Important takeaways
- Nintendo is warning players to keep pets away from the Switch due to potential damage from saliva and urine.
- Nintendo's concern may stem from repair requests for pet-damaged devices.
- Fans should follow advice to protect their investment, especially with the new Switch 2 on the horizon.
Nintendo has spontaneously taken the opportunity to issue a warning PSA about retention Switch brackets secure around animals. While valid advice, the spontaneity of the Nintendo Switch warning may seem a bit odd.
Many of Nintendo's consoles are tough, with the Game Boy surviving a wartime explosion. But if there's one weakness in pretty much all gaming consoles, it's the ability to withstand exposure to water or liquids. That, in part, is apparently a matter of concern for Nintendo.
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Nintendo's Japanese social media account issued a PSA to fans of the Switch about keeping their pets away from the console and the risks they could pose to it. The tweet is basically warning fans that all they have to do is take their eyes off their Switch for a moment and a poorly trained gamer animal could end up chewing on it. It goes on to explain that pet saliva and urine can damage the Switch, leading to malfunctions due to water exposure, and to be careful when using a Switch around pets as a result.
Keep non-Nintendogs away from Nintendo Switch
Exactly why Nintendo chose to issue this warning to users now is not exactly clear. It's possible that the company is seeing more repair requests for Nintendo Switch devices damaged by pets. However, Japan's pet ownership is significantly lower than in the US, so it may also be a much less widespread problem for the company to experience with its own domestic customers than those overseas. Anyway, a very similar notice went out from the company a few years ago, albeit with an added sentence noting that pets could also chew on the cables and damage them. It may simply be some recycled advice that seemed wise to share.
In any case, Nintendo fans should definitely follow the company's advice here, especially with the Nintendo Switch 2 finally on the horizon. Having any gaming system damaged by a pet would be devastating, but it's especially bad if it's a brand new device. Given the massive shortages of certain console releases, such as the original Nintendo Switch, and the possibility of future tariffs affecting the prices of video game consoles, protecting one's investment is an important goal to consider.
Those experiencing something similar should consider contacting Nintendo for assistance first. While the damage may not be covered under warranty or repairs that Nintendo would be willing or able to service, any attempt to fix internal liquid exposure to a console could make matters worse.
Nintendo Switch
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The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid portable and home console that aims to be the only gaming system anyone needs. The hybrid controller is an undisputed success as it provides a high degree of portable visual quality and easily transforms into a home console.
- Stamp
- Nintendo
- Battery
- 1 lithium polymer batteries required
- Measure
- 13.7 x 7.8 x 3.66 inches
- Weight
- 2.65 pounds
