Unboxing a Switch 2 This Week? Avoid Doing This One Thing, Nintendo Warns

The Switch 2 will make its way to buyers this week, but Nintendo has a warning: Don’t remove the protective film from the console’s screen.

In the Switch 2’s European health and safety manual, spotted by Nintendo Soup, the manufacturer confirms that the film layer over the display is not a traditional screen protector, and should not be removed.

The section reads, “The screen is covered with a film layer designed to prevent fragments scattering in the event of damage. Do not peel it off.” That means Nintendo intends for this to remain on your console’s screen for its lifespan. If you want to further protect the screen, you’ll be able to add your own screen protector on top of it.

This health and safety measure for screen breakages wasn’t included on the original console. It’s unclear why Nintendo chose to add it here, but it may have stemmed from situations where the screen broke on the original Switch.

We’ve yet to see a Nintendo Switch 2 in its packaging, so we don’t know whether this is clearly noted in the box. Some people may try to do so immediately after unboxing the Switch 2, especially if they believe it to be protective packaging.

It’s also unclear if removing the film layer will void your console’s warranty. If it does, it will likely make repairs to your Switch 2 harder.

Samsung took a similar approach with its Galaxy Z Fold smartphones. Each handset comes with a protective film as part of the foldable display, and a note inside the box instructs people not to remove it.

If you’re buying a Nintendo Switch 2 and you want to take the console out of the house, we’d recommend picking up a screen protector to ensure it doesn’t get scratched or damaged. You may also want to pick up a case to further protect it when you’re travelling.

About James Peckham

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I’ve written tech news for over a decade, and as a Reporter at PCMag, I cover the latest developments across the gadgets and services you use every day. Previously, I worked for Android Police, TechRadar, and more.

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