Nintendo Switch
BACKGROUND
Nintendo has finally launched its new console, the Switch. But forget playing games for now—it’s time to take a peek at the hardware. Come tear down with us!
MAJOR TECH SPECS
• Nvidia customized Tegra processor • Built-in 6.2-inch 1280x720 multi-touch LCD screen (capable
of 1920x1080 on external display via HDMI) • 32GB of internal storage (up to 2TB additional storage via
microSDHC or microSDXC card) • 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, USB Type-C charge port, and 3.5mm audio jack on the console, plus three standard USB ports on the Switch Dock
• Stereo speakers
• Rechargeable Li-ion battery capable of 2.5–6.5 hours’ play
• Detachable wireless Joy-Cons
KEY FINDINGS
• Disappointingly, tri-point screws guard the entrance, but we only have to flex a tiny bit of muscle. Tri-points are Nintendo’s version of a “Keep out” sign, but once past them, the back cover lifts off easily. Our first peek inside reveals little. Just a metal shield. However, once uncased, the modular microSD card board is replaceable. Good news for future storage! • The heatpipe is secured by Phillips screws, so thermal paste reapplication should be a breeze. We aim for the fan, but it looks like you can only clean it from here—it’s trapped under the I/O board. So we pop out the game card reader and attached headphone jack. • The speakers are lightly adhered to the rear case, but don’t put up much of a fight. The larger diaphragms will displace more air, and a ported back allows for booming bass, but reports say they still “favor treble.” Phillips screws secure a Joy-Con rail to either end of the console. Each has a set of pin contacts that interlock with contacts on the Joy-Cons to pass charge and button presses to the mobo via ribbon cable. • And for the cherry on this sundae? The LCD display is easily removable! Increasing a device’s portability usually means increasing its likelihood of getting dropped. So way to go, Nintendo, for making a more breakable device more fixable. • Repairability Score: 8 out of 10 (10 is easiest to repair). Aside from the digitizer, screws are used instead of adhesive. Most components, including the analog sticks, game cartridge reader, and headphone jack, are modular and can be replaced. Batteries, while adhered to their housing, are modular and can also be replaced. The digitizer and display are not fused, reducing the cost of repair, but increasing complexity. Proprietary tri-point screws restrict users from opening the Switch. Replacing a display or digitizer requires heating and prying against strong adhesive.