Living items · Gaming device care

Clean a Nintendo Switch and Joy-Con without spraying liquids

Turn off the console, disconnect cables and use a clean, well-wrung cloth; disinfect only as Nintendo directs.

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Wikimedia Commons · Ziongarage / Wikimedia Commons, CC0 1.0, unchanged original · CC0 1.0 ↗

Do not spray a game console or soak its controllers. Nintendo's official Switch care guide says to power off, disconnect cables and wipe dirt with a clean soft cloth that has been moistened with water and wrung out firmly. For disinfection, it specifies roughly 70% alcohol disinfectant lightly applied to the cloth, never directly to the device, and full drying before use. Other consoles may have different rules.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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Power off the console completely and disconnect charging, dock and other cables.
Dampen a clean, soft cloth with a little water and wring it out thoroughly so it cannot drip.
Gently wipe the screen, shell and Joy-Con surfaces without forcing liquid into buttons or ports.
If disinfection is needed, use roughly 70% alcohol disinfectant lightly applied to the cloth as Nintendo directs, not fuel-grade alcohol.
Never spray water or alcohol directly onto the device, immerse it, or clean with solvents such as thinner or benzine.
Let the housing and contacts dry completely before reconnecting power. Seek official support if buttons or charging malfunction.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

Further reading

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