Consoles are incredible pieces of technology, but like most modern electronics, they can be vulnerable to extreme heat. While devices like the Switch 2 are equipped with internal cooling systems and are tested under typical usage conditions, there are environmental factors that neither manufacturers nor players can fully control.
That’s why Nintendo has issued a new warning to Switch 2 users regarding the risk of overheating, especially in areas currently experiencing unusually high temperatures.
Nintendo Recommends Playing Switch 2 Below 95°F (35°C)
Players in warmer regions are familiar with consoles sending occasional alerts when they start to overheat. But until now, there hadn’t been any clear, official guidance on what temperature range is safe for the Switch.
That changed just a couple of days ago, when Nintendo’s official customer support account in Japan issued a warning during the country’s ongoing heatwave. With temperatures in some areas reaching 98.6°F (37°C), players had begun reporting performance issues and malfunctions with the Switch 2. In response, Nintendo advised users to avoid using the console in extreme heat.
“When using a Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2 in a high-temperature environment, the device’s temperature may rise,” the company wrote. “This could potentially cause malfunctions, so please use it in a location between 5–35°C (41–95°F).”
It’s worth noting that this warning isn’t limited to outdoor use. Rooms without proper ventilation or cooling can easily reach those same temperature levels, especially during heatwaves.
What About Cold Weather?
Some players have also asked whether cold weather poses a risk. In this case, Nintendo recommends not using the console below 41°F (5°C). As with most electronic devices, extremely low temperatures can cause tiny, invisible layers of frost to form. When the console powers on and begins to heat up, that frost can melt and turn into moisture inside the system, potentially leading to a short circuit.
