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So you’ve finally got your hands on the latest and greatest gaming console out there, the Nintendo Switch. Congratulations! You’re now part of the exclusive club of people who can play their favorite games at home, on the go, in the car, on the toilet, you name it.
But before you start clocking hours on Breath of the Wild or Mario Kart, there’s something you need to consider: insurance.
Yeah, I know, insurance is about as exciting as watching paint dry. But trust me, it’s important. And as a beginner to the Switch console or gaming in general, you might not know all the ins and outs of it.
So, let’s dive in and talk about why you should consider getting insurance for your Switch, what it covers, and how to go about it.
What A Nintendo Console Warranty Covers
The first thing you need to know is that every Nintendo console you buy comes with the standard warranty Nintendo offers. This warranty period Nintendo gives you covers any hardware defects that may occur during the warranty period.
This period is typically 12 months from the date of purchase, but it may vary depending on where you live.
The warranty will cover the repair of any hardware defects that occur during normal use, such as a dead pixel on the screen or Joy-Con drift. However, it won’t cover the repair of accidental damage, such as dropping your Switch and cracking the screen, or water damage.
The warranty also doesn’t cover any damage caused by third-party gaming accessories, devices, or gadgets. It also doesn’t cover any Nintendo accessories or related tech.
Nintendo will often make those repairs but you will want to ask them for a quote so you know how much it costs to repair your product before sending it in.
Why Should You Consider Getting Insurance for Your Nintendo?
Now that you know what the warranty covers, you might be thinking, “I’m good, I don’t need insurance.” But here’s the thing, the warranty period is only 12 months. What happens after that? If you accidentally drop your Switch and crack the screen, or if you spill your drink on it, you’re out of luck. And let’s be real, accidents happen. Especially when you’re playing games, your focus isn’t always on the console itself.
That’s where insurance comes in. It can provide you with protection for accidental damage, as well as theft, loss, and other risks. And let’s be honest, the Switch isn’t cheap. You don’t want to have to shell out hundreds of dollars to replace it.
How to Buy Insurance for Your Nintendo
Now that you know why you should consider getting insurance for your Nintendo Switch, you might be wondering how to go about it. The first thing you need to do is to decide what type of insurance you want. There are several options available, such as:
- Extended warranty: This type of insurance provides additional coverage beyond the standard warranty period. It usually covers accidental damage, but it may also include other types of coverage.
- Accidental damage insurance: As the name suggests, this type of insurance covers accidental damage to your Nintendo Switch.
- Gadget insurance: This type of insurance covers a wide range of risks, including accidental damage, theft, loss, and more.
Once you’ve decided what type of insurance you want, you’ll need to find a provider. You can purchase insurance from a variety of sources, such as electronics retailers, insurance companies, or online. Just be sure to read the fine print and understand what is covered and what is not.
I personally prefer to use the extended warranty to insure my Switch but what I want for my Switch will be different than what you want for yours.
How to File a Claim for a Damaged Nintendo
If you’re unfortunate enough to have your Nintendo Switch damaged, you’ll need to file a claim to get it repaired or replaced. The process for making a claim will vary depending on the type of insurance you have and the provider you’re using. But
in general, you’ll need to provide documentation and evidence of the damage, such as pictures of the damage, a copy of the purchase receipt, and the serial number of the device.
It’s important to note that if you’re making a claim under the standard warranty provided by Nintendo, you’ll need to ensure that your purchase is registered at the point of sale. This can usually be done by filling out a registration card or registering online.
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary documentation and evidence, you’ll need to contact your insurance provider and follow their claims process. They’ll likely ask you to submit the documentation and evidence electronically or by mail.
How to Repair Your Switch
If your Nintendo Switch is damaged and you don’t have insurance or the damage isn’t covered by your warranty, you’ll need to pay for the repairs yourself. The cost of repairs will depend on the type of damage and where you go for the repairs.
If the damage is minor, such as a small scratch on the screen, you may be able to find a third-party Nintendo Switch repair shop. However, if the damage is more severe, such as a broken screen, you’ll likely need to send it to Nintendo for repairs.
It’s important to note that repairs done by third-party shops may void your warranty, so it’s always best to check with Nintendo or your insurance provider before proceeding with any repairs.
How to Prevent Damage to Your Switch
Now that you know what to do if your Switch is damaged, you might be wondering how to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are a few tips:
- Always use a screen protector and a protective case for your Switch.
- Be careful when handling the console, especially when playing games on the go.
- Keep your Switch away from liquids and other potential hazards.
- Don’t leave your Switch in a hot or cold place.
By following these simple tips, you can help protect your Switch from accidental damage.
How to Make the Most of Your Nintendo Switch Warranty (What the Warranty Covers)
If you’re lucky enough to have a hardware defect covered under your Nintendo Switch warranty, you’ll want to make the most of it. Here are a few tips:
- Keep your purchase receipt and registration card in a safe place (or make sure your purchase is registered at point of sale).
- Take any pictures of the defect you can get before you send it in for repairs.
- Be sure to understand what is and isn’t covered by your warranty before you file a claim.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your warranty claim is processed quickly and smoothly.
How to Decide if Gadget Insurance or a Warranty is Right for You
Now that you understand what a Nintendo Switch warranty covers and what insurance can provide, you might be wondering which option is best for you.
The truth is, it depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re someone who is prone to accidents, then deciding to buy insurance might be the best option for you. If you’re someone who prefers to have an extra layer of protection beyond the standard warranty period, an extended warranty might be the best option. And if you’re someone who wants comprehensive protection for your Nintendo Switch, gadget insurance might be the way to go.
Conclusion: Protecting Your Investment in Your Nintendo Switch
In conclusion, owning a Nintendo Switch is a lot of fun, but it’s important to protect your investment. The standard warranty provided by Nintendo covers hardware defects that may occur during the warranty period, but it doesn’t cover accidental damage, theft, loss, and other risks. Insurance can provide you with protection for these types of risks.
It’s up to you to decide whether you want to get insurance or an extended warranty or stick with the standard warranty. But regardless of what you choose, it’s important to decide if you will buy some form of protection for your Nintendo Switch.
After all, it’s not just a gaming console, it’s a valuable gadget, and you will want to be sure you can continue to enjoy all the fun and entertainment it has to offer for as long as possible. So, before you start clocking hours on your favorite games, be sure you’ve got your Nintendo Switch covered.