If your Switch 2 screen is cracked, a screen replacement with me costs £135, sent by post. First check whether the crack is in the screen itself or only in the anti-shatter film on top, because a scratched film isn't the same as a broken screen. Nintendo's warranty doesn't cover accidental damage, and the storage is soldered to the board, so back up your saves before you post it anywhere.
The anti-shatter film
The Switch 2 has a 7.9-inch LCD screen, and on top of it Nintendo fits an anti-shatter film. It's there to hold the glass together if it breaks, so small shards don't come loose. Nintendo says not to remove it.
That matters for two reasons:
- Peeling it off to "fix" a scratch removes the protection that holds a broken screen together.
- It isn't a screen protector in the usual sense, so it isn't meant to be replaced by you when it gets marked.
If you want extra protection, put a screen protector on top of the film, not in place of it.
Is it cracked, or is the film scratched?
Look at the screen with the console switched off, under a good light, and tilt it.
Signs it's only the film
- You can feel a scratch or scuff with a fingernail, but the surface underneath feels smooth and solid.
- The mark is a fine line or scuff, with no spreading cracks.
- With the console on, the picture is clear and touch works everywhere.
A scratched film is cosmetic. It's annoying, but it doesn't need a screen replacement.
Signs the screen underneath is cracked
- Cracks that spread out from a point, often a corner or where it hit the ground, visible under a smooth film.
- The film is intact, but you can see a spider-web pattern beneath it.
- Lines, black patches or bleeding in the picture.
- Touch that doesn't respond in part of the screen, or registers touches you didn't make.
Any of those means the glass or the LCD panel is damaged, and it'll need a Switch 2 screen replacement.
Why the warranty won't cover it
Nintendo's warranty covers manufacturing faults. A cracked screen is accidental damage, so it isn't covered, however new the console is. If your Switch 2 has a different fault that isn't accidental damage and it's still under Nintendo's warranty, go to Nintendo first. That's the honest advice. For a broken screen, you're paying either way, so it comes down to price and whether you get your own console back.
Back up your saves first
On the Switch 2, the internal storage is soldered to the main board. It can't be taken out and moved to another console. If a repairer swaps your console for another one, your saves stay with the old board unless they were backed up.
A screen replacement with me doesn't touch the storage, so your saves should stay as they were. Even so, any parcel can go astray, so back up what you can:
- Save Data Cloud needs a Nintendo Switch Online membership, and not every game supports it.
- If the screen is too damaged to use, try it in the dock and use the TV.
My guide to backing up Switch save data before a repair covers the steps.
Keeping it safe until it's repaired
- Don't press on the crack or peel the film.
- If the picture still works, docked play avoids handling the screen.
- If glass is lifting at the edges, put clear tape over it.
- If the back is bulging or the screen is being pushed up from behind, that may be the battery rather than a drop. Stop using it and get in touch before posting, as Royal Mail won't carry a swollen lithium battery.
What the repair involves
The £135 covers opening the console, removing the damaged screen, fitting a quality replacement panel and reassembling it. I then test the display, touch, the Joy-Con 2 connection, buttons, sound, charging and docking. The insured, tracked return is included. You pay the postage to send it in.
Before posting, take out the game card and microSD Express card, and don't send the dock or Joy-Con 2. Pack it well in a sturdy box, using the guidance in your booking confirmation email.
Every repair comes with a 12-month warranty, and it's no fix, no fee: if I can't repair it, I refund what you paid, less return postage. For other Switch 2 faults and prices, see the Nintendo Switch 2 repairs page or my Switch 2 repair cost guide.
Frequently asked questions
Should I peel off the anti-shatter film if it's scratched?
No. Nintendo says not to remove it. The film holds the glass together if it breaks. If the scratch bothers you, a screen protector can go on top of the film.
Will Nintendo fix a cracked Switch 2 screen under warranty?
No. A cracked screen is accidental damage, which the warranty doesn't cover. Nintendo will repair it, but you'll pay for it.
Will I lose my saves with a Switch 2 screen repair?
The screen replacement doesn't involve the storage, so your saves should be untouched. Because the storage is soldered to the board, a swapped console wouldn't carry them over, which is why backing up first is worth doing.
