What to Do if Your Nintendo Switch Gets Damaged by Water
The thought of expensive electronics meeting water is never a good one whether you’re playing too close to the pool or simply spilled your drink playing a video game. Here are some tips for reducing the damage and increasing the chances of your water-damaged Nintendo Switch being repaired:
Do
- Shut it down: Immediately shut down the Nintendo Switch and do not restart it. This will help in stopping the water from spreading and inflicting more damage.
- Remove accessories: Take off any accessories like the Joy-Con controllers or microSD card. This will reduce the amount of water that can penetrate internal components.
- Keep it somewhere dry: If you can’t bring it in right away, leave it switched off in a well-ventilated area but not under direct sunlight.
- Bring it in: Bring it to a professional repair technician. They will be able to evaluate the damage and decide if it can be fixed.
Don’t
- Don’t plug it in: There is no need to plug the device in after suspected water damage. If the console is not starting up then that’s another bad sign that liquid damage has prevented powering on this unit.
- No heat: Do not use a hairdryer or any other heat source to dry the Nintendo Switch. Actual damage to the electronic components is possible and it would further harm the system.
- Don’t use rice: it doesn’t reach liquid that got inside the console.
- Don’t wait: If you wait for long; then the more likely it is that such damage will become permanent. Corrosion keeps spreading after the outside looks dry.
Signs Your Water-Damaged Nintendo Switch Needs Repair
Here are some of the signs that your water-damaged Nintendo Switch may need professional repair. If any of these signs are observed, it is essential to have your Nintendo Switch immediately handed over for professional repair.
Won’t Turn On
The Nintendo Switch won’t work at all, or it shuts down on its own after the spill.
Screen Blinks or Shimmers
The screen blinks or shimmers, shows lines, or stays black.
Buttons Do Not Work
The buttons on the console stop responding after the spill.
Won’t Charge
Liquid in the USB-C port can corrode the contacts, so the console stops charging.
Strange Noises
The Nintendo Switch makes strange noises from the fan or speakers.
Mildew or Burning Smell
The Nintendo Switch has a mildew or burning smell. Keep it off and bring it in.
Nintendo Switch Water Damage Repair Cost
We offer transparent pricing to make sure that our customers get to know all the costs. There is no flat price for a water-damaged Switch: it depends on where the liquid went. The repair starts with a $99 diagnostic, paid upfront and credited toward the repair, and you approve the price before any work begins.
Here’s what repair involves based on severity:
Minor water exposure (external)
Cleaning and drying.
Moderate water exposure (internal)
Deep cleaning, component check, and light repairs.
Severe water exposure (extensive internal damage)
Difficult repairs requiring component replacements, frequent deep cleaning, and testing.
Bringing your Nintendo Switch to our professional service center as soon as possible in case of water damage can potentially save you a bigger repair later.
How iFix Bay Ridge Works
We have professional repair engineers who specialize in the area of water damage repair.
- Diagnostic. Bring your device in and get an estimate. The $99 diagnostic is credited toward the repair.
- Easy Approval. We'll call, email, or text you to approve the repair details.
- Repair. Parts options depend on your device model and repair. Before work begins, we explain the available option and confirm it with you. Complex board-level work may go to our Manhattan lab, and we tell you before that happens.
- Warranty. Most repairs come with a 30-day limited warranty. Water and liquid damage is not covered by the warranty.
Liquid on your Switch? Keep it off and bring it in. Pick a time that suits you, and we text you to confirm.
Why Choose Us?
We understand how urgent it is for you to get back into your gaming.
Experienced Repair Technicians
We have a team of experienced professionals who are experts in Nintendo Switch repairs.
Wide Range of Repairs
Besides water damage, we solve a wide range of Nintendo Switch problems. Visit us for complete solutions that cut out the hassle of going around different service providers.
Local in Bay Ridge
15+ years fixing electronics and 650+ devices repaired last year for our neighbors in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.
Related repairs: all Nintendo Switch repairs · Switch Lite · Switch battery · Steam Deck and handhelds · Game Console Repair