Nintendo ships Switch 2 with a screen protector already installed

In our continued countdown to the launch of Switch 2 later this week, we are issuing another quick PSA based on details from the official user manual. That screen protector on the Switch 2 when you open the box isn’t a screen protector at all, and Nintendo is warning users to never remove it.

While this isn’t news to Nintendo Switch 1 pros, this is something those new to Switch this generation should know about just in case.

Does Nintendo Switch 2 come with a screen protector on it out of the box?

Well, sort of…but not in the traditional sense. There is a protective film layer laying over the LCD display, but it is not meant to take the place of a typical screen protector, and it should never be removed.

As per the the Switch 2 user manual spotted by NintendoLife, Nintendo’s says the screen on its new console is actually “covered with a film layer” – not a screen protector. This layer is, according to Nintendo, “designed to prevent fragments scattering in the event of damage.”

“Do not peel it off.”

This isn’t anything to really be worried about, just something to be aware of. Switch 2 isn’t the first time Nintendo has deployed this sort of protective layer on its consoles, as the OLED Switch also had an adhesive film in place for the same reason.

Do you peel off the Switch 2 protective film layer?

No! You do not want to remove this layer from the display. Do not not peel off this screen protector from the Switch 2 display, it is in fact less of a screen protector in the traditional sense and actually a protective film made to safeguard the screen that was put in place during the manufacturing process.

How do I remove the plastic from the Switch 2 display?

You don’t remove it. Leave it as is. Nintendo has put this protective layer in place for a reason and that reason is to prevent fragmentation of the display in case of an unfortunate accident – it is a sort of safety layer resting atop the Switch 2 display to prevent fragments going all over the place if it gets cracked or damaged.

Can I put a Switch 2 screen protector on top of the protective film layer?

Yes, that’s the idea here. If you’re going to install a Switch 2 screen protector – like one of the models Nintendo sells or something from a third-party like Spigen, you’ll want to install just as you would on your smartphone, directly on top of the protective film Nintendo has already put in place during the production of your console.

Be careful removing Switch 2 screen protectors

And if you’re going to install a screen protector, you’ll want to be conscious of the protective layer underneath. You certainly don’t want to accidentally remove the protective film Nintendo has on there while removing your Switch 2 screen protector, and just being aware it is there should help the case. Knowing is likely more than half the battle here.