The Nintendo Switch 2 recently underwent an official teardown by iFixit, and the findings are concerning for those interested in repairing their devices. While the Nintendo Switch 2 has been very popular following its launch on June 5, the teardown revealed that it is not very user-friendly when it comes to repairs.
iFixit previously revisited the original Nintendo Switch, reassessing its repairability. The criteria used by iFixit for scoring repairs have evolved significantly since the original model debuted, and the outcome was not optimistic.
They halved the repair score based on the original teardown. Unfortunately, their analysis of the Switch 2 showed no improvement in this regard.
Through the teardown, it became evident that Nintendo continues to make DIY repairs challenging for users. Although the Switch 2 boasts numerous enhancements, such as a larger screen, improved performance, and larger Joy-Con controllers, the obstacles to self-repair remain largely unchanged.
iFixit identified several issues, such as tamper-proof stickers in the Joy-Con wells and the extensive use of adhesive to secure the battery, making repairs seem almost comical in their difficulty. In fact, the Switch 2 received an even lower repair score than its predecessor, with iFixit giving it a score of 3.
This indicates that while it’s not impossible for users to conduct their own repairs, the process is far from straightforward. For seasoned tech enthusiasts, these challenges may not deter them; however, the teardown serves as a reminder of Nintendo’s continued stance against facilitating user repairs.
It is important to note that this teardown does not serve as a complete repair guide, but it does provide insights into what users may face when attempting to make repairs on their own.