Key Takeaways
1. iFixit has updated the repairability scores for the original Nintendo Switch, Switch OLED, and Switch Lite, reducing them to half of their original ratings.
2. The Nintendo Switch’s repairability score dropped from 8 to 4, while the Switch Lite’s score decreased from 6 to 3, reflecting its shortcomings compared to newer handheld devices.
3. Key identified flaws include the glued battery, lack of official repair guides, and absence of original replacement parts for the Switch and its variants.
4. Newer gaming handhelds, like the Legion Go and ROG Ally, are highlighted as having better modular designs, making them easier to repair.
5. iFixit suggests that Nintendo could improve repairability scores by providing a repair manual and original replacement parts, with the upcoming Switch 2 likely to be assessed soon.
With only a few days remaining until the Nintendo Switch 2 launches, iFixit has updated its repairability ratings for the original Nintendo Switch, the Switch OLED, and the Switch Lite. The new scores are exactly half of what the three consoles initially received, and iFixit elaborated on this change in a recent blog entry.
Changes in Repairability Scores
Back in 2017, the Nintendo Switch had a repairability score of 8. However, since then, a significant amount of time has elapsed, during which many new handheld devices have been introduced. iFixit has pointed out that its criteria for scoring has also changed and improved, which has highlighted the Switch’s shortcomings more clearly.
Identified Flaws
Among these shortcomings are the glued battery, the absence of official repair guides, and the lack of original replacement parts. When compared to newer gaming handhelds, the Nintendo Switch and its variants lag behind. Devices like the Legion Go (currently priced at $538.78 on Amazon), ROG Ally, and Playdate feature a more modular setup, allowing for easy storage replacement and access to spare parts.
The Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED have now received a repairability rating of 4, while the Switch Lite’s score has decreased from 6 to 3. These updated scores are believed to better represent their repairability in relation to competing handhelds.
Possibility of Re-evaluation
iFixit mentions that there is still potential for the Nintendo Switch to undergo another evaluation. In fact, it could potentially gain two additional points if Nintendo were to issue a repair manual and provide original replacement parts.
Nintendo has the opportunity to demonstrate improvements with the upcoming Switch 2. iFixit has already indicated that the new console will be assessed very soon, making it interesting to see what advances Nintendo has made regarding repairability.
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