, but it’s not the only way they can fail. When vital buttons on one of my Joy-Cons stopped working, I managed to find a way to use it again by remapping the controller.
To sum up, you’re not repairing a Nintendo Switch 2 on your own without many issues. In fact, iFixit’s gave the Switch 2 a repairability score of 3 out of 10. This is a drop from the original Switch’s already-poor score of 4 out of 10.
We all want to be able to fix our own devices easily, but Nintendo is not letting that happen. If you’re going to get the Nintendo Switch 2 repaired, use Nintendo first and then a third-party place. Based on iFixit’s video, trying it yourself may do more damage than good.
Source: iFixit
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