Following a devastating incident, a father discovers at least one small reason to feel joy again.
Gaming equipment tends to be quite fragile. A little drop, a splash of water, and it’s game over. However, there are times when the unthinkable occurs. Like in the case of a Reddit user whose Nintendo Switch endured a house fire.
The house is lost, but the Switch endures
The tale begins with sorrow: The family of Reddit user Smooth_Awreness_698 lost nearly everything they owned in a house fire approximately a year prior. They were forced to stay in hotels and Airbnbs until they secured a new place to live.
Having now relocated to a new home, the father examines some of the charred belongings. Among them is his daughter’s Switch, specifically the Animal Crossing edition.
Now for the thrilling part: connect the charger and… it powers up! The battery indicator lights up. After 15 minutes, there’s sufficient power in the Switch to attempt starting it for the first time. And to their amazement: the screen works mostly fine, the console boots up without issues, and new Joy-Cons can be synced as well.
It’s astonishing what else is still operational:
- Game cards are recognized
- SD card operates
- Online functionality exists
- Half of the speakers are functional
- Even the dock detects the Switch
Only the headphone jack is non-functional due to complete melting.
What should I do with hardware that has sustained heat damage?
This question also arises for the family’s father. Generally, there are a few considerations when dealing with hardware that has been subjected to fire or severe heat:
- Inspect the battery: After exposure to intense heat, a battery can pose risks even if it seems operational. Look for swelling, heat, or unusual sounds. Never leave the device unattended while charging. In severe cases, a short circuit or even a battery fire could happen. If unsure, have the battery examined or replaced by a professional.
- Examine connections and casing: Deformed ports or signs of melting are alarms. Avoid using force if something is stuck. It’s better to opt for wireless alternatives or consider having the device professionally cleaned.
- Backup your data: While the Switch is still operational, be sure to quickly back up your game saves – preferably in the cloud or on an SD card. Otherwise, an unexpected failure could lead to total loss.
- Repair or do-it-yourself project: The device might cease to function reliably eventually. In this scenario, Nintendo is probably not going to repair it, but independent repair shops or online resources might be of assistance.
Always keep in mind: Your safety is paramount, and a Switch isn’t worth losing a finger over a faulty battery.
Are you aware of any similar instances where hardware has withstood significant damage? Feel free to share in the comments and let us know if you still use the hardware today!
The article Family man’s house burns down, but he’s pleased that his daughter’s Nintendo Switch remains functional first appeared on Global Esport News.