A common problem with the Nintendo Switch is the Joy-Con sticks drifting. But the problem was not only that. Ouch.
From the tweets of Nintendo's support account on Twitter, it was revealed that the handheld console can also get foggy. In the @nintendo_cs account, they warn users to be careful if their Switch is dewy.
If that happens, the user must immediately turn off the Switch. Yes, turned off. Not put in sleep mode. It's not clear why Nintendo suddenly issued this warning.
The reason is, since Nintendo first released the Switch almost six years ago, they have never issued a warning like this.
In that tweet, Nintendo reminded users to be careful with changes in ambient temperature that are too drastic. This could possibly make the Switch dewy and then damage the console.
Food and Drug Administration
結露が起きた場合は、電源をOFFにして、水滴が乾くまで暖かい部屋に置いてください。
電源OFFの方法については、こちらのQ&Aをご覧ください。 https://t.co/R3XKSzvXgP pic.twitter.com/k3ZmEsbsx9
— 任天堂サポート (@nintendo_cs) January 23, 2023
Especially if condensation or dew appears inside the console. This is because the innards of the Switch can generate heat which is then cooled using a fan and exhausts the hot air outside the console. This is what can make the innards of the Switch dewy when used in a place that is too cold.
Perhaps what Nintendo is afraid of is users bringing the Switch from inside a heated room and then immediately taking it outside when it's freezing cold. Maybe this warning has something to do with the extreme weather in several countries, including Japan, that is happening right now.
The tweet also explains how to turn off the Switch completely, namely by pressing the power button for three seconds and selecting Power Options > Turn Off. Or you can also press the power button for 12 seconds.