Is The Nintendo Switch Waterproof

by John Sanderson
Why Are Nintendo Switch Games So Expensive

It’s a ridiculous question, right? After all, what kind of hardware comes with an IP rating and is waterproof? It’s not like Nintendo left it out on purpose – it’s because they don’t want you to get that wet. But there’s something about the Nintendo Switch that makes you think twice about its waterproof capabilities. It doesn’t matter if it has been tested in various water-based situations or even if the firm confirms its resilience to water splashes (which are very common for devices with touchscreen controls). Even though we know that any glass can break given the right circumstances, many consumers have doubts about the device. Is it waterproof enough to go swimming with it? Or is Nintendo hiding some sort of red flag from us? Keep reading to find out if the Nintendo Switch is waterproof!

Is The Nintendo Switch Waterproof?

The Nintendo Switch is not waterproof. According to the official Nintendo website, you should avoid exposing the console to liquids or moisture. Despite this warning, there are numerous reports of people playing their Switch in the shower and even on steamy tropical beaches.

What Makes A Device Waterproof?

Waterproofing Seal

The first thing that makes a device waterproof is a seal. The seal is placed over the ports on the device to ensure water does not get in. A good seal keeps water out, but it can also keep moisture in.

The Device Itself

A waterproof device has to be made from materials that do not allow water or moisture through them or easily break down when exposed to water or moisture. This is why most devices are not waterproof and only have a seal over the ports.

A Good Seal

A good seal can only be achieved when there are no cracks, holes, or gaps in the seal itself. If there are any gaps then you need to apply more pressure on the seal which may make it difficult for you to open and close it repeatedly without damaging it or getting your fingers stuck between the gap of the seal and the port on your device.

Submersible

A good seal is not enough to make a device truly waterproof. The device itself also has to be able to withstand being submerged in water. If the device is not made from waterproof materials then it will start to break down when it is exposed to water and moisture.

Durability

Even if your device has a good seal and is made from materials that can withstand being submerged in water, the seal may still wear or tear over time or get damaged by repeated use and you may need to replace it frequently. If a seal wears out then your device will no longer be waterproof and you will have to replace the entire device instead of just the seal.

Your Hands

The most important part of a good seal is the person applying it. If you do not apply the seal properly then it will not be able to make your device truly waterproof. A poorly applied seal may let water and moisture into your device through the ports or it may wear out quicker than a properly applied seal. It is also possible to get your fingers stuck between the gap of the seal and the port if you do not apply enough pressure on it or apply too much pressure on it.

Durability

If you are going to use your device in water or around moisture then you need to make sure that your device can withstand being wet without breaking down. You need to replace any worn-out seals and ensure that there are no cracks, holes, or gaps in the seal itself so that water cannot get in through these gaps when you are using your device in wet conditions. You also need to ensure that all parts of your device are made from durable materials

that can withstand being submerged in water and moisture without breaking down.

Use Your Device in Wet Conditions

You should only use your device in wet conditions if you are sure that it is capable of withstanding being used in these conditions without breaking down or becoming damaged by water and moisture exposure over time. If you are going to use your device in wet conditions then you need to make sure that there are no cracks, holes, or gaps in the seal itself so that water cannot get in through these gaps when you are using your device in wet conditions. You also need to ensure that all parts of your device are made from durable materials that can withstand being submerged in water and moisture without breaking down.

How Is A Device Rated For Water Exposure?

  • The device is mounted in a chamber and sprayed with a fine mist of water.
  • The chamber is then sealed and the device is monitored for 30 minutes.
  • After 30 minutes, the chamber is unsealed and the device is removed.
  • The device is inspected for signs of moisture damage and rated accordingly.
  • Depending on the findings, repeat steps 1-3 to obtain a more accurate rating.
  • For example: if the device was rated IP68, it should survive being submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes without showing any signs of moisture damage; however, if it was rated IP67, it should only be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 3 feet without showing any signs of moisture damage or corrosion.

Nintendo Switch: Just A Splash-Resistant Device?

  1. The Nintendo Switch is not waterproof.
  2. You can play your Switch in the shower or on a sandy beach, but don’t drop it into a puddle or a pool of water.
  3. You can clean the screen and other parts of your Switch with a microfiber cloth and some mild detergent.
  4. If you want to clean the dock, use compressed air to blow out any dust that might have accumulated inside it.
  5. Do not submerge the charging cable in water; instead, wipe off any moisture with a dry rag or paper towel, then allow it to dry completely before plugging it into an outlet (or into your Switch).
  6. Nintendo recommends that you avoid exposing your Switch to liquids or moisture for several reasons: first, liquid can find its way inside the dock and damage the internal circuitry; second, moisture can cause corrosion; third, liquid can damage the screen.
  7. If you get your Switch wet, you should immediately remove the battery pack (if it’s removable) and then wipe down any exposed areas with a dry cloth or paper towel.
  8. You should also wipe down any exposed areas of your Switch with a microfiber cloth and some mild detergent (avoid using harsh chemicals like alcohol or acetone).
  9. Let the Nintendo Switch air-dry for at least 24 hours before you turn it on again.
  10. You should also let the dock air-dry for at least a day before plugging it in again; if you have to use your dock right away, leave it plugged in but don’t turn it on until it’s had a chance to dry out completely overnight.
  11. Do not submerge the charging cable in water; instead, wipe off any moisture with a dry rag or paper towel, then allow it to dry completely before plugging it into an outlet (or into your Switch).
  12. If you’ve been playing in the rain and your Switch gets wet, you should wipe down the console with a dry cloth as soon as possible.
  13. According to Nintendo, “nothing is more important than your safety when using the Nintendo Switch system.”
  14. If you want to play in the rain, keep your console covered with a protective shield of some sort (a plastic bag will do), or take it indoors until you’re done playing.
  15. You should also keep your console covered if you intend to play on a sandy beach; if sand gets inside the dock or inside the Joy-Con controllers, it can scratch them or cause other damage.

Conclusion

The Nintendo Switch is not a waterproof device, but it is splash-resistant. This means that you can use it while it is raining, or if you accidentally drop it in water. It also means that you can use it while you are in the shower – as long as you use it in handheld mode. But you should never go swimming with your Nintendo Switch. It can’t handle that much water, and it will most likely get destroyed. Remember that water is attracted to electronics as it’s a conductor. And if a device is left in a wet state long enough, it’s going to short out. Sweat can also damage your device, so make sure you dry it out properly after you swim.

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