Many people are currently at home to help curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many choose to spend their time playing games, including the Nintendo Switch.
With the Switch getting in more playtime, especially thanks to the release of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, some may find their consoles becoming dirty.
Recently, a Japanese gamer asked Nintendo if they can use rubbing alcohol to clean their devices. Nintendo replied to the player on Twitter, along with posting more information on their support website.
最近、お客様から「Nintendo Switch本体やJoy-Conをアルコール除菌したい」というお問い合わせをいただくことがあります。
大変申し訳ございませんが、プラスチック部品が色あせたり、変形したりする可能性がありますので、アルコールの使用は避けてください。 https://t.co/pedMhV7G3W
— 任天堂サポート (@nintendo_cs) April 10, 2020
Nintendo informed players that rubbing alcohol should not be used to clean the Nintendo Switch or its accessories, such as the Joy-Cons. This includes disinfectant sheets, which could also harm the Switch.
The reason is that the alcohol may fade the colors of the Switch or its accessories, along with deforming the plastic parts.
If players need to clean their Switch, Nintendo suggests using a dry, soft cloth (such as microfiber) and gently wipe away any dirt. A dry cloth may be enough for some gamers to clean their console.
The question isn’t a surprise and comes during a time when everyone is encouraged to wash their hands and avoid touching their faces. Since handheld devices, including smartphones, are getting more use, medical professionals have suggested to regularly clean and disinfect these devices, especially if using them in public.
Players should take extra caution with their consoles. Nintendo recently updated its Japanese support website with news that their repair department has seen a larger increase in requests. Anyone who submits their device to be repaired may have to wait much longer than usual.
The news of slower repairs comes with previous reports that the Nintendo Switch is becoming more difficult to find. More players are interested in purchasing the console now that they’re at home, but they’re low in-stock across the world. Nintendo had trouble with producing more of the popular consoles, especially since many companies were forced to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily. The shortage has reminded many of when the console was first launched in early 2017.
The Nintendo Support Twitter account has been active lately, especially in Japan. Players have noticed an increase in credit card fraud reports. Nintendo has recommended that players turn on two-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized logins by third-parties.
