Buying guide for best nintendo switch screen protectors
Are you a faithful Nintendo Switch gamer? If you spend time with Mario and Luigi, your console gets a lot of use. That’s why Nintendo Switch screen protectors are essential gaming accessories for players like you.
Playing your Switch in handheld mode means the screen comes into contact with the outside world, placing it at risk for shattering or other damage. Switch screen protectors provide scratch and impact protection through an ultra-thin layer of tempered glass. Simply stick it on with the installation kit, and you have a near-invisible forcefield. That way, only your in-game characters are the ones sustaining damage. Best of all, since most packages come with multiple screen protectors, you can rest assured knowing you always have a spare one.
Key considerations
Resistance
As they’re made of tempered glass, screen protectors are both scratch-resistant and impact-resistant. They boast ultimate durability with a 9H rating on the hardness scale. While protectors aren’t indestructible, they minimize the damage your screen sustains. In the event the console is dropped or brushes against objects that scratch, you can count on the protective layer to weather the majority of the damage.
Pre-cut
Screen protectors are pre-cut to provide the smoothest application — they have notches and grooves around the edges of the console that line up for a seamless fit. They’re a specialized alternative to universal protectors, which require a significant degree of measurement and precision to fit on your screen. Pre-cut protectors not only save time but money as well since accuracy is much easier to ensure.
Clarity
Nintendo Switch screen protectors pride themselves on clarity, offering as much as 99.9% transparency. As a result, colors aren’t degraded on the screen, and glare is somewhat minimized. There are also some protectors with anti-glare technology that reduces the reflection of the glass under direct light. In this case, clarity is achieved by eliminating the need to frequently tilt the screen to avoid glare, which can affect the gaming experience.
Anti-fingerprint
Screen protectors are designed to minimize fingerprints. They often have an oleophobic — oil-resistant — coating to keep prints at bay by repelling the natural oils found in skin. More than anything, this feature promotes clarity as it prevents the bothersome fingerprint “cloud” often present on touchscreen devices.
Bubble-free
Unlike screen protectors made of plastic or other materials, tempered glass offers a bubble-free finish during application. While you can’t simply stick it on and go, tempered glass is harder and less flexible, meaning fewer air pockets are caught as you install it.
Installation kit
Installing a Nintendo Switch screen protector can be tricky, which is why they’re packaged with detailed instructions and an installation kit. The kits come with screen wipes, dust-free cloths, and squeeze cards. The wipes and cloths work together to create a spotless surface for the protector’s application. Once you’ve stuck it on the screen, use a squeeze card to smooth out any remaining air bubbles.
For the most part, instructions are pretty straightforward. Some kits number their installation to guide you through the steps in the correct order. If you’ve never installed a screen protector before, it’s a good idea to watch a tutorial for proper technique and tips. Many manufacturers even produce their own fast installation videos.
In testing Nintendo Switch screen protectors, we consider durability and how well the tempered glass protects the device from scratches and impact.
We test the difference between universal screen protectors and pre-cut, specialized protectors.
Screen clarity is a consideration in our testing process. We evaluate how well a screen protector reduces glare and protects the integrity of the Nintendo Switch’s colors.
A screen protector’s installation kit is a key factor in our testing process. Some installation processes are more straightforward than others, and some screen protectors come with helpful tools to make application easier.
We consider the ease with which we are able to remove air pockets during installation and prevent bubbles, which can shorten the screen protector’s lifespan and reduce its effectiveness.
How good a screen protector is at resisting fingerprints is a consideration in our testing process. This feature helps keep touchscreens like the Nintendo Switch’s clean.
We consider the warranties that come with Nintendo Switch screen protectors. While they don’t cover the device itself, some cover the screen protectors for up to 36 months.
When testing screen protectors, we want to know how much they cost and what features are included at each price point.
We consider the thickness of the Nintendo Switch screen protector — thicker glass can provide better protection, but it can also affect the way the Switch fits into its dock.
How precisely the screen protector fits is a factor in our testing process. Precision-fit screen protectors can provide total coverage for your Nintendo Switch, but they can be trickier to apply.
Features
Construction
Nintendo Switch screen protectors are made from tempered glass, on average between 0.2 and 0.35 millimeters in thickness. Tempered glass is four times stronger than regular glass, and it’s much safer in the event that it shatters. Instead of breaking into jagged shards, it fractures into tiny pieces that often stay in place until you remove the whole pane.
Nintendo Switch screen protector prices
Nintendo Switch screen protectors cost between $5 and $30, depending on quality in various features.
Inexpensive: Budget-friendly screen protectors cost between $5 and $10. They get the job done, but they may have less streamlined installation methods.
Mid-range: Between $10 and $20, you can pick up screen protectors that offer anti-glare technology and high-quality installation kits. You may get up to four protectors to a pack at this price point.
Expensive: If you’re looking for a premium screen protector, spend closer to $30. These are geared toward a high level of game play, so they last longer than others. Installation is easy, and the tempered glass is of noticeably higher quality.
Tips
- Purchase screen protectors for families. A Nintendo Switch gets a lot of wear in a household. The gift of a screen protector helps keep the whole system intact, especially if it’s handled by young players.
- Dock the Switch after the game is over. The screen protector can only do so much — be sure to dock the Switch after each game to minimize the potential for screen damage.
- Give it as a gift. Switch games are expensive, so screen protectors are budget-friendly gifts. You can pack them with other inexpensive accessories or a gift card.
- Watch tutorials. Most manufacturers of Switch screen protectors have installation tutorials that are worth watching to avoid bubbles or misalignment.
FAQ
Q. Will a screen protector affect docking my Nintendo Switch?
A. No. The tempered glass screen protectors are remarkably thin and won’t obstruct docking or gameplay. When placing your Switch into its docking station, be careful not to jam it in. Though your screen protector is durable enough to be scratch- and impact-resistant, repetitive rubbing against the edge of the protector may cause it to peel prematurely.
Q. Do tempered glass screen protectors cause more of a glare?
A. It depends on the manufacturer. Some companies opt for glare-free technology with their tempered glass, though it causes an increase in production cost — and the price of the screen protector. There are varying grades of anti-glare screen protectors, as some only offer a percentage of reduction, where premium ones aim to eliminate it as much as possible. There are also screen protectors that don’t incorporate any anti-glare technology; these tend to be less expensive.
Q. How long will my Nintendo Switch screen protector last?
A. It depends on how well it’s installed, as having bubbles drastically reduces its lifespan. Assuming it’s properly installed without bubbles, they can last several months to a couple of years, depending on how hard you are on them. If you notice the corners begin to peel or it looks like there are small cracks, replace it immediately.
