Nintendo Switch 2 teardown by YouTuber reveals modular joysticks, reinforced USB-C ports, glued battery, and stray liquid metal

In a detailed teardown of the latest handheld gaming console, the Nintendo Switch 2, published by the YouTube channel Phone Repair Guru, several notable improvements and a few supposed early concerns have been revealed.

As per the video, and seemingly confirmed by the creator, the biggest repairability upgrade seems to be the joystick modules on the Joy-Cons, as they are now fully replaceable without soldering. While accessing them still requires disassembling the entire controller, this appears to be a step forward in addressing the notorious drift issue. 

The video also points to a new dust-prevention shield near the sticks, which may contribute to improved durability over time.

The YouTuber further appears to showcase the inclusion of metal reinforcement plates around both USB-C ports. These ports, located on the top and bottom of the device, have reportedly been common failure points on the original Switch, according to user experiences shared online. This reinforced design seems likely intended to improve long-term durability, especially for users who regularly dock and undock the console.

While some design changes are evident, others appear unchanged. As the YouTuber points out, the internal battery is still glued in place and lacks pull-tabs, making it difficult to replace. According to the creator, alcohol and prying tools are required for safe battery removal in this case, a method that may complicate long-term serviceability for typical users.

The YouTuber claims to have found a stray glob of liquid metal beneath the battery during the teardown process. Although it’s not clear whether this is a production issue, a one-off occurrence, or related to packaging, materials like liquid metal, typically used for thermal transfer, can pose risks if not precisely applied.

The creator appears to have uncovered some interesting design changes in the Switch 2. The validity and long-term impact of these supposed improvements will likely become clearer as the console reaches more users and ages in real-world conditions. The creator goes in-depth during the teardown, so watch the video if you want a detailed look at the console.