It's been a very long time since I purchased an electronic device with a display that had dead pixels. I thought, like I'm sure many others do, that dead pixels were a problem solved by improvements in manufacturing. However, it's 2017 and Nintendo just launched a new product that suffers from them. Worse than that, though, they aren't being classed as a defect.

The launch of the Nintendo Switch ($299.99 at GameStop) looks to have been a big success for Nintendo, due in no small part to having a new Zelda game ($59.99 at Amazon) as a launch title. But the problems are starting to appear. The screen scratches easily, there's problems with the JoyCons maintaining a wireless connection, you can't transfer save games, and don't even think about using vinyl skins.

A much more serious issue exists, however. The Switch uses an LCD screen and therefore dead pixels could pose a problem. A dead (defective) pixel is any pixel that doesn't work and appears as a dark dot, or is stuck on a particular color and appears as a bright dot. The "what classes as a defect" policy for dead pixels varies from company to company, with many stating X number of dead pixels being a trigger for defect classification. These policies can also take into account where the pixels are located on a display and how many are clustered together.

With regards to the Switch, Nintendo doesn't have a dead pixel policy in place. On its support page Nintendo states, "Small numbers of stuck or dead pixels are a characteristic of LCD screens. These are normal and should not be considered a defect."

A Reddit thread discussing Nintendo's non-policy on dead pixels is also highlighting that Switch screens have dead pixels. But the fact Nintendo doesn't view them as a defect certainly doesn't stop you taking action.

Related 4 Ways Nintendo Can Improve Switch to Prove Doubters Wrong

Regardless of where you are in the world, the Switch hardware comes with a warranty that will last one or two years. The retailer who sold you the Switch will also have a returns policy. Check both, and chances are you can return your Switch for a replacement or refund if it has dead pixels.

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