Nintendo Switch LCD Screen Problems

by Akshiti Varshney May 16, 2018

This blog post is the first in a series of short posts on common Nintendo Switch problems and what to do about them; that might mean a DIY fix or sending it in to a pro for a quality and quick repair. In the world of handheld video game consoles, there’s almost nothing more important than the screen, so we decided to tackle common Switch LCD problems with today’s post! Let’s jump right in…

Nintendo-Switch-Screen

Nintendo Switch LCD Problems

Here are some of the most common problems that happen to the Nintendo Switch’s screen:

Dock causing scratches and scuffs: When the Switch is haphazardly placed into the dock it is possible that the system’s screen can be scratched by the hard plastic edges. If you find yourself frequently switching the console between handheld and docked positions, it is strongly advised that you use a screen protector or attach microfiber clothes to the offending hard plastic parts.
Screen scratches or cracks: Have you ever had your heart sink and time slow down when you drop your favorite electronic device? I know I have. When you’re unlucky, like myself, your device’s screen fractures in more ways than you thought possible. The first thing to do is to diagnose what is broken. If the image beneath your screen is still okay then you just need a new digitizer. If the image is also acting strange then you’re most likely going to need a new LCD as well.
Dead Pixels: Dead pixels are imperfections on a screen caused by pixels that don’t light up anymore. LCD screens have been known to commonly have these and they are most noticeable on a handheld gaming system like the Switch. Nintendo has stated that they know about the problem but that it is not covered by their warranty as dead pixels are “characteristic of LCD screens.” These screen defects however, are some of the most annoying, immersion-breaking issues in handheld gaming and it is crazy that Nintendo has denied fixing them.

Replacing the Screen

(Scroll to the bottom for a DIY how-to video) If you are electronically savvy and feel like you want a general outline of the process of repairing your own Switch, read on!

If you still are interested, the first thing you’ll need is a collection of tools including: Buy these tools here>>>

Basic Toolkit including Tri-Wing and Philips Screwdrivers, Sturdy Tweezers, and a Scalpel/Utility Knife
Hot Air Gun or iFixIt iOpener or Silicon Heating Platform
Plastic Screen Removal Tool Kit
Double Sided Tape
Screen Cleaner
Compressed Air Canister
Nintendo Switch Digitizer/LCD Screens

The first thing you’ll need to do is remove all of the screws which hold your Switch together with a screwdriver and then you have to remove the back of the console. Then you’ll find a large piece of aluminum shielding which will require more screw removal. Once the shielding is unscrewed, you have to disconnect the memory card slot circuit board, and immediately disconnect the battery. A few more components need to be disconnected and removed and then you can move onto the removal of the digitizer. The digitizer is held onto the Switch with adhesive which needs to be softened with either an iFixIt iOpener, a silicon heating platform, or a hot air gun. When the screen is warmed up, you can take the digitizer off of the frame with a variety of pry tools, being careful to avoid the digitizer ribbon cable underneath the right side of the screen. You’ll then need to clean off the adhesive and either put on a new digitizer or if your LCD is also broken, you’ll need to remove the LCD and replace it with a new one, as well. Once your digitizer and/or LCD are replaced, it’s just a matter of reassembling the console and it should be good to go!

ShaneFix Repairs

While TronicsFix is no longer offering repair services we highly recommend ShaneFix.

Wrap Up

Well, I hope we helped illuminate some of the common screen issues and what you can do about them today in our post. Don’t forget to check out our Amazon store for all of your repair supply needs. Next time, we’ll be tackling another round of common Nintendo Switch issues and how to fix them yourselves or with a little bit of our help. Thanks for reading our new series and, once your console is all fixed up, don’t forget to keep playing!