PSA: Don't remove the pre-installed screen cover on the Nintendo Switch 2

[Shawn Knight]

What just happened? Nintendo's highly anticipated Switch 2 handheld is mere days away from launch. In preparation for the big day, the Japanese gaming giant has published the console's instruction manual online. Skim through the 19-page document as some did over the weekend, and you'll find plenty of advice worth paying attention to.

Under the careful usage section, Nintendo notes that the Switch 2 comes with a pre-installed film layer on the display. The material is designed to prevent fragments of glass scattering in the event of damage, and should not be peeled off.

We have seen similar warnings on other handheld electronics including the OLED Switch. Some earlier foldable smartphones also came with what appeared to be pre-installed screen protectors that were not intended to be removed, although some users did so anyway and promptly ruined their devices.

A bit of common sense can go a long way in these situations. If a screen protector has an obvious pull tab, then it's probably safe to remove. Conversely, if there's no raised edge and you have to use a fingernail or other flat-edge object to peel it away from the screen, odds are you should just leave it alone.

That said, it is worth reiterating what Nintendo points out in the manual – that this pre-installed film is only meant to hold the glass together in the event of breakage. If you're looking for actual protection for the display, a dedicated screen protector is still going to be the way to go.

Nintendo has its own Switch 2 carrying case and screen protector bundle on offer for $39.99. The kit, which launches on June 5 alongside the new console, also comes with a cleaning cloth. I suspect several third-party providers will also have screen protectors ready to go on launch day at varying price points should you not need the carrying case.

Considering the Switch 2 starts at $450, spending a little more to protect that investment is probably not a terrible idea.

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PSA: Don't remove the pre-installed screen cover on the Nintendo Switch 2

 

[TheBigT42]

PSA you don't really own the switch 2

According to its newly updated user agreement, Nintendo has granted itself the right to make your Switch 2 “permanently unusable” if you break certain rules. Yes, the company might literally brick your device.

Buried in the legalese is a clause that says if you try to bypass system protections, modify software, or mess with the console in a way that’s not approved, Nintendo can take action. And that action could include completely disabling your system. The exact wording makes it crystal clear: Nintendo may “render the Nintendo Account Services and/or the applicable Nintendo device permanently unusable in whole or in part.”

 

[Hassanabi]

PSA you don't really own the switch 2

According to its newly updated user agreement, Nintendo has granted itself the right to make your Switch 2 “permanently unusable” if you break certain rules. Yes, the company might literally brick your device.

Buried in the legalese is a clause that says if you try to bypass system protections, modify software, or mess with the console in a way that’s not approved, Nintendo can take action. And that action could include completely disabling your system. The exact wording makes it crystal clear: Nintendo may “render the Nintendo Account Services and/or the applicable Nintendo device permanently unusable in whole or in part.”

You mean the same Sony can do?
https://www.playstation.com/en-us/legal/ps5-ssla/
"If SIE Inc determines that you have violated this Agreement's terms, SIE Inc may itself or may procure the taking of any action to protect its interests such as disabling access to or use of some or all System Software, disabling use of this PS5 system online or offline, termination of your access to PlayStation™Network, denial of any warranty, repair or other services provided for your PS5 system, implementation of automatic or mandatory updates or devices intended to discontinue unauthorized use, or reliance on any other remedial efforts as reasonably necessary to prevent the use of modified or unpermitted use of System Software."

... and Microsoft?
https://support.xbox.com/en-CA/help...ranty-service/xbox-software-license-agreement

"You will not use or install any Unauthorised Software. If You do, Your Xbox Console, Kinect Sensor or Authorised Accessory may stop working permanently"

 

[ZackL04]

PSA you don't really own the switch 2

According to its newly updated user agreement, Nintendo has granted itself the right to make your Switch 2 “permanently unusable” if you break certain rules. Yes, the company might literally brick your device.

Buried in the legalese is a clause that says if you try to bypass system protections, modify software, or mess with the console in a way that’s not approved, Nintendo can take action. And that action could include completely disabling your system. The exact wording makes it crystal clear: Nintendo may “render the Nintendo Account Services and/or the applicable Nintendo device permanently unusable in whole or in part.”

Someone has never read fine print before

 

[NumberNine]

If it's not a screen protector and can be peeled or scratched off then it simply adds another point of failure.

The shatter protection is usually contained within the glass which keeps it safe, yes? Now it's not. Why?

Is it better? Doesn't seem to be.
Is it cheaper? Almost certainly.

 

[DrSuess]

So what they are saying is Nintendo cheaped out on the Gorilla Glass?

 

[Billybobjoey]

You mean the same Sony can do?
https://www.playstation.com/en-us/legal/ps5-ssla/
"If SIE Inc determines that you have violated this Agreement's terms, SIE Inc may itself or may procure the taking of any action to protect its interests such as disabling access to or use of some or all System Software, disabling use of this PS5 system online or offline, termination of your access to PlayStation™Network, denial of any warranty, repair or other services provided for your PS5 system, implementation of automatic or mandatory updates or devices intended to discontinue unauthorized use, or reliance on any other remedial efforts as reasonably necessary to prevent the use of modified or unpermitted use of System Software."

... and Microsoft?
https://support.xbox.com/en-CA/help...ranty-service/xbox-software-license-agreement

"You will not use or install any Unauthorised Software. If You do, Your Xbox Console, Kinect Sensor or Authorised Accessory may stop working permanently"

People are really making a mountain out of this molehill for the switch 2. Is it bad? Yeah. Is it new? Not by a longshot. It's always been a risk to mod/hack your system. Don't want the risk? Use it as it's intended.