Has your Switch 2 been overheating? You’re not alone. Nintendo suggests it might be due to summer play. According to a Tom’s Hardware report, Nintendo’s Japanese account issued a warning for Switch 2 and original Switch users. The translated message reads:
“Using Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2 in hot environments may cause overheating. Operate it between 5 and 35 ℃ to avoid malfunctions. With recent temperatures exceeding 35 ℃, be cautious using it outdoors.”
In the U.S., Nintendo advises using Switch 2 in 41 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, slightly less tolerant than an iPhone, which Apple recommends for 32 to 95 degrees. The focus here is the 95-degree limit, as many regions face a hot summer. Nintendo’s warning, while Japan-centric, is applicable to areas exceeding 95 degrees, suggesting issues may arise playing outdoors on such days.
Why are devices affected by extreme heat? All technology, especially those with microchips, is vulnerable. These chips have a temperature threshold, not maxing out at 95 degrees. That limit ensures they don’t hit maximum temps. If the Switch 2 overheats, its fans try to cool it, potentially slowing the processor and causing lag. If ineffective, the console locks up until cooled.
Switch 2 reportedly overheats more outdoors, but this may not be the only trigger. Problems include fast fans, game freezes, and crashes in demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Pokémon. Initial complaints were mainly from Japan. The Switch 2, more powerful than the original, might overheat more, especially in docked mode. Yet not everyone reports issues—some note the console heats but performs normally; others face overheating affecting performance and battery life.
Nintendo’s post suggests overheating reports relate to the warm summer. If the Switch 2 heats during normal conditions, playing on a hot day without air conditioning could lead to overheating. This isn’t deemed a worrisome trend, but it’s wise to find a cooler place to play when it’s extreme heat.