You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
technotes<br />
» HOW IT’S DONE<br />
About iFixit<br />
iFixit is a global community of<br />
tinkerers dedicated to helping<br />
people fix things through free online<br />
repair manuals and teardowns.<br />
iFixit believes that everyone has<br />
the right to maintain and repair their<br />
own products. To learn more, visit:<br />
www.ifixit.com<br />
Thankfully, the screen<br />
just slides out.<br />
Nintendo Switch<br />
Relatively simple by design, and easy to fix.<br />
Nintendo has finally launched<br />
its new console — the Switch.<br />
But forget playing games for<br />
now (just for now) — it’s time<br />
to take a peek at the hardware. Come<br />
tear it down with us!<br />
MAJOR TECH SPECS<br />
≠≠<br />
Nvidia customised Tegra processor<br />
≠≠<br />
Built-in 6.2-inch 1,280 x 720 multitouch<br />
LCD screen (capable of<br />
1920x1080 on external display ≠<br />
via HDMI)<br />
≠≠<br />
32GB of internal storage (up to 2TB<br />
additional storage via microSDHC ≠<br />
or microSDXC card)<br />
≠≠<br />
802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1,<br />
USB Type-C charge port, and 3.5mm<br />
audio jack on the console, plus three<br />
standard USB ports on the Switch<br />
Dock<br />
≠≠<br />
Stereo speakers<br />
≠≠<br />
Rechargeable Li-ion battery capable<br />
of 2.5–6.5 hours’ play<br />
≠≠<br />
Detachable wireless Joy-Cons<br />
KEY FINDINGS<br />
≠≠<br />
Disappointingly, tri-point screws<br />
14 www.apcmag.com<br />
guard the entrance, but we only have<br />
to flex a tiny bit of muscle. Tri-points<br />
are Nintendo’s version of a ‘Keep out!’<br />
sign, but once past them, the back<br />
cover lifts off easily. Our first peek<br />
inside reveals little. Just a metal<br />
shield. However, once uncased, the<br />
modular microSD card board is<br />
replaceable. Good news for future<br />
storage!<br />
≠≠<br />
The heatpipe is secured by Phillips<br />
screws, so thermal paste<br />
reapplication should be a breeze. ≠<br />
We aim for the fan, but it looks like<br />
you can only clean it from here — ≠<br />
it’s trapped under the I/O board. ≠<br />
So we pop out the game card reader<br />
and attached headphone jack.<br />
≠≠<br />
The speakers are lightly adhered to<br />
the rear case, but don’t put up much ≠<br />
of a fight. The larger diaphragms will<br />
displace more air, and a ported back<br />
allows for booming bass, but reports<br />
say they still “favor treble”. Phillips<br />
screws secure a Joy-Con rail to either<br />
end of the console. Each has a set of<br />
pin contacts that interlock with<br />
contacts on the Joy-Cons to pass<br />
charge and button presses to the mobo<br />
via ribbon cable.<br />
≠≠<br />
And for the cherry on this sundae? ≠<br />
The LCD display is easily removable!<br />
Increasing a device’s portability<br />
usually means increasing its likelihood<br />
of getting dropped. So way to go,<br />
Nintendo, for making a more breakable<br />
device more fixable.<br />
Repairability Score: 8 out of 10 ≠<br />
(10 is easiest to repair). Aside from ≠<br />
the digitiser, screws are used instead<br />
of adhesive. Most components,<br />
including the analog sticks, game<br />
cartridge reader, and headphone jack,<br />
are modular and can be replaced.<br />
Batteries, while adhered to their<br />
housing, are modular and can also be<br />
replaced. The digitiser and display<br />
are not fused, reducing the cost of<br />
repair, but increasing complexity.<br />
Proprietary tri-point screws restrict<br />
users from opening the Switch.<br />
Replacing a display or digitiser<br />
requires heating and prying against<br />
strong adhesive.
Change language