A heatwave has hit the UK, and it is only going to get worse throughout the week. Between that and it just being hot constantly at this time of year in certain parts of the world, I thought I'd remind you that when temperatures soar, even Nintendo recommends you stop playing its consoles.

It's something Nintendo has sporadically reminded Switch and Switch 2 users of throughout the years, and with a heatwave in full effect in the UK, it's worth reminding everyone of what Nintendo recommends when it comes to using its consoles during extreme heat.

Give Your Switch A Break When It's Hot Out

Shared by Nintendo's Japanese customer service account during a heatwave in 2025, the company recommended that its consoles not be used in temperatures that exceed 35 degrees Celcius, or 95 degrees Fahrenheit. It's currently 29 degrees Celsius where I am in the UK, so I'm safe for now. However, it's believed temperatures could hit highs of 40 later this week, at which point I'd be advised to not use my Switch 2, at least not in the middle of the day when temperatures are at their highest.

So what might happen if you were to ignore Nintendo's advice and play a few rounds of Mario Kart World in the blistering heat? Well, likely nothing immediate. As highlighted by SwitchActu, with a European heatwave imminent, it's the long-term damage you'll be doing to your console if you insist on playing it in temperatures that exceed 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

What Happens To Your Switch 2 If It Gets Too Hot

Your Switch 2 already generates quite a bit of heat when in use, no matter the external temperature. Add an intense ambient heat to the mix, and all of a sudden, your console is going to be significantly hotter. That will result in your console's components degrading faster. Do it often, and in a few years, your Switch 2 might simply stop working, or be far less optimal, and you'll probably have no idea why and accuse Nintendo of planned obsolescence.

This isn't as cut and dry as going nowhere near your Switch as soon as the temperature hits 95 degrees and then sitting patiently until it drops back down to 94 so you can start playing again. If you're in your house and the internal temperature is below 95 degrees, then you should be fine, even if it's still blazing hot outside.

Subscribe to our newsletter for smart device care

Get more practical guidance by subscribing to our newsletter — clear, actionable explanations on protecting consoles, phones, and other gadgets from heat and environmental risks, plus straightforward tips to keep devices running longer. Get Updates By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Nintendo's consoles are also far from the only ones that have these recommendations in place. 95 degrees is actually something of an industry standard. That's the temperature your iPhone needs to detect before it warns you that it's getting too hot, and Valve also recommends steering clear of your Steam Deck when it's 95 degrees out.

Like Follow Followed

Nintendo Switch 2

Brand Nintendo Original Release Date June 5, 2025 Original MSRP (USD) $449.99 Operating System Proprietary Resolution 1080p (handheld) / 4K (docked) HDR Support Yes See at Official Site Expand Collapse