Nintendo May Be Playing It Safe
Living day-to-day with the COVID-19 pandemic hanging above our heads, it would be wise to sanitize any gaming equipment we come into contact with. And with the sudden surge in popularity for the Nintendo Switch, many people are taking to the internet to figure out the best way to keep their system germ-free. Nintendo recently commented on what they suggest.
“Recently, customers have been asking whether they can disinfect their Nintendo Switch consoles and Joy-Cons with alcohol, Nintendo Customer Service wrote on Twitter yesterday via Kotaku’s translation. We’re very sorry to say please avoid using alcohol as it may cause the plastic parts to fade in color or deform. We also cannot recommend using non-alcoholic disinfecting sheets, as depending on the ingredients, they may damage the plastic parts.”
Nintendo didn’t offer any sort of solution to the problem, however, and instead offered up a half-hearted response on the matter:
“For cleaning purposes, please use a soft dry cloth,” the company wrote.
Strangely, there was no answer given precisely as to how we should sanitize the Switch. While I understand the need for Nintendo to protect themselves against a potential wave of consoles being returned, we also need to be answered as to how we can safely disinfect them.
The team over at imore.com has come up with a tutorial on how to disinfect the system safely, which does go against the recommendations from Nintendo. However, I’ve used a similar method for years, and nothing has ever gone wrong. Here’s what they say:
“If cleaning is not enough, and you’d like to take the extra step to disinfect your Switch, you’re going to need some disinfectant wipes, isopropyl alcohol, and/or a diluted bleach solution.
To disinfect the screen, which is more sensitive to harsh chemicals, we recommend using 70% isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab. Gently wipe the screen with a cotton swab moistened with alcohol and allow it to evaporate.
To disinfect the case and Joy-Cons, use a disinfectant wipe like Clorox or Lysol. If you are unable to find disinfectant wipes, the CDC recommends a diluted solution of four teaspoons of bleach per quart of water. Make sure your bleach is not expired and never mix it with any other household cleaners. Moisten a soft cloth (one that you don’t mind getting bleached out) with the diluted bleach solution and wipe down your case and Joy-Cons, allowing the solution to air dry.”
What are your thoughts on Nintendo’s lack of comment on how to sanitize the Switch? Do you have any methods you’ve been utilizing yourself to keep safe during these troubled times? Let us know in the comment section below, and as always, stay social by following us on Twitter.