This is a summary of my experience sending my Switch to Nintendo for repairs, along with the full timeline of the process. My Nintendo Switch was originally purchased at launch, back in March 2017. But starting sometime in 2022, my system would occasionally overheat and shut itself down as a safety precaution. This is the error message I got:
At the time, there were rumors of a possible Switch Pro coming out. And I hoped I could just wait it out, eventually buying the Pro system and transfer my data to it, rather than paying for a repair. In the meantime, I tried to play shorter sessions, and I would actually point a fan at the system to prevent it from overheating. That seemed to help, as I avoided the shutdown errors for a while…except for the odd times I forgot to turn on the fan.
But in the last few months (early 2024), the problem seemed to get worse. The Switch would overheat after shorter sessions, or even when the fan was blowing on it. Also, it started making some buzzing/beeping noises that sounded concerning. With no Switch Pro or Switch 2 imminent, I decided that I should finally bite the bullet and get the Switch repaired.
I contacted Nintendo on Friday, April 5. They agreed that it sounded like a problem with the system fan, and I agreed to send it in for repairs. It cost $99.99, plus shipping and tax, so it wasn’t cheap. But new Switch systems are (shockingly) still $300, despite the system being seven years old at this point. I printed out the UPS label Nintendo sent me, and I prepared the Switch for shipment. Since it was the weekend, I waited until Monday, April 8 to ship the system.
I know some of you may be wondering how long the entire process took, so I’m going to give you the full timeline.
Repair Timeline
- Friday, April 5: I contacted Nintendo, gave them my payment info, and printed out the UPS label they sent me.
- Monday, April 8: I dropped the package into a UPS drop box.
- Wednesday, April 10: Nintendo received my Switch.
- Thursday, April 11: Nintendo e-mailed to say my repair is in service.
- Tuesday, April 16: Nintendo e-mailed to say my account was being deregistered?! That didn’t sound encouraging. 😱
During the repair inspection process, any accounts with this device set as their primary device were deregistered. When you receive your repaired system, please link your Nintendo Account and launch the Nintendo eShop with the account you want to register again. This will automatically register the device as your primary console. You can then proceed with redownloading any previously purchased content and access any stored save progress from the cloud if you have the Nintendo Switch Online service.
That same day, they also sent an e-mail telling me I’d have to restore my Animal Crossing: New Horizons island once my system arrives.
Since island backup was enabled on your original console, your island’s save data for Animal Crossing: New Horizons has been backed up to the server. Once your repaired console arrives, use your Nintendo Account to restore the save data. This will allow you and other users on your console to continue playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
- Wednesday, April 17: Nintendo shipped the system back to me.
- Saturday, April 20: My system arrives. Yay!
So in my case, the entire process took about two weeks. Of course, your results may vary, but that should give you a general idea of what to expect.
Getting the Switch Back
When I got the system back, an included note indicated that all my information/data was already on the system, so that was a relief. Of course, I still checked to make sure. My purchased games, my save data, my friend roster, my play time totals, and my Animal Crossing island were all safe and intact.
Even though I had cloud saves for everything just in case (as a Nintendo Switch Online customer), it was still a relief to see I didn’t need to go through the hassle of re-downloading anything. (Especially after those e-mails they sent!) Thanks, Nintendo! 😮💨
The only thing that was slightly concerning was that every time I opened a game, I got a message saying “Checking if the software can be played…”
However, that was resolved simply by starting up the eShop, which apparently registers the Switch as my primary console. And after that, I didn’t get that message any more with my games. (Except with the apps that require Nintendo Switch Online, like the NES/SNES apps, but I think that’s normal.)
At any rate, it’s good to have my Switch back. I really missed playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom! And it’s nice to not have to turn on my fan every time I play. 😆 If you have any questions about sending in a Switch for the repair, just let me know in the comments!