Many Nintendo Switch users complained the console sometimes overheats while charging. In rare cases, that can also happen when you’re playing graphically demanding games for hours on end. Let’s explore this topic in detail and discuss why your Nintendo Switch overheats and what you can do about this issue.
What happens when a Nintendo Switch console overheats?
When your Nintendo Switch console overheats, it may become uncomfortably hot to play in handheld mode. Stop using the console as this may cause skin burns.
When your Nintendo Switch reaches a critically high temperature threshold, it automatically turns off to prevent hardware damage.
Your Nintendo Switch may become a bit hot while charging but this is normal, it’s not a defect. However, if the console becomes so hot that you can’t keep your hands on it, remove it from the dock.
If you use the console in a place where the temperature is too high, it may quickly overheat. Nintendo suggests you should use the console in a place where the temperature is between 5 and 35°C (95 °F).
How do I stop my Nintendo Switch from overheating?
Clean the Joy-Con rails
If the bottom right-hand side of the console becomes uncomfortably hot, the metal Joy-Con rail could be the culprit. The rail may collect a lot of dust and debris over time. That’s why you should regularly clean your console’s slider rails. You can do that by blowing air into the area near the rail or gently brushing the area with a soft toothbrush.
If the overheating issues continue to affect your console, you may need to replace the rails. If you haven’t done that before, ask an expert to do it for you.
Don’t play games while the Switch is charging
Your Nintendo Switch console may get a bit hot while charging but that’s normal. You can play your favorite games while the console is charging, but this could lead to overheating issues. Let your console charge, unplug the power source and then hit the Play button.
Don’t forget to unplug the console from the power source when you’re not actively using it.
Keep your console up-to-date
Make sure to update the console as soon as new system updates are available. The latest updates often bring many handy fixes and improvements. If the overheating problems you’re experiencing are caused by a known bug, chances are Nintendo already patched the issue in the latest updates.
To update your Nintendo Switch console, go to System Settings, select System, and then go to System Update.
Turn on the air conditioner
If the room temperature is higher than 35°C (95 °F), turn on the air conditioner. The temperature range that allows you to use your Switch console safely is between 5 and 35°C (95 °F). Use the console in a well ventilated place.
Take a break
After a lengthy gaming session with a graphic demanding game, it’s best to take a short break and let your console cool down to prevent overheating issues.
Your questions answered
How long does it take for a Nintendo Switch to overheat?
Your Nintendo Switch console is not easy to overheat as long as the fans are working properly and you don’t cover the vents. You can play for five or six hours straight without any overheating issues. Just make sure to use the console in a well ventilated place where the room temperature doesn’t exceed 35°C (95 °F).
However, if the console starts to overheat after a couple of hours, the fan is probably broken.
Can heat damage a Nintendo Switch?
Heat can severely damage your Nintendo Switch hardware. The good news is that such events are extremely rare. Your Switch console doesn’t actually generate that much heat as it’s running at around 5 to 15 watts. It also has a safety mechanism that automatically kicks in when a critically high temperature level has been reached.
Why does my Nintendo Switch overheat so fast?
If your Nintendo Switch overheats fast, this indicates the fans are broken or the vents got clogged with dust.
If you live in a particularly warm area, hot air is going to be sucked into the console preventing it from effectively dissipating heat. To prevent such events, turn on the air conditioner and use the console in a well ventilated area.
How do I cool down my Nintendo Switch?
To quickly cool down your Nintendo Switch, turn off the console and place it in a well ventilated area. To speed up the process, you can place the console directly under a ceiling fan.
Do you have any additional questions about your Nintendo Switch? Feel free to drop them in the comments below.
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