Heatwave Alert: Nintendo Warns Switch 2 Is at Risk in Extreme Heat
Heatwaves are sweeping across the country, and even Nintendo is raising a red flag: the Switch 2 doesn’t handle extreme heat well. The Japanese company strongly advises players not to game under scorching sun.
Summer vacations often go hand in hand with marathon gaming sessions, and lucky owners of the brand-new Nintendo Switch 2 were ready to spend their time off exploring the console’s latest titles. But Nintendo has just cooled everyone’s excitement with an official warning that could put a damper on summer gaming plans.
Image credit: Les Aventures Ludiques
An Official Alert From Nintendo
With a new heatwave affecting the United States and other regions, Nintendo posted an official notice on social media to warn its community. The Kyoto-based company reminded players of the risks of using the console in extreme temperatures.
The message was crystal clear: for optimal performance, both the Switch 2 and the first-generation Switch should only be used in environments ranging between 41°F and 95°F. Outside this range, the chances of malfunctions rise dramatically.
Using the Nintendo Switch or Switch 2 in hot environments may cause the console’s internal temperature to rise.
This could lead to malfunctions, so please use your system in conditions between 41°F and 95°F.
Recently, many areas have been exceeding 95°F, so please take extra care when playing outdoors. — Nintendo Support (@nintendo_cs) August 1, 2025
“Using the Nintendo Switch or Switch 2 in an overly hot environment can cause the system’s internal temperature to rise, which may result in malfunctions.
That’s why we recommend playing only in conditions between 41°F and 95°F.”“Lately, temperatures have been frequently exceeding 95°F. Please be extra careful if you’re playing outdoors.”
— Translated from the original Japanese
The Real Dangers of Overheating
Prolonged exposure to heat isn’t something your console can just shake off. Nintendo points out several major risks:
- Noticeable performance drops during gameplay
- Unexpected crashes that could corrupt your saves
- Premature wear on internal components, shortening the console’s lifespan
- Automatic shutdown when critical temperatures are reached
Fortunately, Nintendo has built-in protection systems for the Switch 2. The console displays a warning message when it starts overheating and will put itself in sleep mode to prevent permanent damage.
Smart Habits to Keep Your Switch Safe
If you want to keep enjoying Mario Kart World or Donkey Kong: Bananza without issues, a few simple precautions can make a big difference:
- Avoid confined, poorly ventilated spaces
- Stick to air-conditioned or well-ventilated rooms
- Leave enough space around the console, especially when docked
- Clean the ventilation grilles regularly for better cooling
- Take frequent breaks during long gaming sessions
The golden rule is simple: if it feels hot to you, it feels hot to your console too! Better to postpone your session of Pokémon Legends Z-A than risk damaging your Switch 2 permanently.
A Recurring Issue for Nintendo
This isn’t the first time Nintendo has sounded the alarm. Back in July 2022, the company issued similar recommendations for the original Switch during a previous heatwave. Reports from players on Reddit and gaming forums confirm that overheating problems have affected both generations of the console.
The recurring warnings highlight how important it is to take Nintendo’s advice seriously. With over 6 million Switch 2 units already sold, the company clearly prefers prevention over handling a wave of repair requests in the middle of summer.
So, even if you can’t wait to dive into Nintendo’s latest exclusives, give your console a well-deserved break when the thermometer climbs. Your Switch 2 will thank you!
