Avoid removing the protective film on your Nintendo Switch 2 at all costs!
Peeling off the screen protector on a new gadget can be a satisfying experience, but when it comes to your brand-new Nintendo Switch 2, think twice before doing that. The protective film covering the device's screen is no ordinary screen protector – it's a permanent "anti-scattering adhesive film" included as a safety feature.
Set to be launched on June 5, the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is almost here. Despite global excitement, Nintendo Europe has issued an important warning in the console's Health and Safety manual. The manual advises users to avoid removing the protective film attached to the Switch 2's glass panel.
The thin layer isn't like your typical screen protectors found on smartphones or tablets from brands like Apple or Samsung. Instead, it's a safety measure, delivering a permanent bond to the screen to keep shards of glass together if the device ever experiences any shattering.
The use of an anti-scattering adhesive film isn't unique to the Switch 2; the same protective layer was incorporated on the Nintendo Switch OLED, debuted in 2021, for the same reasons. Yet, there's a troubling trend among users who disregard these warnings. Reddit threads on the Switch subreddit are still populated with users questioning whether they can remove the OLED's anti-scatter film. Some have even attempted the feat, potentially encouraging more users to follow suit.
History has shown that such behavior might not end well, as demonstrated by the Samsung Galaxy Fold incident back in 2019. Several tech reviewers reported display issues following the removal of the phone's protective layer, ultimately damaging the display. One such reviewer was Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, who admitted to peeling off the layer, mistaking it for a regular screen protector [@markgurmanApr1719].
To avoid repeating this mistake with the Switch 2, it's essential to follow the recommendations provided in the Health and Safety manual. The manual also offers other useful information, such as key details for parents and the operating temperature for the Switch 2, among other warnings.
Additional Reads:
- Nintendo Switch 2 specs leak reveals surprising compromise
- Switch 2 won't support 100+ games and apps at launch – Here's what you'll be missing
- Switch vs. Switch 2: Is Nintendo's new console worth the upgrade?
[1] Why You Shouldn't Remove The Anti-Glare Film From Your Phone, Explained - T3[2] The Real Reason You Shouldn't Take Off a Phone's Ultra-Thin Film - The New York Times[3] Why Does My Phone Have a Plastic Sticker on Its Screen? - Wired[4] Should You Peel Off Your Tablet's Screen Protector? - Digital Trends[5] Why the iPhone 7's display cuts off theory is a hoax – Android Central
- The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, launching on June 5, features an anti-scattering adhesive film on its display, similar to the one found on the Nintendo Switch OLED, to prevent shattering and maintain the integrity of the screen.
- Just like the Samsung Galaxy Fold incident in 2019, it's crucial to refrain from removing the protective layer on the Nintendo Switch 2's screen, given the consequences could potentially harm the display.
- Users are further advised to follow the safety recommendations provided in the Nintendo Switch 2's Health and Safety manual, which offers additional valuable information, such as parents' guidelines and operating temperature for the device.
