Nintendo Switch Owners Warned Not to Use Vinyl Skins

Vinyl skins have become a popular accessory for a range on electronic devices, most notably mobile phones and laptops. They allow you to customize your device and make it look more unique by attaching adhesive-backed vinyl sheets to the casing. These are applied by hand and then heat from a hairdryer is used to ensure good adherence.

With the launch of the Nintendo Switch ($296.99 at Amazon) , vinyl skin manufacturers were keen to offer a range of skins for the device. However, well-known manufacturer Dbrand issued a warning on Reddit over the weekend advising Switch owners not to use skins as it results in irreversible damage to the casing.

Dbrand's testing revealed that the plastic Nintendo opted to use for the Switch components does not react well to the adhesive used with vinyl skins. In fact, after just a few hours it starts to break down the outer plastic of the Switch console and the JoyCon controllers.

The images included here were shared by Dbrand to show the damage done to the plastic after just 24 hours. It means that no Switch owner should risk attaching any kind of skin to their console because whatever curing method Nintendo's manufacturing partners used is not compatible with adhesives.

Dbrand must be commended for sharing their findings as it will save Switch owners from the disappointment of discovering their hardware has been ruined by adhesive. The company also freely admits it was "going to make a ton of money from this console," but now can't in good faith release any skins for it.

It may be possible to find an alternative adhesive to use with the skins, but for now attempting to attach any brand of vinyl skin will likely damage the Switch's plastic. I think everyone will be looking to Dbrand to find a solution, and until they do, use your Switch as is.