Nintendo have released a reminder a few days ago that the Nintendo Switch is designed to operate between 5 and 35 degrees celsius (40 to 95 fahrenheit).

Europe, North America, and Asia are in the middle of unprecedented heatwaves, with multiple cities breaking temperature records above 40C. In Europe some people are calling for naming heatwaves with the names of fossil fuel companies, suggesting the name #TotalEnergies2 for the current one hitting Europe. (#TotalEnergies1 was the June European heatwave).

June heatwave in the US

The current heat experienced worldwide is above safe operating temperatures for the Switch (and humans). As surprising as it might seem, consumer electronics are not designed to work continuously in extreme temperatures such as the ones we are experiencing this year. Hence Nintendo’s reminder that the Switch operates best between 5 and 35 degrees. For some people this might not be a huge issue with air conditioning, but Nintendo uses the opportunity to also mention that the console might shut down as a safety measure if it reaches dangerous temperatures, to prevent damage to the console’s components.

They also remind everyone to leave sufficient airflow near the exhaust ports, and to clean those with a vacuum cleaner if dust is in there.

Also don’t forget to stay hydrated when playing Zelda, I guess.

source: Nintendo