If you take your Switch out it’s box and it has got a couple of dodgy or dead pixels on the screen then don’t panic, Nintendo have some advice for you. “Small numbers of stuck or dead pixels are a characteristic of LCD screens. These are normal and should not be considered a defect.”
That is the official advice from Nintendo.co.uk, which echos the advice given out when the 3DS launched. Nintendo later changed their policy after many complaints although they were still rather grumpy about having to fix the problem, advising “We suggest that you use your system for a few weeks to determine whether this interferes with your enjoyment of game play. If, after using your system for awhile, you feel that this tiny dot is too distracting, the Nintendo DS does carry a one-year warranty.”
A Reddit thread about the problem already has over 2,300 comments so perhaps consumer pressure will once again make Nintendo change their minds. If you do have dead pixels on your Switch it’s probably best contacting the retailer you purchased the Switch from.
Source: Nintendo / The Guardian / Reddit
Lyts1985
Don’t most LCD TV manufacturers have similar rules regarding dead or stuck pixels? I think most say they only consider the screen defective if there are more than x dead pixels. This is hardly new information, just higher profile.
Stefan L
It’s more that Nintendo aren’t putting a number on it. Also, dead pixels are far less common now than they were a decade ago, and it’s perhaps all the more surprising given that 720p at 6.2″ isn’t a particularly high DPI, which should allow for higher yields with fewer defects.
But as a whole, yeah, it’s a known potential issue wth all LCD screens and there are acceptable flaws to manufacturers.
Lyts1985
Tef makes a fair point though – Nintendo aren’t saying what they consider acceptable; 1? 10? 50? It sounds like an outright refusal to deal with dead pixels, which shouldn’t be the case.
I guess the fact it’s quite a small screen with a comparatively low resolution makes it all the more obvious when you’re staring at it while it’s about half a metre from your nose too…
TrumpyMx
Nintendo’s decision to use C grade panels to reduce cost. Panels have always had end of line yeied issues, it’s up to manufacturers what panels they buy and how much they cost.
Tuffcub
That doesn’t make it right. You are paying good money the product should be in perfect condition. Imagine if that sort of policy was used elsewhere….
“Here, have a pack of Jelly Babies. Mmm, delicious, however we would warn you that one of them is cat poo flavoured. This is perfectly acceptable”
“Kellogs would like to remind customers that a small percentage of the corn flakes found in this box may be made of coal. This is perfectly acceptable”
“Enjoy streaming this new episode of Broadchurch. You may notice that Olivia Coleman is replaced by a Grapefruit in one short scene. This is perfectly acceptable”
Tuffcub
Also, if the defect was picked up during Q&A then Nintendo could send the screens back to the manufacturer they buy them from as not fit for purpose, and get their money back or replacement.
There is no reason for trying to wiggle out of it other than cost cutting on Nintendo (or anyone elses) side.
double-o-dave
“GG would like to remind some customers that their experience with Horizon Zero Dawn may vary, as some players may face a herd of My Little Ponies instead of Grazers. This is perfectly acceptable.”
Lyts1985
Ah I’m not saying it’s right mate, just that that’s pretty much industry standard. The only reason Nintendo are catching so much flak for it at the moment is because the Switch is a hot topic right now and everyone is jumping on the bandwagon.
Lyts1985
As for Nintendo rejecting the screens from the manufacturer, id imagine the manufacturer is imposing similar terms on Nintendo – a screen is deemed fit for purpose/sale if there are fewer than x dead pixels per inch, or whatever.
ron_mcphatty
I think it’s just one of these things you have to bear in mind when you chose who you’re buying from. You’d hope screens are perfect these days but even the almighty Apple won’t promise it, best thing to do is say no to recreational outrage and sell the dead-pixelled console on to some poor sod on eBay, take a small hit and buy a new console from someone you know you can return it to.
Starman
Those analogies are probably the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever written on this site, and that’s some serious competition.
Tuffcub
Thanks!
TrumpyMx
You don’t understand how panels are manufactured and graded. This is not Nintendo’s QA it’s a conscious cost decision to use C grade panels
Starman
Every PSP I had had a few dead pixels, one was really bad and I got it changed in store. Like Lyts says this isn’t really new, nor is the company line on them different to anyone else.
If it’s really bad I’d try swap it at the retailer, not worth the hassle trying to deal with the manufacturer.
bunimomike
Simple. Return the device and get a replacement. You’re legally allowed to have a refund if you’re inside the time limit.
Still, I hate the idea of spending triple (or even quadruple) figures on something with a screen and there being dead pixels from the off. Not cool.