Nintendo Switch’s Repairability Score Slashed by iFixit
The Nintendo Switch, once lauded for its repair-kind design, is now facing a harsher reality check.iFixit, a prominent online repair site, has considerably lowered the console’s repairability score, citing that the Switch no longer meets the repair standards of 2025.
From Rosy Welcome to Reality Check
Initially, the Nintendo Switch received a rosy welcome at its 2017 debut
from iFixit. However, the landscape has changed. the repair site has slashed the Switch’s repairability score in half, from 8 out of 10 to a mere 4 out of 10.
Why the Change? Industry Standards Evolve
The downgrade isn’t necessarily about new flaws in the Switch itself, but rather the advancements in repairability seen in competing devices. As one expert noted, It’s not Joy-Con drift – it’s that the industry has moved on.
Glued Batteries and Missing Parts: The Pain Points
Several factors contribute to the Switch’s diminished repairability in 2025:
- Infamously drifting joysticks: A persistent hardware issue plagues many Switch consoles.
- Glued-in battery: Replacing the battery requires carefully prying it away from the frame, a task fraught with risk.
- Tiny, easy-to-damage ribbon cables: These delicate components are prone to damage during disassembly.
- Lack of official repair instructions and replacement parts: Nintendo doesn’t readily provide the resources needed for self-reliant repairs.
The Rise of Repairable Handhelds
In contrast to the Switch, many handheld gaming PCs are far easier to get inside and repair
as of 2025. Furthermore, some devices now feature batteries that can be replaced without painstakingly prying a fragile and dangerous-to-damage object (the glued battery) away from their frames.
Even some iPhones are adopting easier battery replacement methods.
Steam Deck Sets a New Standard
The Steam Deck has raised expectations for repairable handhelds. The industry now anticipates that companies committed to repairability will make their parts publicly available to purchase, perhaps even through iFixit itself.
Nintendo has not followed suit, though upcoming legislation may change this.
new York’s right-to-repair law may require Nintendo to provide parts for the Switch 2 in the USA
, according to iFixit.
iFixit’s Stance: A Broader Trend
This isn’t the first time iFixit has re-evaluated its assessment of a major tech company. iFixit broke up with Samsung in 2024
due to the company’s restrictive practices regarding parts availability and repair procedures.
A Balanced Viewpoint
Despite the downgrade, iFixit acknowledges some positive aspects of the Switch’s design. The original Switch still has shining spots: its modular design ideology for the joysticks,replaceable (and expandable) storage,and mostly straightforward internal layout all remain commendable.
Though, these strengths are overshadowed by the advancements in newer devices.
But when compared to newer devices that also offer standardized M.2 slots, socketed components, and widely available parts and repair documentation, the Switch shows its age.
iFixit
