Is your Switch 2 heating up unexpectedly? This is a common concern among users, especially during summer. According to a recent announcement by Nintendo, the high temperatures could be contributing to the overheating issue. As noted by Tom’s Hardware, this alert was aimed at both the Switch 2 and the original Switch users:

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Utilizing Google’s translation via X, the message from Nintendo reads:

Using the Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2 in a hot setting may result in excessive heating of the console. Please operate it in an environment where temperatures range from 5 to 35 ℃ to avoid malfunction. Recent days have seen temperatures consistently surpassing 35 ℃. Exercise caution in outdoor usage.

For users in the United States, Nintendo recommends keeping gameplay within temperatures of 41 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. This is slightly more stringent compared to devices like iPhones, which Apple states should operate between 32 and 95 degrees. However, the main concern remains the ceiling of 95 degrees. Nintendo’s warning comes at a time when various countries across the globe are experiencing sweltering summer conditions. Though the notice was issued primarily in Japan, many other areas have encountered heat waves exceeding 95 degrees. Therefore, playing your Switch 2 outdoors on particularly hot days could lead to operational problems.

Why Is Device Usage Discouraged in High Temperatures?

This issue isn’t exclusive to the Switch 2—most electronic devices, especially those equipped with microchips, are vulnerable to heat exposure.

Microchips have a designated temperature threshold for optimal functionality. Although the Switch 2’s chip doesn’t fail at precisely 95 degrees, this temperature is a precautionary measure to prevent it from nearing its maximum capacity. If the console overheats, it employs various methods to cool down: fans activate to expel hot air, and the processor may downscale its performance, leading to noticeable lags.

Should these cooling tactics prove ineffective, the device will eventually shut down to protect itself from damage. This scenario is akin to the behavior observed in smartphones when exposed to elevated temperatures—you will need to relocate your Switch to a cooler area, and it will resume normal operation once temperatures drop.

Reports of Switch 2 Overheating

Using the console outdoors in excessive heat could be the most effective method to push it to its thermal limits, but it’s likely not the only situation to consider.

Recently, multiple Switch 2 users reported overheating issues—fans were running at full speed while games froze and crashed. This has been particularly noted in resource-intensive third-party games like Cyberpunk 2077 as well as first-party titles such as Pokémon and Splatoon. Notably, many of these initial complaints originated from users in Japan.

The Switch 2 offers significantly enhanced power compared to its predecessor, especially in docked mode. Although both the console and dock are equipped with cooling fans, the increased performance might contribute to unexpected heat accumulation.

Not every player is facing overheating challenges. Some individuals, as seen in a discussion on Reddit, have observed that their Switch 2 functions adequately without overheating. Conversely, others note that the console can heat up, particularly in docked mode, yet it remains manageable if not critical. There is a notable distinction between a console that feels warm to the touch but runs properly and one that overheats, which can lead to performance degradation and battery issues.

Nintendo’s recent communication hints that the uptick in overheating reports may correlate with this exceptionally warm summer. If the Switch 2 tends to heat up under normal conditions, operating it outside or in a non-air-conditioned area on hot days may indeed lead to overheating.

While these observations may not yet signal a serious trend, they warrant consideration. Should temperatures soar, it would be wise to find a cooler environment for your gaming sessions.