Anatomy of the Console
Taking the lid off, mentally
Before you touch a screwdriver, you need a map. Every Switch is built from the same family of parts. Learn what each one does and you will know where to look when something fails.
The main board and processors
- NVIDIA Tegra X1 - runs games and the system software; the brain
- System memory (RAM) - the Switch has 4 GB of shared memory
- eMMC storage - built-in flash storage for the OS and saves
- Wireless module - Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for controllers and online play
The screen and touch layer
The Switch has a 6.2-inch LCD (OLED on the OLED model) with a capacitive touchscreen over the top. The display connects to the board with flat ribbon cables that must be handled gently. Screens are a common replacement part on the Switch Lite, where the screen sits behind a glass layer.
Ports, slots and connectors
| Port | Where | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| USB-C port | Bottom of console | Charging and dock connection |
| 3.5 mm headphone jack | Top of console | Wired audio |
| microSD slot | Behind the kickstand | Removable game storage |
| Game card slot | Top of console | Physical game cards |
| USB-A ports | On the dock | USB accessories and pro controllers |
| HDMI out | On the dock | Video to your TV |
The Joy-Con rail
Each side of the console has a rail with a locking slider. The Joy-Con slides on and clips in, connecting to the main board through contacts on the rail. A dirty or damaged rail is a common cause of controllers that disconnect mid-game.
Warning: Never open a Switch with the power cable plugged in, and avoid touching the board with damp hands. Ribbon cables are delicate - pull them by their connector tabs, never yank the cable itself.
Check your understanding
What chip runs the whole Switch? The NVIDIA Tegra X1.Where is the microSD slot? Behind the kickstand.How does the Switch connect to a TV? Through the dock via HDMI.What holds the Joy-Cons onto the console? The rails and locking sliders on either side.
Answer the questions out loud or on paper. If any are hard, re-read this lesson before moving on.
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