Nintendo has published new guidelines on using alcohol to disinfect a Nintendo Switch and its related devices, such as Joy-Cons. [Thanks, Game Watch!]
The English customer support page mentioned that in order to disinfect a Switch and its related products, customers should apply a light amount of consumer-grade disinfectant with approximately 70% alcohol to a soft cloth and use it to wipe the items gently.
Nintendo SwitchやJoy-Conをアルコール消毒される場合は、こちらのサポート情報をご覧ください。 https://t.co/WwUTzQxMvd pic.twitter.com/PGClXDXVly
— 任天堂サポート (@nintendo_cs) November 27, 2020
The Japanese guideline page added more precautions on cleaning the Switch with alcohol. Failing to adhere to them may cause Nintendo’s service center to charge a fee for the reparation.
- Do not use alcohol made for uses other than disinfection, such as fuel, as it may damage the device.
- Do not immerse the device or apply the antiseptic solution directly, as the device may break if liquids enter its insides.
- Please make sure the device has been thoroughly dried after the disinfection before using it. The device may break if it is used while still wet.
Previously in April 2020, Nintendo received numerous questions on disinfecting the Switch and its Joy-Cons with alcohol as the coronavirus pandemic began to spread globally. The support center account at the time suggested users refrain from using alcohol to disinfect the console devices. There were concerns that the plastic parts could be damaged, discolored, or even distorted by alcohol.
The Nintendo Switch launched worldwide on March 3, 2017. It has surpassed 68.3 million units sold as of September 30, 2020.
