Looks Like the Nintendo Switch Is Having Some Issues. Updated

I came across this fairly amusing video with various Nintendo Switch problems. But this isn’t the first time I’ve seen people complaining about issues with Nintendos new console.

There have been reports on many users experiencing dead pixels. And then there’s Nintendo’s unfortunate response to that issue. Dead pixels aren’t generally covered by the Switch’s warranty.

There’s no mention on whether extreme cases (that is not just one single dead pixel) is in fact covered by the warranty. Therefore I have reached out to Nintendo to verify this.

I will also be asking for actual numbers on issues with the Switch. The internet is blowing up with Switch users who are having issues, but it would be helpful to see some actual numbers before deciding whether or not to buy one.

There’s also issues with performance and wireless range. Reportedly the wireless controllers don’t have an effective range of more than a meter. To the internets amusement Nintendo has suggested not placing the Switch near an aquarium in one of it’s support documents. But this does eem to be a real issue, even when there are no aquariums, routers or other interference’s in the way.

The build quality of the console has also come into question. The plastic screen being prone to scratches is one thing, another is the controllers feeling like they are loosely attached to the screen.

As for performance the Switch seems to work better when played in handheld mode than when docked. Most likely due to the lower resolution of the built in screen (720p as opposed to 1080p). It’s also prone to getting stuck on a blue screen or freezing with annoying screeching sounds until you force it to shut down. Looks like sacrificing performance and quality for a quick launch might have been a mistake.

I will update the article when Nintendo gets back to me.

Update:

This was Nintendo Sweden’s response:

“There´s no official numbers, but we help everyone that is contacting us about the problem.

Regarding dead pixels it depends. Please contact a Nintendo Service Center if you have a unit you consider to be defective.”

Which means they don’t know themselves yet exactly how many consoles are affected by these issues.

The good news is that any reports of Nintendo not covering dead pixels by the warranty have been exaggerated. Depending on how serious the issue is in your case they might indeed fix it for you.