Nintendo Switch Fan Replacement

£49

No fix, no fee · 12-month warranty · Insured, tracked returns

Signs you need this repair

  • Grinding, rattling or buzzing from the vents
  • Fan louder than it used to be, even in light games
  • Console hot to the touch or warning about temperature
  • Switches off or slows during play
  • No airflow from the vent while playing

The Switch has a small cooling fan that pulls heat off the processor through a heatsink and out of the top vent. Over time, dust builds up, the fan's bearing wears and the fan can start grinding, rattling or spinning too slowly to keep the console cool. A fan that has stopped completely lets the console run hot, which can lead to shutdowns and puts more stress on the board and battery.

A common cause of overheating is simply blocked vents, so check the vent isn't covered and the console isn't played on a soft surface or left in a hot dock. This guide to a loud or overheating Switch covers what to check.

If the fan is worn or noisy, I open the console, remove the old fan, clean the heatsink and vents while it's apart, fit a replacement fan and test the console under load before it goes back. It's £49 for the original Switch, the 2019 revised model, the OLED and the Lite.

If the console is hot because of a board fault rather than the fan, a fan replacement won't fix it. I check when it arrives, and if the fan isn't the cause I tell you before doing any work. For faults such as a Switch that won't power on or shows no picture on the TV, see board fault repair.

Send the console only, with the game card and microSD card removed. If it's the original Switch or OLED, there's no need to send the dock or Joy-Con.

Nintendo Switch Fan Replacement

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal for the Switch fan to be audible?
A gentle whir during demanding games, or while docked, is normal. Grinding, rattling, clicking or a fan that's much louder than it used to be isn't.
Can I just clean the fan instead?
Cleaning the vents helps if dust is the problem. If the bearing is worn, cleaning won't stop the noise. I clean the heatsink and vents as part of the replacement.
Does the Switch Lite have a fan?
Yes. The Lite has a cooling fan inside the handheld, and it can wear or clog the same way.

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About this service

How does your mail-in repair service work?
Three steps: book and pay for your repair online, post your item to me using the packing instructions I email you, and I repair it, test it, and send it back tracked. You'll get updates as it moves through each stage.
What is your no-fix-no-fee promise?
Payment is taken upfront at booking. If I can't fix your item, there's no repair fee — I refund what you paid, less £4.99 return postage to send it back to you. Assessment bookings work differently: the £4.99 covers return postage and comes off the repair if you go ahead, but isn't refunded if you decide not to or it can't be repaired.
Do your repairs come with a warranty?
Yes. Every repair carries a 12-month workmanship warranty against the same fault returning. If it does, I'll put it right.
How long will my repair take?
Most repairs are completed within 3-6 working days of arrival, then posted back by tracked post. If a part needs ordering, I'll tell you as soon as I've diagnosed it and give you a realistic date. Diagnostic-led jobs take a little longer if I'm waiting on your approval of a quote.
How do I package my item safely to post it?
I send clear packing guidance when you book. In short: wrap the item well, use plenty of padding, and a sturdy box — the return leg is insured and tracked, and good packing on the way in protects your item too.
Where do I send my item?
Your postage address is included in the confirmation email after you book — you don't post anything until you've booked, so your item is always matched to your order.
Do you cover the whole UK?
Yes — I run a mail-in repair service, so you can send your item from anywhere in the UK. There's nothing local you need to find.
What if my item turns out to be unrepairable?
I'll tell you honestly and, where the fault allows, offer an alternative. If I can't fix it, there's no repair fee — I refund what you paid, less £4.99 return postage to send it back to you.