Console · Nintendo · Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 Fan Replacement
Fan Replacement guide for the Nintendo Switch 2
Before you begin
Tools
- Precision screwdriver set
- Plastic opening tools
- Spudger
- Tweezers
- Anti-static wrist strap
- Magnifying glass or headlamp
Parts / materials
- Replacement cooling fan
- High-performance thermal paste
- 90%+ Isopropyl alcohol
- Microfiber cleaning cloth
Safety
- Ensure the console is completely powered down and disconnected from any chargers before disassembly.
- Disconnect the battery press-connector immediately after removing the metal shield to eliminate the risk of short circuits.
- Wear an anti-static wrist strap connected to a grounded surface to protect delicate microchips from ESD damage.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Power Off Console and Remove SD Card
1 minEnsure the Nintendo Switch 2 is powered off completely. Eject and remove any inserted Game Cards and MicroSD cards from the slot.
- 2
Remove Rear Housing Tri-Wing Screws
2 minUse a Y00 precision screwdriver to remove the four tri-wing screws located on the corners of the rear panel.
- 3
Remove Perimeter Phillips Screws
3 minUnscrew the outer perimeter Phillips #00 screws located along the top, bottom, and side rails of the console.
- 4
Detach Rear Outer Shell
2 minInsert a plastic opening tool into the seam along the edge of the case. Gently pry along the perimeter to pop the clips and lift off the rear shell.
- 5
Remove MicroSD Card Reader Board
2 minUnscrew the single retaining screw on the MicroSD card board. Use a spudger to gently pop the board's press-connector straight up off the motherboard.
- 6
Unscrew Aluminum Shield Plate
3 minRemove the Phillips screws securing the large metal shield plate to the chassis.
- 7
Lift Away Metal Shield Plate
1 minGently lift the metal shield plate off the motherboard assembly. Take care not to snag the thermal pad beneath it.
- 8
Disconnect the Battery Cable
2 minInsert the edge of a plastic spudger under the battery connector harness. Pry straight up to disconnect power to the board before proceeding.
- 9
Unscrew the Heat Sink Assembly
2 minRemove the Phillips screws securing the copper heat sink pipe to the APU and fan bracket.
- 10
Remove Copper Heat Sink
1 minCarefully lift the heat sink straight up away from the APU to break the thermal paste bond.
- 11
Disconnect Cooling Fan Power Cable
2 minUse tweezers to carefully lift the locking flap on the fan ZIF socket, then pull the ribbon cable straight out.
- 12
Remove Cooling Fan Screws
2 minUnscrew the three Phillips screws holding the fan frame to the internal plastic chassis.
- 13
Extract Damaged Cooling Fan
1 minLift the old cooling fan out from the console frame and set it aside.
- 14
Install New Cooling Fan
1 minPlace the new replacement fan into the recessed housing and align its mounting screw holes.
- 15
Secure New Fan and Cable
3 minReinstall the three fan mounting screws, then insert the fan ribbon cable into the motherboard socket and secure the latch.
- 16
Apply Fresh Thermal Paste
3 minClean the old thermal compound off the APU using isopropyl alcohol, then apply a fresh pea-sized drop of thermal paste before reinstalling the heat sink.
After your Nintendo Switch 2 fan replacement
Power the Switch 2 back on and test the fan replacement function before you put every screw away. Check touch/display response, charging, cameras, buttons, and wireless as relevant to this repair. If something fails after closing the device, reopen carefully and reseat the connectors for this Nintendo Switch 2 job before assuming the part is defective. Keep leftover adhesive and screws labeled in case you need a second pass.
Keep learning
Explore more Nintendo Switch 2 repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
