So you’ve got your hands on a shiny new Nintendo Switch 2. Congratulations! But before you dive into your favorite games, there’s one crucial piece of advice you absolutely *must* heed: leave the screen protector on. Seriously. That factory-applied film isn’t just there for show; it’s a crucial safety feature designed to prevent glass shards from scattering in case of damage, as explicitly stated in the European safety manual. This isn’t some arbitrary suggestion; it’s a direct warning from Nintendo themselves, echoing similar advice given for the Switch OLED model.
This isn’t the first time Nintendo has emphasized the importance of a seemingly insignificant detail. Remember the initial Galaxy Fold debacle? Reviewers peeled off what they thought was a standard protective film, only to discover it was essential for the screen’s integrity. Don’t make the same mistake with your Switch 2.
But the warnings don’t stop at the screen. The Switch 2’s safety document is a treasure trove of surprisingly detailed advice, ranging from the obvious (“Be aware of your surroundings”) to the more technical (“Pay attention to the load capacity of the circuit when choosing where to plug the product in.”). Nintendo recommends avoiding extreme environments—think dusty, smoky, or humid conditions—and sticking to a comfortable temperature range between 5 and 35 degrees Celsius. They even suggest charging your batteries at least every six months to maintain optimal performance.
The new Joy-Con controllers also receive their own set of cautions. While the usual advice about using straps to prevent accidental projectile Joy-Cons is included, Nintendo also warns against placing stickers over the shoulder buttons, as this could interfere with the magnets used to attach them to the console. And if you’re planning on using the innovative new mouse control mode, be sure to use a mousepad to protect your playing surface from scratches.
In short, before you power up your new Switch 2, take a moment to read the safety manual. You might be surprised by the helpful – and sometimes surprising – tips that could save you from potential headaches (or worse, broken hardware) down the line. Happy gaming!
