How To Fix and Stop Your Nintendo Switch From Overheating

You may have noticed that your Nintendo Switch console is overheating, especially while charging. It could also happen when you are playing graphically demanding games for prolonged hours. I am sure you are concerned about this and want to stop your Switch from overheating.

Does your Nintendo Switch overheat during a gaming session and automatically turn off itself? If yes, something might be wrong somewhere. Many people have their Nintendo Switch shutting itself off after playing for a while. It’s a common problem, and I’ve found an easy fix, so you don’t have to keep dealing with it. Some users also have complained that their console is starting to bend and lose shape due to overheating. That doesn’t sound good!

This post will look into this issue in detail and tell you what you should do to solve this problem. Go through this article carefully and follow the instructions.

 What Happens When Your Nintendo Switch Overheats? 

Your Nintendo Switch can overheat while charging – this could happen if the built-in fans are damaged and faulty or if you are using the Switch in a poorly ventilated area. Nintendo recommends using the Switch in an area where the temperature is within 5 and 35°C (95 °F).

Overheating becomes a problem when your Switch gets too hot to the point that you can’t help but take off your hands on it and detach it from the dock. When your Switch overheats, it is inconvenient for you to play games in handheld mode. We recommend you stop using the console when it gets hot to prevent skin burns.

Typically, the right-hand area of the Nintendo Switch begins to overheat after 30 minutes or one hour of gameplay. When the console begins to heat up, the fans will try to cool the heat. When the fans reach their full power, they will start making loud noises that could distract your gaming session.

When your Nintendo Switch gets to a high-temperature mark, it turns off automatically or goes into sleep mode to prevent further damage to the hardware and internal components of the console. You may be frustrated if your Switch turns off automatically, especially in the middle of a gaming session.

Keeping your Nintendo Switch from overheating should be one of your priorities. You wouldn’t want your gameplay to end abruptly while enjoying the game.

 Why Is Your Nintendo Switch Overheating? 

Before you think about stopping your Switch from overheating, you should find out the possible causes of the problem. In case you are wondering why your Nintendo Switch generates so much heat, it could be caused by any of these reasons:

 1. Damaged or Broken Fans 

Your Nintendo Switch can overheat due to broken or faulty internal fans. Maybe the fans malfunctioned when you accidentally dropped it.

 2. Dust Accumulation 

One of the common causes of Switch overheating is the buildup of junk or dust inside the console. Besides gaming consoles, dust buildup is a common problem in every electronic device. As dust accumulates inside the internal system, it blocks air flow and circulation, which restrains heat from leaving the console.

Dust could pile up inside your Switch if you keep the console in a place you don’t clean often. Since the buildup of dust happens on the inside, it will be difficult for you to notice until your console malfunctions.

 3. Poor Ventilation 

Keeping or using your Switch in a poorly ventilated area is a common cause of overheating. According to Nintendo, you should use the Switch in an area between 41 to 91 degrees Fahrenheit.

Although your house may meet that range, the Nintendo Switch isn’t suitable for all places or setups. For instance, using the Switch in a confined area makes it difficult to dissipate heat emanating from the console.

As the internal fans in the console blow to push hot air out, the heat could sit around your system rather than moving out and flowing to other areas of the room. Consequently, the console around the Switch becomes hotter, and this causes overheating.

 4. Overuse and Prolonged Gaming Sessions 

Your Nintendo Switch will surely overheat when you use it to a great extent. Although the console has built-in fans to keep it cool, overusing it can make it get hotter than it should.

Most times, there may be nothing wrong with your console, but it overheats when you play a game that is not power-optimized. Typically, graphically demanding games cause the console to heat up. So, whenever you play a demanding game, take a break.

 5. Internal Problems 

Other internal problems from the circuit can cause the Switch to overheat while in use.

 How To Stop Your Nintendo Switch From Overheating 

Does your console heat up when you play in docked mode? It is natural for your Switch to warm up while on the dock – especially if it has been running for several hours. The reason is that the dock isn’t built with a fan or slots, so the longer you play, the more heat it generates.

The issue is serious if you can’t touch your console after playing for hours due to the heat. You can fix this problem by implementing the following tips:

 1. Restart Your Nintendo Switch 

Whenever something goes wrong with an electronic device, the quickest fix that comes to mind is restarting it. Some background processes might have gotten stuck while running and could cause the console to overheat.

Restarting the console is a quick way to solve this issue. When next your Switch gets hot, turn it off and on again. You may consider getting a ventilated dock to fix the issue if it doesn’t work for you.

 2. Clean Your Switch 

You can prevent your Nintendo Switch from overheating by cleaning it regularly. From time to time, the vents in your console pick up dirt and dirt. The buildup of dust and dirt in the vents causes your Switch to overheat.

Like you would clean your desktop computer, cleaning your Switch monthly or every three to six months can help prevent the buildup of dust. This will significantly help to improve the airflow and allow the console to cool itself even if you are playing a graphic-demanding game.

Furthermore, you may want to look at the console’s bottom-right area, which gets uncomfortably hot. The metal Joy-Con rail may be why your Switch is overheating in handheld mode. This rail can quickly pick up dirt and debris when you remove it and pair it to your console. You can clean the Joy-Con rails by blowing air in the area or wiping it with a soft toothbrush.

If you cannot clean your Switch yourself, you may have to take it to a repair center or an expert to do that for you. You can get a standard vacuum with a small head attachment for cleaning the vents.

The tools you need to clean your Switch are a dry toothbrush, cotton swab, or a can of compressed air. You can also use the cleaning tools for cleaning PC cases and keyboards to clean your Nintendo Switch. This dust blower will help reduce and remove dust from your Switch console. If the overheating problem persists  after cleaning the console, you may consider replacing the rails.

3. Don’t Use The Switch While It Is Charging

It is natural for your Switch to heat up while charging. You may be tempted to play your favorite games while charging your Switch, but this can cause overheating problems for your console.

The best thing to do in this situation is to wait until the Switch is fully charged. It takes about three hours for the Switch to reach a full charge. When the console is fully charged, remove it from the power source and play your games.

Also, if you are not actively using the console, you should unplug it from the power source. Overcharging or leaving the Switch plugged in power source for too long will not only cause thermal damage but also affect your console’s health.

You may not know when the charging time of your console is complete. This is why we recommend using a charger with an LED indicator. If you need one, you need to have a look at this Whiteoak Switch Pro Controller Charger with LED Charging Indicator. This Nintendo Switch dock charger has an LED indicator that shows your console’s charging status. It emits red light when the console is charging and a green light when the charge time is complete. Once the console is fully charged, unplug it and continue your gameplay.

 4. Use The Switch Console In a Well Ventilated Area 

Electronic devices typically release hot air during operation, so having ample air supply can help them run smoothly. Let’s say you are playing games on your bed with the console resting against your pillow or quilt, you’ll notice that the console gets hot.

Your Nintendo Switch console can get warm or hot if you play in docked mode. So, you must keep the Switch out in the open if you’re playing in the docked mode.

If you use the Switch in a poorly ventilated or warm place, the Switch will not find it easy to get rid of hot air, which puts it at risk of overheating. Although the Switch has built-in fans to improve air circulation and reduce heat, these fans may be ineffective if you use the console in a poorly ventilated area. Before using your Switch, ensure the area is cool and well-ventilated.

Turn on an air conditioner If the room temperature is above 35°C (95 °F). For the safety of your Switch, Nintendo recommends using it in places where the temperature range is between 5 and 35°C (95 °F). You can keep a cooling fan in the direction of the Switch to cool the heat.

Don’t place the Switch on the floor but on high and elevated platforms like a table where air can easily pass through. Also, don’t use it close to other electronic devices that produce heat. You can consider using an alternative dock with no attached design to help improve airflow around your console. We recommend the Nintendo WEGWANG Portable Dock to help quickly reduce the console’s temperature. Reducing overheating can help improve the durability and lifespan of your Nintendo Switch.

 5. Take Regular Breaks After Gaming Sessions 

After playing a graphic demanding game for lengthy and prolonged hours, you should have a short break to allow the console to cool for a while. You can prevent your console from overheating by taking a break every few hours.

It is easy to play games on your Switch without taking a break, which is why your console overheats and turns off by itself. When you use the Switch for a long time without a break, the console will work hard to produce more heat, which isn’t good for the health of your console. Remember that overheating damages the internal components of your Switch.

Ideally, it is best to take a break during your gaming sessions. You can leave the console to rest for 10 to 15 minutes, giving it time to cool down.

 6. Use a Different Dock 

If you discover that your Switch is overheating in the dock, you may consider using a different dock. Although the dock you purchased with your console works, it doesn’t do an excellent job keeping it cool. Some gamers have complained about how the dock scratched the screen of their switch.

To prevent this, you may want to get an aftermarket dock. Thankfully, these docks are designed with cooling in mind, and they can help you play games on your Switch for a long time without worrying about overheating the console.

You can find a third-party USB-C dock to help charge your Nintendo Switch console. You can get this dock with a cooling fan to improve air circulation. This dock is better than the standard dock as it blows out hot air and allows cold air to enter to cool down your Switch.

 7. Update Your Nintendo Switch Console 

When games are first released, they can become resource-heavy because they aren’t well optimized, and this can cause a lot of strain on the console. With time, the game developers will develop regular updates to optimize the game and the console.

Ensure that your console’s games are up to date by installing the new system updates as soon as they’re available. At times, the overheating problems could be due to some bugs, chances are Nintendo has fixed these bugs in their recent updates.

Be sure to install new updates are soon as they’re available. Doing this will make your game less resource-intensive, and the Switch will run smoothly.

Here’s how you can update your Nintendo Switch:

• Launch the Nintendo Switch.
• Go to the Home Menu.
• Go to System Settings (found in round icons in the Home menu).
• After clicking the System Settings icon, a window will be opened.
• Scroll down on the left menu, and select System.
• Select System Update.

After completing these steps above, the Nintendo Switch will begin updating the console. Hopefully, the overheating issue will be fixed at this point.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

 How long does it take for the Nintendo Switch to overheat? 

If the vents aren’t covered and the fans are working correctly, the Nintendo Switch may not overheat until five or six hours. Ensure that the vents aren’t covered, and the console is used in an adequately ventilated place. Ideally, the room temperature shouldn’t be more than 35°C (95 °F).

However, the console may overheat quickly if you play in a poorly ventilated area or if the fans are broken.

 Can heat damage the Nintendo Switch console? 

Of course, prolonged overheating can do a lot of damage to your Nintendo Switch. It can severely damage the hardware and internal components of your console. Some users have reported that their consoles are bending, warping, and getting out of shape.

However, such events are extremely rare. The Switch has a built-in safety system and temperature limits in place. So, whenever the console overheats, it turns off automatically to protect itself.

 Why does my Nintendo Switch overheat quickly? 

Several reasons contribute to the overheating of your console. We have already identified some common causes of overheating in the Nintendo Switch. The most common reason responsible is if vents are blocked due to the buildup of dust.

Similarly, if you live in a warm area, the hot air gets into the console and prevents it from dissipating heat effectively. You can fix this by turning on the air conditioner or using the Switch in a well-ventilated area.

 Does steam damage the Nintendo Switch? 

Steam can get inside your Switch if you use your console close to the kitchen or geyser. When this happens, the moisture can affect the screen of your console and cause it to get blurry. Apart from that, it can damage your console’s internal parts.

 Can I put my Nintendo Switch in rice? 

Rice is considered a quick fix to dry electronic devices. However, we do not recommend putting your console in rice because rice contains dirt, which can more trouble if it gets into your Switch. Use a hairdryer and blower instead.

 How water-resistant is the Switch? 

Ignore any report that the Nintendo Switch is waterproof. The Switch is not waterproof. It is almost possible for a device with a fan and vents to be IP68/67 water-resistant. The Switch is not even spill-resistant.

Peradventure, if your console gets in contact with water or any liquid substance, turn it off immediately. Don’t put it in direct sunlight; get a hairdryer to keep it dry. When you are done, turn it off for some minutes, and then turn it back on.

 How can I keep my Nintendo Switch cool? 

There are several things you can do to cool down your Switch. They include:

1. Place it in a well-ventilated area.
2. Use a well-ventilated dock with a cooling fan, or place the console directly under a fan.
3. Ensure the built-in fans of the Switch are working correctly.
4. Clean the air vents.
5. Take regular breaks between gaming sessions.

 Conclusion 

It is common for the Nintendo Switch console to heat up when in use. Typically, it turns itself off automatically to protect the hardware components, and sometimes, it overheats until it damages itself.

You can prevent your Switch from overheating by keeping things clean, replacing the built-in fans, using it directly under a ceiling fan, or placing the dock in a well-ventilated area.

We have suggested and recommended many ways to keep your Switch from overheating. Following the abovementioned methods, you can keep your console cool even when playing games for extended periods. Without a doubt, keeping your console cool will help increase its lifespan and durability.

By following all these methods, you can use your Nintendo Switch freely without worrying or expressing fears of damaging the system. If your Nintendo Switch keeps overheating even after following all the steps we provided, you will have to take your console to an expert or a nearby electronics repair shop to see if they can it fixed.