Nintendo's next-gen console, the Nintendo Switch 2, has been under intense scrutiny since its launch. But now, some players are reporting a strange anomaly: their console's back panel is bulging. The suspicion? Battery swelling. According to Japanese gaming outlet Automaton, Nintendo has already launched an investigation into this potential issue.
One Reddit user, "tombyt3," shared their experience, discovering a noticeable bulge on the back of their brand-new Switch 2 right out of the box. They immediately contacted Nintendo customer service, who initially suspected battery swelling. The advice? Power down the console immediately, pack it back into its original box, and return it ASAP to avoid any potential fire hazards.
While the user noted it's tough to spot in photos, the bulge was "very obvious" when seen and felt in person. They're urging other players to check their own consoles for similar signs and emphasized that if anything looks off, contact Nintendo for a speedy resolution.
Currently, this seems to be a handful of isolated incidents, not a widespread problem. However, lithium-ion battery swelling isn't an uncommon phenomenon; older devices like the Wii U controller and PSP have faced similar issues, all carrying potential safety risks.
Just last week, Nintendo released an official guide to fix abnormal battery display issues on the Switch 2, offering players steps to self-calibrate their battery readings. Now, with these new reports of bulging batteries, hardware quality and safety are once again under a microscope for players.
Nintendo hasn't made an official statement yet, but the reported customer service process suggests an initial investigation is indeed underway. For now, Switch 2 owners are advised to proactively check the back of their consoles for any unusual signs, just to be safe.