The Nintendo Switch has been an incredible success. Since its release in 2017, the Switch is recognized as the fastest-selling video game console of its generation, racking up close to 80-million-unit sales by the end of 2020. This statistic is all the more remarkable when you consider the commercial failure of its predecessor, the Wii U.
However, the Switch built on what the Wii U promised, focused on portability and multiplayer and created a system that was the ideal combination of its handheld and home consoles. It also doesn’t hurt that it was supported by the releases of major hitters like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe in its first year of release.
Yet, it’s not all positive. No, this isn’t referring to Joy-Con drift or the lazy release of Super Mario 3D All-Stars. Revealed by Betway Casino following comprehensive research, the average Switch console is dirtier than a toilet seat.
The disgusting truth
Yes, really. If you own a Nintendo Switch console and don’t clean it on a regular basis, it will be populated with more bacteria than a toilet seat. Based on the aforementioned research, the Switch features a 55 colony-forming bacteria units median per swab. In comparison, a toilet seat has 30 colony-forming units.
That means not only is the Switch dirtier, but it’s almost home to twice as much bacteria as a toilet seat! Considering most play their Switch in handheld mode, that’s not good. Surprisingly, however, the Switch is the cleanest option when matched up against the other major consoles on the market.
On the console, the median colony forming units per swab for the PlayStation and Xbox were 72.5 and 62.5, respectively. If you think that’s bad, don’t even begin to look at the number for the median PC setup. The median colony-forming units for a PC is a staggering 165 in total. That means it has 5.5x as much bacteria as a toilet seat. Oh, and the mouse that is used for a PC? That’s just 248 on the bacteria scale.
How to change the numbers in your favor
Do you neglect your cleaning duties for your Switch and other consoles? Perhaps you have overlooked just how dirty they can become? Well, now is the time for a change. Now it’s time to get rid of any bacteria and mold build-up.
The good news is that minimal effort is required to keep your Switch clean.
First, begin by ensuring your Switch is unplugged and switched off. Grab a dry cloth – a microfiber cloth will do – to get rid of fingerprints and dust. Note: also wipe under the console as this can be a breeding ground for dust and harmful bacteria. When cleaning the console, don’t use any type of solution as you obviously want to avoid moisture from getting inside the device.
As for the Joy-Cons and/or Pro Controller, a small amount of cleaning solution (plastic-friendly and bleach-free) placed onto a cloth is the route to take. Wipe carefully around the controllers, getting all of the buttons and analog sticks.
As long as you do this on a regular basis, you can proudly claim your Switch is cleaner than a toilet seat.
