The Nintendo Switch 2 is officially launching later this week and before anyone can even get their hands on one, Nintendo is warning soon-to-be users that the next-generation console has a protective film on the screen that is applied from the factory and should not be removed.
Citing Nintendo’s Health and Safety Information documentation, the film layer prevents the display glass from becoming a safety hazard in the event of damage. These are Nintendo’s words, not ours, and were first spotted by IGN:
The screen is covered with a film layer designed to prevent fragments scattering in the event of damage. Do not peel it off.
Although it seems odd at first glance, especially after considering most electronic devices don’t have films on the display to prevent shattered glass bits from causing physical injury to the end user, it’s probably a good call considering that most Nintendo Switch 2 players are going to be underaged.
A well-known screen protector company that we’ve discussed this with advised under the condition of anonymity that they are aware of Nintendo’s pre-applied screen protection and that the Nintendo Switch OLED had a similar film on it that would prevent it from being damaged while being put in and taken out of the Dock.
They also said that aftermarket screen protectors will still be viable for the Nintendo Switch 2 and that users won’t even notice the factory-applied film once the screen protector has been applied. It’s worth noting that even Nintendo themselves offer a screen protector kit for the Nintendo Switch 2.
All in all, if you will be getting a Nintendo Switch 2, and whether you intend to buy an aftermarket tempered glass screen protector or not, it’s highly recommended that you leave the factory-applied film in place instead of trying to remove it.