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Fault in the Nintendo Switch can be fixed with a foam blob

by on23 March 2017


Wireless connection fault has cheap fix


Nintendo Switch reviews spotted problems with the left Joy-Con occasionally losing its wireless connection to the console and some hackers found that opening the controller and adding a simple piece of wire increased its effective range.

Fortunately, Nintendo is not being an arse about it and is offering a similar fix to users who call its support line, and the company may be selling redesigned, fixed controllers at stores right now.

CNET writer Sean Hollister said that Nintendo is giving about the best electronics customer service he had ever experienced and gave him a free overnight shipping label for his controller after a weekend call.

Nintendo didn't have to do much to correct the connection bug. The only apparent difference is a small piece of black foam sitting on top of the corner of the controller board that houses the Bluetooth antenna trace.

This is a piece of metal coated conductive foam, designed to lessen interference from outside sources. The controller stops working when the foam is removed, suggesting the tiny fix is all that was really needed.

Curiously Nintendo claims that “there are no widespread technical problems" with the Switch hardware, and it affirmed its commitment to fix any issues through its support service.

“A manufacturing variation has resulted in wireless interference with a small number of the left Joy-Con. Moving forward this will not be an issue, as the manufacturing variation has been addressed and corrected at the factory level.

"We have determined a simple fix can be made to any affected Joy-Con to improve connectivity,” Nintendo said.

Last modified on 23 March 2017
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