Don’t Remove This Film on Your Switch 2

We may earn a commission from links on this page.

Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt/Lifehacker

Table of Contents

The Nintendo Switch 2 has been out for nearly a year. Maybe you bought one at launch, or perhaps you're looking to pick one up before the price skyrockets. Either way, if you are or are soon to be the proud owner of a Nintendo Switch 2 (or even an OLED Switch, for that matter), there's one thing you should not do to it: remove the film on the display.

That film is meant to stick on the Switch 2 for good

On Tuesday evening, Nintendo published a post on X warning users not to remove the film on either the Switch 2 or Switch OLED model. According to the company, this is a "shatter-prevention film" applied during production to prevent screen fragments from getting everywhere should you break the display. Importantly, Nintendo notes that the film cannot be replaced if removed, and, as such, requests that users not remove it. The company recommends that players apply a screen protector over the display (with the film) if you want to keep dirt and scratches away.

This isn't necessarily new information. In fact, I wrote about the issue right before the Switch 2 launched last year. First spotted by Gizmodo, Nintendo offers a similar word of warning under the "Careful Usage" section of the Switch 2's instruction manual: "The screen is covered with a film layer designed to prevent fragments scattering in the event of damage. Do not peel it off." It makes sense: In the event you drop your Switch unit and the screen shatters, this film stops the display's shards from flying all over the place. If you remove the film, a shattered Switch 2 screen could hurt someone if you don't manage to pick up each and every little piece of the display you used to play Mario Kart World on. Lose-lose.

It's not clear why Nintendo felt the need to share this update now. Aside from the instruction manual, it's the first official notice I've seen from the company. It's possible that too many users were complaining about issues with their displays after removing this film, but without official confirmation from Nintendo, it's impossible to say. It's clear, however, that Nintendo really doesn't want you removing this film, so you're better off fighting that instinct.

What else is in the instruction manual?

Nintendo's instruction manual has much more than this simple warning, of course. The guide is full of advice for using your Switch 2 to its fullest potential, but most of it is common sense. That said, there are some interesting tips you should be aware of here.

Nintendo says you need to charge the batteries at least once every six months. If you're a frequent gamer, you'll do that without thinking. But for any gamers that like to play once or twice a year (or less), the company warns it may be impossible to charge the batteries if you don't use them for an extended period of time.

You might know the Switch 2 Joy-Cons attach via magnets. Nintendo warns not to "swing or dangle the console" from an attached Joy-Con, or "apply force to the connecting parts." You shouldn't put stickers on the Joy-Cons where the SL/SR buttons are, since you could weaken the connection and cause the Joy-Cons to detach (and risk shattering said screen).

Apparently, the magnets are strong enough to attach other magnetic objects, like screws or tacks. Nintendo advises if these items attach to the Switch 2 or Joy-Cons, use a cotton swab to remove them. In general, you should be cleaning the Joy-Cons anytime there is dust or debris before using them.