New consoles always encounter hiccups during their initial release. Like the systems that came before, the Nintendo Switch isn’t immune to launch issues, but there are some problems, internal and physical, you should be aware of before purchasing the console. Below are some problems gamers are experiencing with their Switch.
Undocking Scratches Your Screen
The biggest complaint with the console on Twitter and the Switch subreddit has to do with the dock. First, the dock itself is made of what feels (and looks like) cheap plastic material. Some Switch buyers have received defective docks that are bent or too narrow. Either issue is not good for the tablet, as it will cause scratches on the screen during the undocking process.
READ: Nintendo Switch Scratched Screens Are Caused By Dock: Here's How To Protect Your Game Console
Some console users are going as far as to DIY the screen-scratching issue. They’re putting pantyhose over the dock to protect their screen from scratches. Click here to it out for yourself.
Side note: when the screen is docked, the “console” will overheat like crazy. Be aware of how hot your Switch runs.
Flimsy Kickstand
The kickstand is made of a thin piece of plastic. It’s a weird place to skimp, design-wise, since Nintendo marketed the console as highly portable to encourage you to play with others. Not only is the kickstand flimsy, but you can’t adjust the angle of the screen to your liking. Some places are already offering alternatives stands to use and ignore the kickstand all together.
Lost Saves
Nintendo currently doesn’t have a cloud saving system setup for the Switch. What that means is, if something goes wrong with your Switch, you’ll lose all your saved data.
Speaking of lost data, if you want extra saves you’ll need to make a new account for each player. The save log on the Switch is a bit misleading. For example, say your sibling wants to start their own Breath of the Wild game. They’ll need to create a new account and play under that file. If they play under your profile, your save log will be wiped as soon as they start a new game. The save long is filled with autosaves with only so many open slots. THESE SAVES ARE NOT PERMANENT.
Read this before you make multiple Breath of the Wild saves.
Nintendo has incorporated external storage to the Switch. You can buy an SD card to back up your game saves, but you shouldn’t have to. Let’s hope Nintendo gets some cloud saves up and running soon.
Wifi Issues
The Switch subreddit is also filled with complaints about connectivity issues with the Switch. Reddit user PantsWithoutPockets described the following:
“I noticed it was taking a while, longer than usual. Then, I noticed I was only getting one bar connection from my bedroom which is about 10 metres from the router. It seems I can only receive full strength when I stand right next to router. I can also receive half-strength about 3 metres from the router. But, as soon as it hits 5 metres or more, it drops to the lowest strength.”
Other user have complained about the internet speed being throttled once the Switch is connected. It’s likely a software issue Nintendo might be able to correct in a patch update. However, if you are experiencing connectivity issues, Nintendo recommends being within 15 feet of your router.
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These are just a few things to Switch users are complaining about. Have anything to add about the Switch ? Any tips on correcting some of the issues users are experiencing? Let us know in the comments below.
