The Nintendo Switch 2 should arrive at customers in the next 24 hours, but the YouTube channel ProModding has already disassembled the console and published a corresponding teardown video, which is embedded below.
Nintendo has covered the screws for the back panel with red and blue stickers, which become visible after detaching the magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers.
These stickers are difficult to remove without damaging, but aside from that, the console can be opened relatively easily.
Since the Switch 2 is not expected to consume more than 10 watts under load, the cooling system should be more than sufficient.
Unfortunately, the battery is not removed from the console in the teardown video, so it’s unclear whether it’s secured with annoying adhesive like in the original Nintendo Switch (from $299 on Amazon).
The YouTuber ProModding has already disassembled the Nintendo Switch 2 and released a teardown video, which is embedded below, even though the console should be delivered to customers in the next day. After removing the magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers, Nintendo’s red and blue stickers covering the screws for the back panel become visible.
With the exception of these stickers, which are challenging to remove without causing damage, opening the console is not too difficult. At least if Nintendo plans to sell official replacement parts, the kickstand is easily replaceable because it is integrated into the back panel. According to ProModding, the kickstand doesn’t seem to be very sturdy, so this might be required. As indicated by the thermal paste applied to it, the metal cover that aids in distributing heat from the processor must be removed after many screws and cables have been disconnected.
A copper heat pipe and a tiny fan make up the cooling system underneath the cover. Under load, the Switch 2 should not use more than 10 watts, so the cooling system should be more than adequate. Since both USB-C ports are soldered to the mainboard, they are sadly not interchangeable in modules like those found on many smartphones. Since the battery isn’t taken out of the console in the teardown video, it’s unclear if the original Nintendo Switch (which costs $299 on Amazon) has obnoxious adhesive holding it in place.
