NINTENDO

A Nintendo Switch 2 Lite with a better repairability score is what I want

The Nintendo Switch Lite is a nice little handheld gaming device but replacing the screen is a herculean task. If there's a successor such as a Switch 2 Lite, then Nintendo has to make repairing it much easier.

My Nintendo Switch Lite is one of the most cherished gifts I own. It has been a nice companion on trips and nights when I just want to enjoy a few hours of gaming but don’t want to get out of bed to fire up my PlayStation 4. Sadly, while slaying demons in Doom Eternal a few weeks ago, a bunch of lines suddenly appeared on the screen. This came as a surprise as I didn’t accidentally drop it that day nor had it had a fall in several months. The first thought I had was that there was an issue with the game, but a restart confirmed the display was bad.

A search on Google also revealed that I wasn’t the only one with such an experience as this was a fairly common issue with the Nintendo Switch Lite (curr. $196 on Amazon), and the solution was to replace the screen. After confirming the display was damaged, I ordered a replacement screen, hoping it would be an easy fix like that of my Pixel 7. Boy, was I wrong!

According to iFixit, the Nintendo Switch Lite has a 6 out of 10 repairability score, and there is no further proof of this than when you need to replace a damaged screen. Unlike the Pixel 7 which allows you to replace the screen from the front, you can only replace the screen of the Nintendo Switch Lite via the back panel, and to get to the screen, you are required to disassemble several components such as the speaker, triggers, heat sink, card reader, etc. According to the iFixit guide, there are 65 steps to get to the screen and the process takes between 45 minutes to 2 hours! You also need thermal paste when reinstalling the shield plate and heat sink.

To replace the screen of the Nintendo Switch Lite, you need to remove the back plate. (Image source: iFixit)

This brings me to my appeal to Nintendo. There isn’t any info about a Nintendo Switch Lite 2/Nintendo Switch 2 Lite coming, which isn’t surprising since the Nintendo Switch 2 is yet to get a launch date. Notwithstanding, if there is one, making it easier to repair and disassemble should be something I want it to have. Owners shouldn’t have to completely tear down their console and risk damaging other components just for a screen replacement.

Right now, I have only succeeded in removing the back panel on my Nintendo Switch Lite as I don’t have the right screwdriver to remove the screws holding down the plate. While getting a screwdriver isn’t a problem, the fear of damaging a component and my anger at Nintendo for making a screen replacement so complicated keeps me from proceeding.

Author: Habeeb Onawole