How To Fix That Loose Or Broken Kickstand On Your Nintendo Switch
Did you know that the Nintendo Switch just celebrated its fourth birthday? Well, it did! The console was released on March 3, 2017, and is Nintendo’s first console that was designed as a hybrid unit. The Switch is unique in that it can be played in either handheld mode or docked on a television.
Well, there is a third mode: table-top. The console was designed with a built-in kickstand that covers the Micro SD card slot. The kickstand is extremely flimsy and can fall off easily. Over time, the kickstand will fall off far more easily. Fortunately, there is a very simple solution, so allow me to provide instructions.
First and foremost, you need to remove the kickstand. By this point, that shouldn’t be a difficult task. The kickstand on my Switch popped off just by extending it beyond its natural flow (like a wishbone). In fact, I did a video about this challenge, which is posted below.
You will want to use a Y-head screwdriver (Y000). I know in the video I mentioned that the screw was triangular, but that was due to my poor vision. Upon great magnification, it is in fact “Y-shaped,” and the Y000 head is perfect. Personally, I have the iFixit kit which I purchased on Amazon for about $60.
Once you have the right tool to use, all you need to do is remove the small, metal screw and bend the ears of the aluminum piece outward. Place the small, metal piece back in its housing and tighten the screw. Push the kickstand back in place and you are done. You should immediately notice that the kickstand is now tighter.
Hopefully, this quick little guide and my added video below can help you with your Nintendo Switch kickstand. Let us know in the comments if you found this information helpful!