Following a heartbreaking incident, a father finds at least one small reason to regain happiness.
Gaming consoles are typically rather fragile. A drop here, a splash of water there, and it’s the end of the game. However, sometimes unexpected occurrences defy belief. Such was the case for a Reddit user whose Nintendo Switch endured a house fire.
The home is lost, yet the Switch survives
The tale starts with tragedy: The family of Reddit user Smooth_Awreness_698 suffered the loss of nearly all their possessions in a house fire approximately a year ago. They had to reside in hotels and Airbnbs until they located a new residence.
Now that they have settled into a new house, the father examines some of the charred items. Among those is his daughter’s Switch, specifically the Animal Crossing edition.
Now comes the thrilling moment: plug in the charger and… it powers up! The battery indicator lights illuminate. After 15 minutes, there’s sufficient charge in the Switch to attempt powering it on for the first time. And to everyone’s surprise: the screen functions for the most part, the console boots up without any hitches, and new Joy-Cons can also be synced.
It’s astonishing what else remains operational:
- Game cartridges are recognized
- SD card is functional
- Internet connection works
- Half of the speakers are still operational
- Even the dock identifies the Switch
Only the headphone port has become unusable due to complete melting.
What should I do with hardware that has sustained heat damage?
This question now also pertains to the family’s father. Generally, there are several considerations when dealing with hardware exposed to fire or extreme heat:
- Inspect the battery: After being subjected to high temperatures, a battery can pose risks even if it appears to function. Check for swelling, heat, or unusual sounds. Never leave the device unattended while charging. In the worst-case scenario, it could lead to a short circuit or even a battery fire. If unsure, have a professional evaluate or replace the battery.
- Examine connections and casing: Deformed ports or signs of melting are red flags. Avoid using excessive force if something becomes stuck. It’s wiser to opt for wireless alternatives or consider having the device serviced by a professional.
- Backup your data: As long as the Switch continues to operate, you should promptly back up your game saves – preferably in the cloud or on an SD card. Otherwise, an unexpected failure could jeopardize everything.
- Repair or DIY project: The device may become unreliable over time. In this scenario, it’s unlikely that Nintendo will repair it, but independent repair shops or online resources might be able to assist.
Always keep in mind: Your safety is paramount, and a Switch isn’t worth risking injury over a defective battery.
Have you heard of any similar situations where hardware has withstood significant damage? Feel free to share in the comments and let us know if you still utilize the hardware today!
The article Family man’s house burns down, but he’s pleased that his daughter’s Nintendo Switch still functions first appeared on Global Esport News.