Nintendo Switch teardown reveals console is easily repaired, focuses on cooling and battery

[midian182]

The Nintendo Switch and its new Zelda game are getting some rave reviews right now. But if you needed another reason to buy the console hybrid, it turns out the device is quite repairable. After the iFixit team had performed one of their famed teardowns of the Switch, they awarded it a repairability score of 8/10.

One of the machine’s few drawbacks and the reason it didn’t score higher is that it uses proprietary tri-point screws, which will stop anyone who doesn’t own specialized tools from opening up the Switch. Once inside, though, things get better.

iFixit notes that the internals of the Switch “looks like a computer! Battery, heatpipe, thermal paste, fan. It's all there.” The breakdown reveals a lot of effort has been put into the cooling system, which consists of a heatpipe secured by a Philips screw, a fan, and a metal plate that channels heat from the heat pipe to the rear case.

Being able to work as both a console and a handheld means the Switch requires a beefy battery. It comes with a 16Wh version, which is almost three times the capacity of the 5.6Wh battery found in the Wii U GamePad. The component isn’t replaceable, but Nintendo has plans for a paid replacement program.

Most of the Switch’s components, including the analog sticks, game cartridge reader, and headphone jack are modular. And apart from the digitizer, they are held in place with screws rather than adhesive, all of which makes removing and replacing parts much easier.

Make sure to check out the full iFixit teardown here.

Permalink to story.

https://www.techspot.com/news/68397-ifixit-nintendo-switch-teardown-reveals-easily-repaired-emphasis.html

 

[mbrowne5061]

I don't think tri-point screws are proprietary; no one is charging licensing fees to use them. Tri-points, like the "apple pentalobs" are just uncommon because they were designed for a very specific use (none of those uses being 'physical security'). Apple is the primary user of them, but far from the sole user.

For example, Pentalobs reduce the likelihood of stripping a screw during manual turning, while still allowing the bit to 'cam out' during powered turning (think of it like an improved Torx). Tri-points are less likely to 'cam out' compared to traditional 4-point/Phillips head, kind of like how a flat head won't, while distributing the torque more evenly across the entire head of the screw.

 

[Kibaruk]

I don't think tri-point screws are proprietary; no one is charging licensing fees to use them. Tri-points, like the "apple pentalobs" are just uncommon because they were designed for a very specific use (none of those uses being 'physical security'). Apple is the primary user of them, but far from the sole user.

For example, Pentalobs reduce the likelihood of stripping a screw during manual turning, while still allowing the bit to 'cam out' during powered turning (think of it like an improved Torx). Tri-points are less likely to 'cam out' compared to traditional 4-point/Phillips head, kind of like how a flat head won't, while distributing the torque more evenly across the entire head of the screw.

If this had been true and following your logic, they would've used tri-points for everything within the Switch and not only the outside part.

On the other hand, if they are making it harder for users to go through the outside it is indeed a form of "physical security".

 

[mbrowne5061]

If this had been true and following your logic, they would've used tri-points for everything within the Switch and not only the outside part.

On the other hand, if they are making it harder for users to go through the outside it is indeed a form of "physical security".

You use screws that don't cam out when you want them to look pretty - when they are visible on the outside. You use screws that apply their torque evenly when you are using them to fasten a flexible case that warps evenly (like plastic). If Nintendo really wanted to keep people out, they would have used screws with one-way heads.

Not everything is a conspiracy, especially when the conspiracy can be unraveled with the purchase of an $8 tool that is widely available online.

 

[Kibaruk]

I've had plenty of handheld devices, from cellphones to tablets to portable console, every last one of them had phillip screws and none in my lifetime have had issues. Sure, you can get the tool for virtually nothing, but you have to get it to open it, it's not there at hand. It's not about a conspiracy, its simple logic.

 

[Vulcanproject]

Just think it might actually be a good machine after a few hardware revisions. Smaller SoC, passive cooling, 50 percent more battery life. Might be a worthwhile handheld then.

 

[HonestTony]

I will save so much money NOT buying a Switch. In fact Switches weaknesses such as underpowered, only 1 AAA at launch, Dead Pixels, and very expensive $300 price tag. Have made me Switch to buying a Scorpio at the end of the year!