The highly-anticipated Switch went on sale last week. It’s billed as a “hybrid” console capable of transitioning between docked and portable modes. According to thousands of early customers, the Switch’s built-in display is being blighted by distracting dead pixels.
The Guardian reports that the problem is more severe than the occasional dead pixels found on new monitors and TVs. Many buyers have reported seeing multiple dead pixels on the displays of brand-new consoles. One customer who opened three boxes in succession found visible dead pixels on all the devices.
Dead pixels are screen pixels that never light up, creating a small dark spot on the image. The related issue of stuck pixels occurs when an individual pixel stops changing colour, becoming fixed on a single value. Both issues can develop over time as a device ages or appear on panels fresh from the factory.
The user complaints may be partly driven by the increased visibility of dead pixels on mobile devices. Because you use the display closer to your eyes, you’re more likely to notice problematic areas of the screen than when looking at a PC monitor.
Although the problems are common defects on LCD displays, the volume of reports from Switch users suggests the device is affected more significantly than other brand-new products. Similar dead pixel woes hindered the launch of Sony’s PlayStation Portable console back in 2004. Nintendo’s DS also suffered when it was first made available in the U.S. Nintendo eventually started replacing devices under warranty after a customer outcry.
This time around, Nintendo is insisting there is nothing wrong with the defective displays. In a support page on its website, the company explains that some stuck pixels are often unavoidable on devices with LCD displays.
“Small numbers of stuck or dead pixels are a characteristic of LCD screens,” said Nintendo. “These are normal and should not be considered a defect.”
Nintendo hasn’t directly responded to the growing number of reports on major discussion sites. It is so far refusing to exchange consoles with dead pixels. Although the company is correct that it’s not alone in shipping products with defective pixels, it could end up being forced to relent in a move harking back to the original DS’ launch.
As Ars Technica points out, other technology brands allow you to exchange devices with significant numbers of stuck pixels for a small time after buying them. Samsung will exchange a new smartphone or tablet within seven days. Apple will also listen to customers “concerned” about the display quality on a new device, often offering a replacement if the issues are deemed to be extensive enough. Monitor manufacturers generally have defined standards for what constitutes an unacceptable level of stuck pixels.
With the Switch still flying off shelves, Nintendo will be hoping the reports don’t impact on sales of the must-have console. It’s now believed to be the fastest-selling device in Nintendo’s history as many stores worldwide sell out of stock. Nintendo is preparing to launch new games and software updates for the Switch in the coming year, aiming to continue its appeal into the holiday season.
