Guide: Nintendo Switch Dock Scratching Your Screen? Try This DIY Fix

My brother actually did this after we heard about this issue. It's only been a day but we haven't seen a single scratch yet.

"Have you invested in a screen protector, or will you be following Westlin's guide and "fixing" the dock?"

Perhaps you should send this article to Nintendo and they could spare another 2cents for each unit in their upcoming production run and include that already?

I haven't had any scratch problems yet. I've been sparingly using the touch screen too.

The worst problem is putting the wrist strap on the wrong way in a rush, it almost completely buggers it up and takes a lot of effort to remove. I've been extremely careful ever since.

Not planning to use the dock much anyway. And by the time it racks up some use history, I'll likely have bought a screen protector already.

I haven't had a problem yet, but then I think I've undocked it exactly once since I got it.

I'm gonna do something similar just in case... ;D

Pretty bad this was not detected by Nintendo before release. Remember the 3DS had screen scratching problems also.

I am not gonna dock my switch. Basically it's only gonna be used as a handheld.

The screen should have been glass also or at least a very good plastic screen that doesn't pick up scratches easily.

@kobashi100 maybe it wasn't picked because it's user error much like idiots throwing wiimotes through their tele.

That the dock didn't come with buffers already is pretty baffling and i called that one in advance actually.
Why they opted for a screen covering dock and not one that actually uses the systems sliders is beyond me.

Anyways, good article and pretty much a must for everyone.
Get Screenprotectors and buffers !

From what I've seen on the internet these last few days, it's happened to a lot of people. It's weird that Nintendo has not noticed this during design and production. It's clearly a design fault. I put on the screen protector even before I Switched mine on. Glad I did.

Good fix as long some of that material doesn't start to fray or break loose and fall into the charging contacts and create another issue.

Yeah getting 2 almost square areas on the bottom left and right corners of the screen bezel. Thought they were fingerprints but they dont clean off.
Tried fitting a screen protector but tiny dust makes air bubbles... needless to say after an hour i ragequit and threw the accursed plastic in the bin!

Felt in the dock looks like a better option.

@Einherjar I'm not sure that's what you meant to say.

I've docked it and undocked it like 30 times so far. Not a single scratch. I may have a better Switch dock edition.

@kobashi100 They never fixed the problems with any of the 3DS models, despite complaints about it with the original model, they continued to use the same harmful closing design for the XL, and even then when they got even more complaints about it happening there, they STILL used the same harmful design for both of the "new 3DS" systems. Their system testing doesn't seem to be as good as it used to, and they're so out of touch they rarely know about the things that go wrong with their hardware unless it's extremely catastrophic.

Docked it once so far since Friday , now i am alittle paranoid = /

@headfirstslide YOU SAW NOTHING !

...

That's one of the first possible issues that would/should've come to mind in Nintendo's QA department - don't they do any testing prior to the release?

Add felt to this hot device no fire hazard at all!

Everybody overlooks design bugs. They have used and tested it other ways that peoples use it.
Maybe Nintendo offers free display replacement, if you can prove that it was a dock fault.

It's sad, how all my 3DS, New 3DS and Switch could get scratched if I don't use a protective foil from day 1...

This is just awful comma that is the first pictures I have seen of the inside of the dock. Nintendo has really done a bad thing comma it first I thought it was just a few people, but it's all over the place, I swear does Nintendo even get a finished unit and look at it first and use the thing? I definitely will not be getting a switch until they have a revision that corrects some of these issues.

@Koapa I think what some people overlook is the "complexity" of the issue itself. Probably Stevie Wonder would have noticed it after few days of use himself by feeling the scratches on the screen.

How exactly would you imagine them to have "tested it other way" than "people use it"? Like I would like to imagine that .. its a mobile handheld with a docking-station, and people dock it in their docking station and the issue is coming by docking it into the docking station. Nintendo didnt invent the docking station and virtually everyone has used one or seen one before.

The Joy-Con-Fix "advice" by Nintendo was funny enough, so you mean they would really try now to teach people how to use their docking-station as well?

They should rather just stop this comedy and say "Ok guys, listen, we know there have been some launch issues, sorry for that, let us assure you we will take care of the scratches and consider the bluetooth/wifi issues to be sorted with the next patch" ..but if they now come with another smart advice, people should just return it as "broken" and demand a proper unit or refund. Its only way they will learn.

@Stubi bingo. Yes this is just so stupid.

Also I am almost 100% certain that the switch design was outsourced to someone (Nvidia? Foxcon?), otherwise they would have used their special Nintendo screws and a whole bunch of other things, and having a plastic display is just a terrible idea.

Even the box and everything that I have seen online in the openings, it's just not Nintendo.

@ironside1911 yes. Nintendo dropped the ball big time. I think it's a rush job. I'm going to wait until late summer or fall to get a switch.

I'm going to be very upset if mine scratches. People always said the 3DS scratches its own screen and I've never had that happen - across every iteration of the system. I'm hoping this is people just being a bit heavy and I won't have this issue. touch wood

This is very helpful, thank you!

lol if people are careful with their purchases you most likely wont have any problems. my wii u and handheld screens have no scratches on them because im mindful.
"Careful insertion and removal of your system means that you're unlikely to suffer from this problem"
key to life.

@ironside1911 Yeah, I would have thought Nintendo would have had this potential issue covered by default. It seems very strange that no one there thought they might want to put a little soft padding on the inside of where you're constantly sliding the metal and plastic Switch in an out of the plastic dock. Ya know, just in case.

@Einherjar That's a great point. Letting it attach onto little slider rails would make good sense, and you could do it in such a way that would also leave the screen visible too.

Hm... some issues here.
Well, that's quite helpful for first aid of Switch.
Better prevent than get scratched.
This small issues will not let me down about Nintendo Switch.

@Moon I think that the issue with the 3DS screen is that when closed, part of the lower screen "presses" on the upper, leaving some rather faint marks.

This is common for many electronics; still, since the Switch was such a step towards better crafting from Nintendo, is rather revealing.

I'm not buying a Switch until X-mas, but I do plan on stocking up on accessories (I'm an accessory freak, with dozens of cases, grips, styluses, speakers for the DS and the 3DS), with a least a joycon set, a case, a screen protector and a pro controller (and maybe an extra dock).

Great solution, might do something like that for my kids Switch. I am not too worried about mine sense I mainly play in portable mode.

This is a must. I imagine Nintendo will remedy this in the future.

It's weird with the Switch how satisfying everything connects and clicks while the dock, which is one of its main selling points, doesn't connect satisfying at all.

I just bought a screen protector like I have for all my other devices with screens.

I'll get a screen protector for mine when I eventually get one. I always put screen protectors on all my portable devices (excepting my PC).

This happened to me and I am extremely careful. Luckily, The scratches were minor enough to buff them out with the rag that came with the screen protector that I purchased immediately after noticing what was going on. I think the issue is that some docks contain a manufacturing deformity. I had two small scratches at the bottom of the panel where the switch connects. I'm thinking about contacting Nintendo for a replacement dock if the problem persists.

Wonder how long till a manufacturer starts selling strips exactly for this purpose..

Whenever I get a new screen, a protector goes on before first use.

I always dread that nightmare with the sticky tape to get rid of all the dust trapped underneath it.. But I'm always relieved and very pleased once it's done.

Well I made a massive balls up of applying the screen protector #bubbles

I feel like Nintendo is so worried about something being leaked that this gets in the way of the new system being properly tested with feedback from user. And this is why we get these situations of having to correct a flaw in the system

@KIRO You haven't, that always happens. You have to use sticky tape to pull the protector back up again (not easy), then use another piece of sticky tape in a loop and roll it on the underside of it to collect the dust particles.

It takes a while...

Wow so I can confirm my system is scratched .. on the lower bezel there is a medium size line going down . The screen it self is fine but still that is bull crap .. I literally docked it once on Friday to try out TV mode and I was extra careful as I am with all my new electronics. I did notice when I docked it it was an extremely tight fit . Smh I'm kinda upset, $300 new system I just got 3 days ago .😢

One thing we can learn from this, one way or another - get ready for a flood of second-hand scratched switches coming to ebay, your trade-in shop of choice, your local fleamarket and craigslist.

Then, most likely, Nintendo will soon release a second batch of switches without this flaw and there will be a "1st gen" & "2nd gen" console price-difference created within the span of 3 months.

I was thinking.. didnt they have this ambassador program back then, when everyone got angry about feeling ripped-off due to a big 3DS price drop? They should do this for "1st gen scratched" clients here.

Screen protectors are a must buy with the switch, but My local Walmart had no clue how to operate a midnight release. The three of us who had preorders were placed at a register that took 20 minutes for the cashier to arrive. Meanwhile, the thirty peopl who had no preorder was prioritized. They had 26 neons and 4 black switches. I wanted a neon but they said that preorders were in a box in the back that they couldn't locate and the serial numbers were tied to those preorders meaning that we couldn't switch them. One of the people who preordered worked in electronics but was off the clock and had to go in the back to find the preorders. Meanwhile, we were being ignored while the other cashier kept asking every customer in line to buy accessories And games. I spoke up and got one one of the last pro controllers. When they brought our preorders out, the cashier couldn't match the numbers up with our preorders and that is when the other cashier told her that those numbers didn't matter, meaning I could have gotten the neon but at that point everyone who didn't preorder were gone and the switches were sold out. The other family who had preordered had a neon on their receipt but they had sold out of the whole stock by that point, we were literally the last three to get our switches and had to watch thirty people buy up everything for an hour. The cashier who ignored us politely apologized but knew she screwed up because every switch they sold was a neon.They ignored us the entire time lost our preorders and sold old boys neon. I asked for the screen protector pack. Charger, and extra set of joycons and was told they had them but had no clue where they were in the back. The screen protector was a priority but my local Walmart was incompetent. I knew the docks design had a chance of scratching the panel and I was more careful then most people but it still got scratched which is why I believe the some docks may be defective.

I wonder what kind of testing Nintendo does on their systems anymore. The original 3DS, as commented before, was prone to scratching the top screen when closed. The 3DS XL was prone to scratches on the hinge. The Zelda 3DS XL had paint chipping off issues. And now this.

It boggles the mind why Nintendo wouldn't have at the very least used Gorilla Glass of some kind as opposed to standard plastic or whatever they use for a tablet-like device that they encourage people to take out and about with them.

I installed amFilm's Tempered Glass for Switch to protect the screen. Very reasonably priced, installation was without incident (dust). But I will look into a felt buffer...i think I've got those strips somewhere around here.

@GraveLordXD @Moon @oatmealwarrior92 @bolt05
So, I'm not a screen protector kinda guy, like, at all. But for Switch it's a must.

The upside is, I've discovered the secret. Using the shower method to avoid bubbles and the hinge method to align, we can all put screen protectors on perfectly.

So, you'll need:

Shower
Scotch tape
Fine lint free cloth (preferably brand new)
Screen squeegie

Clean screen thoroughly. Put system and supplies in bathroom droor. Take a hot shower and steam up the bathroom. Then dry off, but leave hair damp. The steam helps eliminate particles in the air, and damp hair prevents dandruff falling. Put any towels on ground level.

Now, clean screen once more and ensure NOTHING is on it. You want it pristine. Don't use cheap red cloth that comes with with PDP protector. Carefully align the screen protector and apply tape over the edges like a hinge. Now lift up and carefully remove the film, and slowly apply back over screen, stopping at any sign of air bubbles. If you do encounter one, 99% chance it's micro lint or dust causing it. Carefully peel up, and use tape to dab the dust from off the screen or screen protector, then continue applying down. If you notice a bubble after it's on, use tape to pull it up (no matter what do not touch it, just press tape on the corner and pull the tape to lift it).

Also, try to use tempered glass, not normal plastic. Not only is it better, but it's less prone to bubbles and easier to apply. But be careful not to cause any micro cracks.

edit
Also, I went and bought a cheap plastic protector to use now until my tempered glass arrives. You probably want protection immediately. Like, today, if you want to guarantee no scratches. I used this method and for the first time in my life, applied a protector perfectly without a single bubble. The $8 PDP one is cut exactly to screen size, leaving no play whatsoever, so it's impossible to not be misaligned to some degree. The better ones are a tad smaller than the screen so you have some room. But I'd recommend doing whatever you have to do to protect it now, even with plastic, but order some 9H tempered glass in a 2 pack (in case you mess one up).

I read somewhere that screen protectors melt off while docked, is there any truth in this?

I was concerned about this before launch. I'll hook mine up with the felt when it comes in. The original 3ds scratched the screen when closed and that was beyond annoying to me.

Just put some soft side velcro strip on mine and it works great

@The__Goomba it happened but how much truth there is, no idea. I would assume its due to cheap material and/or cheap material to make it stick.

https://imgur.com/a/BdGUQ

The Switch heats up to around 50degrees in docked mode, so that should be considered when using any kind of screen protection. In mobile modus, it can get to around 40 (when playing e.g. Zelda or intensive games). All this can still change in many ways as the hardware hasnt been pushed to its limits yet.

Its differs from an average tablets (of today not years ago) which would be around 25 perhaps. So, if you buy some average cheap tablet protection, I would assume it could be the reason for melting.

Im pretty sure Nintendo knows all this, because now they are charging 28$ for a "premium" (officially licensed) protection filter (with minor success according to reviews)

https://www.amazon.com/Officially-Licensed-Premium-Protective-Filter-Nintendo/dp/B01NCX8UUG/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1488766335&sr=8-8&keywords=nintendo+switch+protection

https://www.amazon.com/Nintendo-Switch-Official-Screen-Protection-Kit/dp/B01N5P86A7/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1488766335&sr=8-1&keywords=nintendo+switch+protection

I guess Stevie Wonder is back at Nintendo handing out all these contracts to low-budget companies hidding behind the Nintendo logo.

@ironside1911 bingo.

Another thing that would have prevented this whole thing is if Nintendo would have just went with Gorilla Glass like the $50 Kindle has, instead of a plastic screen.

No issues here. I remember having issues with the original 3DS scratching itself, though. Very annoying.

I simply cannot use a touch screen device without a screen protector, wish they would use glass instead of plastic. I'm concerned if the heat along the bottom of the Switch will cause the screen protector to peel, that would be annoying.

Got a screen protector day 1. It covers the main area that the dock covers.

That seems like a good way to electrostatic shock your Switch to death

I guess the only people having this prob are the ones that are abit vigorous with docking it, I dock mine like I have a infant child made of crystal lol ... Clever idea though!

@Moon You think people were lying about the 3DS screen scratching? The 3DS scratching thing isn't just about how you close it, it's about how you carry it too. If you put it in a pocket that puts pressure on it, the bottom frame will scratch the screen. It's a design flaw and Nintendo doesn't use Nintendium anymore.

@flapjackashley2 Many DS Lites developed cracked hinges.

@Crono1973 I'm not saying people are lying, just unfortunate or not careful enough. I'm always overly careful with my 3DS, more than most people I imagine. I wouldn't just put a 3DS in my pocket. If I go anywhere I put it in a carry case in a backpack. I'm admittedly a little OCD about keeping my stuff in good condition though. I wash my hands before playing and wipe with a microfibre cloth. (I'm insane)
I personally wouldn't call that a design flaw. It's not meant to have that much pressure put on it. imo

@BinaryFragger I think you must be unlucky. I keep mine in a carry case at all times when not being played. I walk miles every week with my 3DS in my backpack and it's fine, I've never had marks. The only thing that bothers me is where the protective bumps are on the top screen leave an oily mark where it rests on the bottom half that can't be wiped away.

I've never used a screen protector either. Might have to give it a go with the Switch though, as one came with my carry case and I'm terrified of it scratching.

I have a screen protector since opening the switch so I don't have any scratches. I was thinking of finding something thin to line the dock with though since hearing of these issues. I just need to look around to see what's available. I'd like something thinner to put on both the front and back insides of the dock. That way it'll be like sliding it into microfiber or suede each time. Maybe someone has adhesive microfiber sheets?

Actually Moon, the 3DS is supposed to go in your pocket. Not everyone (especially kids) carries a backpack everywhere they might take their PORTABLE game system nor should it be required. The problem isn't people putting a 3DS in their pocket, it's that the bottom screen has a protruding frame and the stoppers aren't sufficient.

Westlin >>> Nintendo!

This is a massive oversight by Nintendo. Of course the screen will rub against the dock...you'd think they'd have made a way where it wouldn't damage the screen. Could have been avoided with glass too. As for the screen protectors melting...that's another oversight! I'm guessing the official one Nintendo sell stays on fine right? If not then that's a little embarrassing. I love the Switch but things like this should have been ironed out before launch. It gives more fuel to the "Nintendoomed" crowd who find every little reason to justify not investing in the console.

I feel like if I was using a switch on my own it probably would not get scratched but I have kids who would be using it constantly and so I bet my Switch would have a scratched screen fairly quickly. It would also probably be covered in some kind of greasy/sticky smears in short time like my Wii U game pad. I want a Switch but I am scared my kids would destroy it. SIGH

How would inserting any kind of buffer not scratch the tablet? I've ordered a tempered glass protector from Amazon in case, but no, not that garbage Hori branded one.

In actually did (what I think is) one better:

I cut four (4) strips of black felt and used some adhesive to bond them to the four vertical bump out zones down inside. Now nothing but felt comes into contact with the glass, all the way up and down. IMO better than the fix described above.

@Rotgut Is it like that non-abrasive cloth used for cleaning glass?

@mikegamer

No, just felt. Hopefully that will be okay...?

Better than what was there, as in hard plastic...

@Crono1973 I get that it's a PORTABLE. But just because it's portable doesn't mean it HAS to go in your pocket. I wouldn't put my Switch in my pocket either. Portable means designed to be taken with you easily, but not necessarily in your pockets.

A carry case and/or back pack isn't required. If you choose not to use these things though, I think you should probably expect to have some scratches or problems.

@Moon Are you serious? People who put their 3DS in their pocket are to blame for the design flaws?

Let me ask you this, would you put a DS Lite in your pocket?

Ugh, Nintendo.

Just, like, a week ago, I was chewing someone out in one of these comments sections for suggesting that the dock was reportedly scratching the screen. The ability to use glass screens instead of cheap plastic is practically the entire reason such a low-accuracy technology as capacitive touch, which the Switch has moved to over the resistive touch in the DS/3DS, was ever invented, so by my reasoning it was a no-brainer that Nintendo would use an infinitely-superior glass screen for the Switch. WRONG!

Seriously, Nintendo, did you learn nothing from how the iPhone transformed PDA's from a dismal niche curiosity into the most successful and ubiquitous electronic device of all time? Sure, it wasn't just because it was the first device to use a Gorilla Glass touchscreen, but it's a hell of a lot more influential a factor than most people realize.

Between using capacitive touch with a plastic screen, and using Bluetooth without headphone support, I swear, Nintendo must have an entire department dedicated to entirely missing the point of any technology they implement.

Two steps forward, ten years back.

@Moon "I get that it's a PORTABLE. But just because it's portable doesn't mean it HAS to go in your pocket."

You might want to tell Nintendo to stop putting these weird ideas in peoples heads.. tell them, like when you are the Nintendo CEO, perhaps dont "put it in and out of the pocket" as a demonstration for all the world to see, cause others might get the wrong idea.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QUVU7ozTzs

tbh I have no clue what people are talking about in regards to 3DS having a poor design that scratches the screen. Had a few 3DS's and they never got scratched, and I hucked them in bags and took them to Asia. idk people must be wrenching things in and out of things at whacky angles.

although this switch complaint does seem more valid than the 3DS stuff people are discussing.

I haven't had any scratches yet but I got a screen protector anyway. I'm still having trouble connecting the joycons on like I need more practice but I'm not sure if I'm doing it right. I get the "click" sometimes.

Maybe people can't take care of their stuff and this is why you can't have nice things. I've had my 3DS since launch and it doesn't have a single scratch. I've docked my switch about a couple dozen times now just to see how cool it is to "Switch" back and forth from tv to handheld and not one scratch.
I don't put screen protectors on my phone either I just clip my claws short and don't put it in the same pocket as keys and change and you should be good.

Cmon now what gives? Sometimes I think people blow things out of proportion. But meh. Maybe I'm just lucky? I dunno.

@Galactus_33 Pretty much all phones these days use Gorilla Glass (or some like variant), a special high-hardness glass that's specifically designed to be rugged enough for pocket use. You could actually put all the keys and change you want in your pocket with them, and it wouldn't leave a mark.

The Switch reportedly uses a plastic screen, right?

I've been carrying my Switch around in my (otherwise empty) pocket pretty much since I got it at launch. No scratches.

@arekdougy 'tbh I have no clue what people are talking about in regards to 3DS having a poor design that scratches the screen.'
Luckily I have the internet so I looked up a video so you can get a clue. Note that this video was uploaded about 2 months after the 3DS launched so it doesn't take long to develop these scratches.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhjixIra7_k

@Tarvaax Official Nintendo Guy That Tests Hardware: "Nope!" swipes the 3DS off the desk "Out of sight, out of mind! MWAHAHA!!!"

Hmph, typical Nintendo stuff. I don't plan on getting a Switch right away so perhaps they'll address some of the shortcomings in the coming production runs.

This article felt like click bait lol

@SanderEvers Thats some good advice. I just hope Nintendo doesnt start producing toilets anytime soon ... just missing steps

6. Carefully stand up and slowly turn around 180 degrees
7. Align your hands ready to clap. Do not start clapping just yet.
8. Start clapping and slowly repeating "Please no scratch"

In case of a scratch.

1. Put your switch back into the box
2. Look for your receipt/bill
3. No matter what, most should be still covered with a simple "money back guarantee" considering it was released 3 days ago.
4. Return it and demand a new set or a full refund. Declare it as broken in worst case scenario (just add the JoyCon issues along when needed)

Problem solved & Repeat until Nintendo fixes it

Oh, I feared as much! My 3DS has also scratches on the top-screen, thanks to a certain rim. Also, the circle-pad leaves a circle-shaped mark on the top-half of the device.

Eh, I don't even want to know how the heck people ended up scratching their Switches in the first place... I've had it in and out at least 100 times over the past few days, not a single mark or scratch. I pop in the joycon, and grab them on top and bottom, and just slide it directly upwards. Hasn't been a problem whatsoever

The floor protector thing sounds nice, but ultimately I think it is more for people who aren't careful with their things xD I could probably play daily for the next few years and still not see a scratch despite docking and undocking several times each day.

@timson72 Yep. People must be throwing it in the dock with reckless abandon. I can see why it happens in that instance.

I can se why people bring up the 3ds in this, my regular black 3ds have this problem. But my New 3DS does not, the little nubs on either side of the front camera makes sure that neither screen touches. :S

This Switch is nothing short of slick is it?!!

Yet another reason to delay getting a Switch.

The console just isn't ready yet.

Wait until there's more games, it's properly designed, and priced reasonably.

After reading the comments,I'm really glad that I bought a 2DS.

It's beyond me how they can hav released the dock like that. The first time I docked mine, I noticed that the top of the dock was not parallel and the right side was actually touching my screen, so I raised an eyebrow.

After docking-undocking the machine very carefully a few times, I started noticing some square marks at the bottom of the screen. Went straight to the shop to get the screen protector I was waiting to receive by mail.

I also tried to "stretch" the dock a bit with matchsticks, but it looks like the plastic gets back to its original shape.

Really, I love the machine, the concept is just fantastic and it feels like a great piece of hardware, but SHAME ON YOU NINTENDO for this faulty dock!

This product may be the perfect solution.
https://www.glaz-screen-protector.com/

At the moment they only produce for iPhone, iWatch, iPads and Samsung smart phones. However if people contact them via their contact form asking about protecting the Nintendo Switch they may see it as an opportunity.

@Franklin The console was 100% ready. People's bodies were not.

Mo problems, mo money! Although this is the cheapest of them.

Not a fan of screen protectors, but I've got a pack of 2 tempered glass ones to use when the Switch eventually returns back in stock. Gotta keep that screen perfect.

Gosh...
Put a screen guard on you Switch will prevent you from scratches.
Even I put a screen guard on my 3DS XL.
Just don't be so lazy with your belongings.
And treat your Switch carefully.

@Henmii
Give a screen guard for both top and bottom screen of your 3DS.
Mine also have a screen guard attached on and no single scrath until today. If my screen guard has a lot of scratch (especially bottom screen), I can change with new one.

I was a bit worried about this but thought Nintendo would do something to ensure this wouldn't be a problem; guess I was naive.

Been ultra careful so far but have ordered a tempered glass protector. However want to do some more research to see that the heat when docked won't cause problems (it's the Orzly one). I'm also looking into those screen covers that can also act as stands, although none so far have shown you can slide them into the dock with it attached to the Switch.

Reminds me of early concerns with my Vita until I bought Hori screen covers for all of them. At the moment, I actually have two optician microfibre cleaning cloths in my dock to protect both sides of the Switch from the 4 "guidance protrusions".

@Iggy-Koopa can see how it happens,but if you slid it in square it won't catch.

@bolt05 @GraveLordXD I used to struggle with screen protectors as well, but then a phone accessory shop employee, who puts on screen protectors on a daily basis, gave me some tips and since then I always get them on perfect.

1: Clean your hands.
2: Clean the screen with a soft cloth with some cleaning alcohol.
3: Finish with a dry cloth (best is an antistatic, NEVER use kitchen towels and such as they will scratch!).
4: Align the protector 'as if' to get an idea where it will fit. But don't let it touch the screen.
5: Briefly double-check for grease and dust and re-use the wet and dry clothes if necessary.
6: Swiftly peel off the screen protectors sheet (don't do it too slow to prevent creating more static for dust), and swiftly drop it into place 'steering' it with 2 hands. Be sure to hold it on the sides and never touch the bottom.
7: Check for any air bubbles and slide them out to the side using a hard piece of paper or cardboard. Then check for any dust particle(s) that might've slipped in.

8: Got any dust? Grab a small piece of adhesive tape in one hand (the clear one for office use, NO ductape or other such glued stuff). Then use the piece of paper to slip it under the applied protector's side closest to the dust particle and with your other hand, press the tape on any dust particle you see, then drop the protector back into place and double-check again. Repeat if necessary.

Remember, the better and slightly more expansive screen protectors should come complete with all this stuff (the 2 cloths, and a dust catching 'sticker'). For example, I used the BigBen glass protector made for Switch. It was a perfect dust-free fit first try!

EDIT: Oh I forgot, use a bright, direct light source when you do all this. It'll reveal even the slightest grease and fingerprints that common room lighting won't.

@bolt05 I'd take your system back to where you bought it from, bud. Surely that should be covered under warranty, right? It's not like you scratched your screen!

Personally, I'm placing and removing my Switch to and from its dock with extreme caution, and keeping my fingers crossed.

I don't understand how this issue didn't come up in testing, it seems to be a common problem people are having.

Although I would have to question why the screen is made of plastic instead glass to begin with.

I'm actually more concerned about hearing that, "The saga of the left Joy-Con and its ability to magically disconnect at inopportune times has been widely reported" part.

"stick-on floor protector procured from IKEA" Are we serious right now, any idea how abrasive that stuff is?!! Repeated use of this kind of hack will only lead to the accumulation micro scratches on the screen each time it's docked. You definitely want to use micro-fibre, or soft spongy material product. Better still just get screen protectors, you'd be mad not to have them on already if you've got a Switch!

I bought a screen protector but havent had any issues docking the NS. Even docked it in complete darkness a few times with no problems.

I really don't understand the issue of the dock scratching the screen of the switch. I personally hate screen protectors, so, as a result, I am being ridiculously careful with my switch. With care, you can dock and remove the switch without coming in contact with the walls of the dock!!

I put a screen protector on mine before I even switched the console on for the first time, let alone dock it. So noticed anything. I'm surprised there isn't something like this already inside the dock anyway.

Got a set of glass screen protectors on order, arriving this week. Saw the pictures and haven't used the dock since! A shame that Nintendo didn't see fit to include a couple strips of microfibre cloth in the dock itself to be safe (not to mention it would be a pretty nice feature to have dust/prints swiped when you dock the console), but at least it's an easy enough problem to fix I guess.

@ROBLOGNICK That surprises me too, i may be overly negative, but this is the sort of easily-prevented issue that really should have been caught by Nintendo before release, small things like this, the Joy-con issue and the dead pixel story i read here just now, while not huge each on their own, are starting to add up into a bit of a "rushed to market"-vibe, and that could be damaging in the long run...

As soon as Nintendo announced the switch dock my 1st concern was whether it had pads to protect the screen. A plastic touch screen is a bad design, and combined with the dock its an epic fail.

There is no way im paying 280 quid for a product and then I have to fix it with tape! No mug here.
I will consider buying a switch when the dock and joycon issues are fixed, and the pro controller is £50.

Well I own one and no the dock don't scratch the screen. It's a simple dock not a knife.

I got a screen protector already, albeit the one included with the carry case, which is pretty flimsy, but whatever.

I just got a large microfiber cloth which I put against the front part of the inside of my dock, held in place with simple rubber bands at the top and bottom.

I ordered a set of tempered glass screen protectors for launch, but they won't arrive until next week unfortunately. Still, even with that on my Switch's screen, I'll likely keep the protection inside my dock, just to be sure.

@Tarvaax
They dod fix the 3ds issue. They added bumpers/feet to the top screen after all the complaints.

@Nik-Davies The backwards wrist strap is certainly scary, but fixable without any damage to the controllers. I think that at least is just part of learning a new system.

I am sure that Nintendo will correct this issue for future hardware by installing some kind of foam padding. They should have done that already.

@maceng You're going at it like me. I don't have a switch yet, but I'm planning on getting it closer to the holidays, when Mario Odyssey is close to launch. Other than that, just like you, I'll have the accessories ready (another joy con pack, screen protector) but I'll also start getting games ready for it when I do get it...I even get some E-Shop cards before, just so I have them.

For the scratch purposes, I always end up getting screen protectors for anything like this...have on on the 3DS, cell phone, Kindle, lap top and the Vita. Especially with it being a touchscreen, because even a finger nail can scratch it and stylus' can really scratch them after a while. I know what people mean with the 3DS, the bottom screen (since it's smaller) does scratch the top screen after a while...even with a screen protector on the top, it still shows up...what I end up doing for it, is put a tissue in between the two when closing it...seems to help.

All systems have their flaws when they first come out. Sometimes it is better to wait until the company itself fixes it or some other company releases something to help with the situations. This situation comes from people that are constantly taking it out of the dock, and it's not really nintendo's fault, as it would be considered the user (by the company itself) for using the system too much (which is definitely what the company would state). Other than that, wait till people start using the touchscreen for long periods of time without a screen protector...the stylus pens will start scratching it and soon...the screen will look horrible.

Actually this seems like a very bad idea to me.
Those protectors will collect dust over time and that dust will scratch the screen, no big scratches but small ones. Same problem with most "protectors Nintendo should have installed".
Damages like that shouldn't even be possible anyway as long as the user handles it with the care one should expect. (Look into the dock, what in there could possibly cause scratches at the seen places and nowhere else?)
If you are still worried just use a regular screen protector, that should be the easy and safe way.

@ironside1911 You are right. It's not a real issue. Only not many people are treading the Switch console as it was created and meant to be used.
Nintendo can't issue other advise without peoples thinking about broken item.
Maybe they should, next time, give the first prototype to real users to play with it. It should resolve many stupind issues.

I love how so many just jump to blaming the beta testers here. As if those people paid $300+ to test this device and are purposely damaging it. Tell me, are the beta testers also responsible for the Joycon connection issues?

1) The screen should have been glass. The unit feels more like a knock-off android tablet than a $300 system.

2) The dock is a flimsy, cheap piece of crap.

3) This is something Nintendo should have addressed and designed for from jump.

4) Without having had the experience of physically docking the unit, I was assuming that docking would be more precise and stable. I'm expecting scratches and worn contacts with the current build.

5) Major buyer's remorse stetting in today. I should have waited at least a year.

6) Do better Nintendo. This sucks.

7) Let the fanboy and Nintendo apologist attacks begin (How DARE I call the big 'N' out for it's b.s.).

I should not have to buy a screen protector!

I should not have to do any DYI fixes!

Hard to believe this is an issue as surely Nintendo would have noticed this during testing?

Maybe it's just a case of user error and/or mishandling?

@freaksloan Exactly...

@Gold_Ranger I have the new 3DS XL. Still has the same scratch problem caused by the lower screen. Either they didn't even attempt to fix it, or their system tests are really starting to go down in quality. Then again, these are the same people who made a dock that can easily scratch the screen it's designed for, made controllers that have de-sync problems, and won't accept dead pixels as a manufacturing error.

@Tarvaax @Tsusasi @Einherjar

There is no design flaw with the Switch dock. This is simply people incorrectly inserting the console into the dock. For those who own the console, you can clearly see that their is sufficient space between the console screen and the inside of the dock. If people are scratching their screens on the dock, the fault solely lies with them. Just like with those people who broke their TVs for unnecessarily over exaggerating their movements while using a Wii remote.

@Turbo857 Exactly, I keep on telling them but they wont listen. Its not like they would know how to use a docking station or tie their shoes. For those who own the console, you can clearly see that you need to carefully hold your switch 37.5 degrees with your left hand between the sufficient space and the inside of the dock. Just like with those crazy people who put aquariums in their homes and broke their joy cons for unecessarily feeding the fish. Whats this world coming to? Next they will claim that dead pixels are a defect... surreal stuff.

Btw. Since Nintendo designs actually their stuff with KIDS in mind (main target group) - Im sure kids will love memorizing and especially following (every single time) the "correct way" to insert it.. and they will tell all their friends who come around and they will tell the others.. and all switches will remain unscratched and they all live happily ever after.

@Turbo857 Your comparison is ridiculous and poorly written. 'over exaggerate' is not a thing... exaggerate will do just fine. And that wasn't the issue... the issues was people either being too close, or more likely not wearing/using the wrist strap.

Scenarios which are so unlike the dock situation that I'd laugh if it weren't so ridiculous to compare the two.

The dock is a pice of crap and one giant lump of a design flaw:

The base should've been more weighted.

The docking should be more precise and guided and the action more tactile: you should be able to more easier detect that contact has been made and the unit properly seated.

Right now the process is loose and imprecise.

There should also have been bumpers or protective strips to prevent contact and possible scorched and scuffing. It also would have helped to guide the unit into the dock.

It all feels very cheap and Fischer Price 'my first hybrid console'. Very much lacking fit and finish and premium appeal.

I have also noted fit and finish tolerances for the joy-cons and things they attach to vary quite a bit. The gap after locking in the rails varies from nearly nonexistent to very noticeable. I can imagine that is only going to get worse with use.

@Turbo857 Yes and no.
While the dock does offer enough wiggle room, the design philosophy of everyday-use objects should always be to avoid as many sources of damage possible.
Thats why the 3DS's top screen had tiny rubber feet to prevent chipping the plastic from closing the device, although closing it with care would probably never cause anything.

Padding out a plastic surface that could potentially come into contact with the screen area would have been a wise choice regardless.
The dock does have buffers located where the black rim of the screen is, but they are made from plastic as well.

So yeah, i do agree that it takes some dedication to damage your screen with the dock, taking precautions is never a bad thing.

I haven't used the touchscreen that much and haven't taken my Switch out of the dock too much either but this is a cool idea. I did buy myself a set of cheap capacitive stylus to use with the Switch to avoid getting fingerprints on my screen (works great when posting screenshots to social media). Might have to consider this. Kind of wish Nintendo had thought to put something like this in the dock or make the inside material soft to avoid the need altogether.

I can totally see how this is an issue, but I've never had any problems with the 3ds scratches people are talking about.

@Einherjar There ARE silicone/rubber bumpers inside the dock at the front near the bottom (near the depths where the actual stablizing/charging contacts are.)

Two things about the "screen scratching" issue: I read a few articles that clarify the scratching happens at the BORDER of the screen cover, not over the actual display itself. Meaning it's really a cosmetic issue to the casing, not the real display, or so I've read.

I've docked and undocked a number of times so far. It's only 3 days of use in, so it's far from being a reliable indicator, but I've probably docked a 7-12 times or so in that time (testing, configuring, examining the system etc.) Every time I thought "aha, I see the scratches!" I rub it and it's just scuffing from the rubber bumpers it DOES have.

Will my dock scratch the non-viewing area of the screen cover eventually? Maybe. I'd have preferred this kind of padding on the dock lips to be standard (or more rubber bumpers. ) I've been careful with docking/undocking due to this issue, but I've also inserted/removed at off angles too.

I'm crossing my fingers of course, but was relieved to find the issue everyone's talking about is, at least, NOT the screen, but to the edge of the screen cover. I'd rather avoid cosmetic damage too though

But yea, they did put bumpers in to cushion it. Just not enough I suppose.

Edit: Yes, I noticed I'm rambling. Zelda withdrawal syndrome.

@ironside1911 Damn, this is a major issue with the dock being so prone to scratching.

I tried for an hour with that darn screen protector. Always with the bubbles. Maybe just cut a strip and place them on the border of the screen. That would stop the "scratching" on the borders.

@freaksloan Amen

@Tsusasi

My comparison was written to illustrate that regardless of a product's creator's best intentions they can never prepare for the stupidity of a good portion of their potential customers.

It's very easy to avoid scratching your Switch screen on the dock. Like you really have to try to scratch your screen with the dock. So much so I do not understand why this is even a news article.

@Einherjar

"While the dock does offer enough wiggle room, the design philosophy of everyday-use objects should always be to avoid as many sources of damage possible."

I agree with that general philosophy. And from @NEStalgia's comment, the precautions you're talking about were already addressed before release. So, due to this revelation, I have to disagree with your underlying complaint as it clearly doesn't apply here.

@Turbo857 You can check the dock yourself. The buffers it has are hard plastic and on top of that, they are textured.
I stand by what i said: The dock should have come with rubber padding on the inside just to be on the safe side.

The dock itself is rather cheap. Its a 3 piece plastic mold. Padding it wouldn't have caused it to be that much more expensive in production.

@Einherjar @Turbo857 Another thought that occurred to me, is I was looking at Glixel's pictures of their scratched unit and I realized that where they show the scratches is exactly where the rubber bumpers leave scuffs.

I'm wondering if some docks either have a rough protrusion (unsanded plastic) in that area, OR the bumpers were not attached properly, OR there is dirt/debris (even if from the factory) caught on the bumper and it's actually that that is causing the scratches.

@einherjar Maybe some docks do and some don't have bumpers? In mine there are silicone or rubber bumpers, on on either side, exactly where sites are reporting the scratches. It's simply not possible to get scratches in that location with the bumpers, unless there is coarse dirt caught on the (possibly dirt attracting) bumper, or something is wrong with the bumper (or not all production runs have them?)

Glixel's "scratches" look like deep gouges. Even textured plastic can't do that.

In either case though, it's fortunately NOT a problem with the function of the diplay. It's a cosmetic issue. I keep my stuff in pristine condition all the time so it's still a valid issue to me, but the hysteria on the internet could lead one to lose sight that this is not the viewing screen we're talking about.

Edit: Carelessly loading it in while grinding the front against the upper portion of the dock I could see it happening, but the reported site of scratches is right at that spot.

Jesus man,Dead pixels and screen assassination,joy-con blunder. What's next,seems to me this machine was rushed out

@Tarvaax Hmm. I kbow about the problem on the original 3DS, but my wife and I have never had any issues with the XL models for the original or New 3DS XL. We use our 3DS XLs a lot too.

Definitely waiting for a hardware refresh/refinement before I get a Switch.

@Crono1973 I guess I just found it strange that I had 3DS's for years, and always had them in pockets, and never had it happen. Guess I was just lucky, I shouldn't question the validity of the concerns of others. It would technically be best for Nintendo to simply take care of these issues/test these issues.

I recommend Nintendo's screen protector and case. I bought these along with Switch.

@NEStalgia Mine certainly doesnt have silicone bumbers.
Could be because you're from the US, im from Europe. Maybe the EU Units done have silicone padding.
Because i now double and tripple checked in case i might be paranoid:
Nope, mines are made from hard, rough textured plastic. Let my SO check it, same reaction.

Since NL is based in the UK, this might be why they recommend padding the dock. Maybe its just the EU versions. I dont know.

@Einherjar Very interesting.... I can't imagine them saying "well, EU doesn't need bumpers, but wrap it in in padding so the American's don't hurt themselves with it!" But it's possible the earliest production runs happened to be the ones put in EU boxes, and was before they decided to add bumpers. that could make a lot of sense. Or it's just a 50/50 split between territories.

For mine MOST of the inside is that textured plastic (tall rails extending from the top of the "toaster slot" to the attachment platform. But there are tiny maybe quarter inch (maybe 50mm or so?) black pads that are SLIGHTLY convex, that if you touch them they're clearly a soft material (probably silicone.)

I'll have to check it again tonight but it was the very first thing I checked for when I unpacked it after all the uproar online about scratching.

Let's not forget the orange and blue screens of death, flickering, inverting screens, dead screens and systems and other fun issues that are cropping up.

Here's a video with a bunch. Scrub through and check it out:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mS18UFiTrAo

@ironside1911
5. Lose all save data from Zelda because it's tied to the Switch you just returned

@speedracer216 Very true

In the light of the new shortcomings, this appears to be some masterly crafted malicious masterplan by Nintendo.
Let all start playing Zelda, have them invest lots of hours ... then the screen scratches and we have the perfect hostage situation.
Instead of having to recall most complaints, they can be sure to get away fine. Meanwhile production costs fall even further in next runs and by the time people get bored with Zelda, usually the warranty already passed anyway

Hats off!, Nintendo - never fails to amaze.

EDIT: Oh those lucky ones who got 1-2-Switch instead of Zelda .. a blessing in that case.

@JaxonH that's is an awesome how too. Thanks for the info, my screen protector comes tomorrow.

@ironside1911
lol precisely.

Nintendo: "Your Switch is scratched and dead pixels and joycons don't work? Yes, you can return it....but you'll never get those 100 hours of Zelda back! Muwahahahaha"

Gamer: "...... I guess I'll keep it and just deal with it."

Nintendo: "That's what we thought. Bye now!"

@Einherjar I double checked. I most definitely have a silicone bumper, very small, a thin narrow strip, near the bottom of those tall "ribs" that run vertical on the front side, and it is that bumper that leaves the "scuff" that rubs off. I'd take a picture but it's black on black and small, so you really can't see anything in the picture. You can definitely feel it if your run your finger down the tall vertical ribs however.

I won't say scratches are impossible in this configuration, if you're careless I'm sure there are other locations that you could scratch (or then again you'd have to be pretty darn reckless), but the specific location the reports of scratches are in, I don't see in this configuration how that could be terribly likely. I certainly will remain being "gentle-ish" when docking/undocking, but I'm going to say either they noticed the problem and remedied after the first production batch, or the ones that are scratching are maybe defective docks that are missing the bumpers (or have jagged/protruding plastic around their location.)

I'll be bet most of these pictures of scratched units are coming straight from Nintendo so they can sell more of their screen protectors. It's a big profit margin for them, 10 cents to make and selling for 10 bucks. These pictures came within a day of the console's release and show so many small scratches you have to assume someone took the device in and out a hundred times. Who would do it that often in such a short time? And the scratches are crooked, why not straight up and down? This is too fishy for me.

@SpaceboyScreams I wouldn't go full tinfoil on it, but i've seen plenty of "scratched screen, OS breaking down, unplayable framerate drops in BotW" etc compilations around.
And while asking basically everyone i know off and online who owns a Switch...none of them can confirm any of that.

To me, that pretty much stinks of "They like it so we should hate it". Or, as we call it, "Professional Reviewing"

Also, what you didn't calculate is shipping costs etc. So they certainly won't make big cash on screen protectors that way

I might do this. I want to prevent any and all damage to the screen on my controller. My GamePad's screen had the unfortunate fate of getting a deep dent on it.

@Anti-Matter,

Yeah, I probably should have done that from the start. Ah well, at this point I think I won't bother anymore.

You should update this post and say not to do this. Microfiber Cloth on the rails works and won't scratch over time.

better solution is use E-Cloth eyeglass or electronics cloth (available amazon for 7 bucks)....very thin but designed not to scratch when used dry...I cut a couple of strips, used double sided tape and laid them on....use the rest of the cloth (they are big) for it's intended use of gleaning my glasses and electronics...

I have found a scratch on the left and right bottom on the bezel of my unit, too - at least I thought it was a scratch. Then I licked my finger, touched the scratch with it to make it wet and then gently rubbed on it with a Kleenex tissue. The scratch went away! (So in my case, it was rather a mark than a scratch. Try it out - it may help!)

I tested this in my laboratories and here are the results:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGY6X34UUu4