If you own a Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, or ROG Ally, you may not realize how important it is to protect it from drops, spills, and scratches. Gaming can provide endless hours of entertainment, but all of that can come to a halt with one devastating accident.
Here’s a look at how protecting your handheld console can keep your gaming sessions smooth.
Armor up by investing in a quality case
Safeguarding your console with a protective case is a must, especially if you carry it with you to school, work, friends’ houses, or on your travels. A protective case acts like body armor for your console and is the first line of defense against common accidents, like drops, bumps, and scratches.
Ideally, you should have two forms of protection: a hard case and a soft case. For example, a durable Switch case will protect your console if you accidentally drop it or spill a little bit of liquid, but it’s also nice to carry it around in a soft case with a strap or handle. However, a soft case alone won’t provide enough protection.
Hard cases will absorb the impact energy if you drop your console or if something falls on top of it. These cases are designed to fit snugly around your console and will prevent scratches and cracks. Some cases come with a built-in water-resistant screen protector that will protect against light spills and rain, and the soft cases come with pockets for holding charging cables, game cartridges, and accessories.
Handle your console with care
It might sound obvious, but the best way to protect your gaming console is by treating it well. Avoid tossing it around, even if you’re just passing it to a friend. One fall could cause serious damage.
Tripping over a charging cable can send your console flying, so keep your cords away from walkways when you’re charging it up. It’s also smart to avoid eating while playing so you don’t get crumbs under the buttons and ports.
If you let younger children play with your console, set rules for handling your device and teach them good habits.
Keep your console cool
Handheld gaming consoles can overheat just like any other electronic device. Never leave it in the sun (especially in a car) because it will overheat fast. Always keep your device shaded and cool. If it starts to overheat in the middle of a game, pause it and let it cool down before continuing. Otherwise, you risk damaging the internal components.
If you’re going to put stickers or wraps on your console, avoid covering the vents. Cooling stands work well for extended gaming sessions to improve airflow.
Another tip that you may not have considered is to limit playing while you charge your console. If you use your device while it’s charging, it will generate more heat. Allow it to finish charging, let it cool down a bit, and then play your games.
Maximize your battery life
Like all electronic devices, your console’s battery has a finite lifespan, so it’s crucial to take good care of the battery. Here are some best practices:
- Avoid full charges and full drains. Lithium-ion batteries last longer when they remain between 20% and 80% charged. The more times you fully discharge the battery, the shorter the lifespan becomes.
- Never overcharge your device. Leaving your charger connected after your battery reaches 100% can stress the battery and lower its capacity. Never leave your device charging overnight. Charge it during the day and keep track of your battery’s progress so you don’t go above 80%.
- Use quality chargers. Those cheap, off-brand chargers can damage your battery and cause problems with your console. Stick with branded chargers known to be compatible with your console.
- Store it with 50% battery life. If you don’t plan to use your console for a while, try to store it away with a 50% charge.
Clean your console
A little cleaning will go a long way. Wipe down the screen and body of your console to remove dust, dirt, and smudges. Compressed air is great for cleaning dust build-up from ports and can help you avoid having to do a super cleaning session. If you have a Switch, clean around the Joy-Con rails regularly. And whatever you do, avoid harsh cleaners because they can damage the screen and your console’s protective coating.
Play it safe
Don’t let your gameplay get interrupted by a preventable accident. Handle your console with care, use a good case, and clean it regularly to keep it in great condition.
