Nintendo Switch Repairability Score Cut by iFixit

The Nintendo Switch has long been a popular handheld gaming console, but questions about its repairability have surfaced. With its infamously drifting joysticks, glued-in battery, delicate ribbon cables, and a lack of official repair instructions and replacement parts, many are left wondering about the ease of repairing this device.

iFixit, a well-known online repair resource, has recently reassessed the repairability of the Nintendo Switch. The site has downgraded the Switch’s repairability score from 8 out of 10 to 4 out of 10, citing that the device no longer meets the standards expected in 2025.

While repairability scores may not always be the definitive measure of a device’s usability, iFixit’s reasoning (in this blog post) resonates with many, including those who frequently open handheld gaming systems for testing. The issue is not merely about Joy-Con drift; it reflects a broader trend in the industry.

As of 2025, numerous handheld gaming PCs have emerged that are significantly easier to repair. Many of these devices feature batteries that can be replaced without the need for extensive disassembly, unlike the glued battery in the Switch. Some newer iPhones even allow users to remove battery adhesive with a jolt of electricity.

Moreover, there is a growing expectation that companies committed to producing repairable handheld devices will make their parts readily available for purchase, potentially through platforms like iFixit. However, Nintendo has not embraced this approach. As noted by iFixit, the New York right-to-repair law may compel Nintendo to provide parts for the anticipated Switch 2 in the USA.

This is not the first instance where iFixit has reevaluated a major gadget company’s repair policies. In the past, they criticized Samsung for not providing official parts and requiring customers to purchase batteries that were pre-glued to phone screens, among other limitations. It raises the question of whether similar scrutiny will be applied to Nintendo iFixit broke up with Samsung in 2024.

Despite the downgrade, iFixit’s critique of Nintendo is not as severe as their previous assessments of Samsung. They acknowledge that the original Switch still possesses several commendable features.

According to iFixit, “The original Switch still has bright spots: its modular design philosophy for the joysticks, replaceable (and expandable) storage, and mostly straightforward internal layout all remain commendable. 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.”

This reassessment of the Nintendo Switch’s repairability highlights the ongoing evolution in the gaming industry, where consumer expectations for repairable devices are increasing. As technology advances, manufacturers are urged to adapt and provide more accessible repair options for their products.