With much of Japan and other parts of the world battling dangerous heatwaves, Nintendo has issued an urgent warning to all Nintendo Switch 2 users: Do not play the console in environments exceeding 35°C (95°F). The advisory, released on July 31 following a Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase, urges players to avoid outdoor use of the console during the extreme summer heat to prevent serious hardware malfunctions.
Nintendo Issues Heat Advisory for Switch and Switch 2
Nintendo’s official support channel emphasized that both the original Switch and the new Switch 2 are vulnerable to malfunction when used in conditions above 35°C (95°F) or below 5°C (41°F). The warning comes amid a powerful heatwave in Japan that has pushed temperatures well above the safety threshold for electronics.
According to the statement, users are strongly encouraged to use their consoles in air-conditioned environments, and to avoid playing outdoors entirely until weather conditions improve. The warning applies globally, not just in Japan, as similar heatwaves have been recorded in multiple regions.
Switch 2 Overheating Risks and Ventilation Tips
Unlike some consoles that provide internal temperature readouts, the Switch 2 lacks any way to check CPU temperature from within the user interface. Therefore, Nintendo recommends the following precautions to avoid overheating:
- Keep the console in well-ventilated areas, especially when docked.
- Avoid placing the console inside enclosed entertainment units or cabinets that trap heat.
- Ensure the Switch 2 dock fan has enough space to draw in cool air.
- Never leave the console in direct sunlight or hot vehicles.
With no built-in safeguards against thermal shutdown, ignoring these tips could result in permanent damage, costly repairs, or complete hardware failure—especially as console and accessory prices continue to climb.
A Record-Breaking Launch Facing a Dangerous Season
Since its global launch on June 5, the Switch 2 has broken records with over 3.5 million units sold in just four days, and more than 6 million units sold as of July 24. Its improved hardware, backward compatibility, and enhanced controls have fueled rapid adoption. However, with the console still in high demand, users are urged to take extra care during this critical post-launch period.
Prices for the original Switch and related accessories have already increased in the US as of August 3, and the same could soon apply to Switch 2 consoles and games. Avoiding heat-related damage now could save players from expensive setbacks in the weeks to come.
Nintendo has not yet announced any future hardware revisions or updates to mitigate this issue, making user vigilance more important than ever.
