Nintendo Switch EMF Radiation (How Much and What To Do About it)

The Nintendo Switch has been popular among kids and adults since it was released in 2017. 

The Switch has the flexibility to be both a handheld and used as a console with Controllers and it has a wide variety of games available. 

If you and your family enjoy playing the Nintendo Switch, it makes sense to understand and become educated on the EMF radiation potential from the Switch along with how to limit it so you can keep having fun.

This article will cover the following topics (feel free to click to jump to the section you’re interested in):

Does the Nintendo Switch Emit EMF Radiation?

Explaining the Types of EMF Radiation Emitted From Nintendo Switch

How much Radio Frequency (RF) Radiation Does the Nintendo Switch Emit?

How To Reduce EMF Exposure from Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Switch and the Harmful Effects of EMFs

Does the Nintendo Switch Emit EMF Radiation?

Yes, the Nintendo Switch console emits EMF Radiation. It emits three types of EMF radiation: radio frequency (RF) radiation, magnetic field radiation and electric field radiation. 

Additionally, the Joy-Con Controllers, Pro controller, Nintendo Entertainment System Controller, Nintendo 64 Controller, and SEGA Genesis Control Pad all emit low levels of radio frequency (RF) radiation, magnetic field radiation and electric field radiation as well. 

The Nintendo Support page contains this statement:

Nintendo Switch Console: This device should be operated with a minimum distance of 5 mm between the device and your body.

The available scientific evidence does not show that any health problems are associated with using low power wireless devices. There is no proof, however, that these low power wireless devices are absolutely safe. Low power wireless devices emit low levels of radio frequency energy (RF) in the microwave range while being used. Whereas high levels of RF can produce health effects (by heating tissue), exposure of low-level RF that does not produce heating effects causes no known adverse health effects. Many studies of low-level RF exposures have not found any biological effects. Some studies have suggested that some biological effects might occur, but such findings have not been confirmed by additional research.

Additionally, about the controllers, the Nintendo Support page states:

This equipment has very low levels of RF energy that are deemed to comply without testing of specific absorption rate (SAR).

In order to comply with FCC radio-frequency radiation exposure guidelines for an uncontrolled exposure, this device and its antenna must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

The available scientific evidence does not show that any health problems are associated with using low power wireless devices. There is no proof, however, that these low power wireless devices are absolutely safe. Low power wireless devices emit low levels of radio frequency energy (RF) in the microwave range while being used. Whereas high levels of RF can produce health effects (by heating tissue), exposure of low-level RF that does not produce heating effects causes no known adverse health effects. Many studies of low-level RF exposures have not found any biological effects. Some studies have suggested that some biological effects might occur, but such findings have not been confirmed by additional research.

Explaining the Types of EMF Radiation Emitted From Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch Console and Controllers emit radio frequency (RF) radiation, magnetic field radiation and electric field radiation.

Let’s dive into the three types of EMF radiation, why you should care, and how to limit you and your family’s exposure to these EMFs.

Radio frequency (RF) EMF Radiation 

Radiofrequency (RF) EMF includes radio waves and microwaves and is at the low end of the electromagnetic spectrum. 

It is a type of non-ionizing radiation, which means it does not have enough energy to remove electrons from an atom. 

Nintendo Switch Console connects to the internet through Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi is a type of RF EMF radiation. 

Additionally, the Nintendo Switch Controllers all connect to the Console via Bluetooth. 

Bluetooth emits RF EMF radiation. 

Another note you can connect wireless Bluetooth headphones to the switch to listen to your games. If you do this, you are adding additional RF EMF radiation exposure. 

Electric and Magnetic Field EMF Radiation 

Any device that is AC powered produces both an electric field and magnetic field from the electrical components inside the device. AC power is the standard electricity that comes from electrical outlets. 

The Nintendo Switch Console uses AC power when it’s connected to an outlet.

Here’s a quick overview of Electric and Magnetic Fields: 

All matter is made of particles. 

The flow of particles is called electric current.

The electric current travels in an electric circuit. 

Voltage is the pressure used to push the electron particles.

An electric field is produced by voltage.

The greater the voltage, the greater the field strength.

Voltage is measured in volts per meter (V/m).

Magnetic fields are produced by electric current.

The greater the current, the greater the magnetic field.

Magnetic fields are measured in microteslas (μt)

Electric field + magnetic field = electromagnetic fields (EMF)

How much Radio Frequency (RF) Radiation Does the Nintendo Switch Emit?

The Nintendo Switch is connected to the internet through Wi-Fi. So we can expect a certain amount of RF radiation from that alone. 

But the specific amount will depends on some things like are you using the Console in your hands or via the Controllers?

If you’re using a Controller, you have reduced the Wi-Fi RF radiation but now introduced Bluetooth RF radiation. 

This really comes down to attenuating or reducing the amount of exposure if you also want to use the Nintendo Switch. 

Below we will review some ways to reduce EMF radiation exposure but the only way to know for sure how much RF radiation is coming from your switch is to use an EMF meter. 

With an EMF meter you can test your current configuration – with or without the controllers, how far the Console is from the body, the amounts the different Controllers emit, etc. and find a good balance between game enjoyment and EMF exposure. 

If you don’t already have an EMF meter, this one from Amazon is what I use because it detects all three types of radiation. 

How To Reduce EMF Exposure from Nintendo Switch

If you and your family enjoy playing the Nintendo Switch it makes sense to limit the amount of EMF exposure while also having fun with the Switch. 

Here are some ways to reduce exposure:

1. Keep Joy-Cons Connected and Use the Switch as a Handheld

If you enjoy using the Nintendo Switch as a handheld device, this is a good option. This will reduce the RF radiation emitted by Bluetooth wireless connection since the Joy-Cons are still attached to the console.

Remember, if you use the Switch as a handheld device, keep it a minimum 5 mm away from the body per Nintendo’s advice above. 

The Console is still attached to Wi-Fi to connect to the internet so maintaining distance between the Console and your body as much as is reasonable will help reduce your exposure. 

2. Place Nintendo Switch in Airplane Mode Whenever Possible

There will likely be times when you’re playing Nintendo Switch offline, or without Wi-Fi. Be sure to place the Console in Airplane Mode when this is the case. 

If you combine both keeping the Joy-Cons connected to the Console and using Airplane Mode, you should be doing a good job of limiting the RF radiation from Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. 

3. Use a Power Bank Instead of AC Power

Reducing EMF radiation created by electric and magnetic fields will require limiting or removing the AC power supply. 

A simple power bank like this one from Amazon can power up your Console without AC power when your battery runs low, then you can switch back over the internal battery in the Console.

4. Use Nintendo Switch With An Ethernet Adapter to Hardwire Internet

Using the Nintendo Switch Wired Internet LAN Adapter (available from Amazon) will allow you to hardwire the internet connection to your Nintendo Switch instead of using Wi-Fi. This will help to reduce the RF radiation.

There’s a diagram on the Amazon listing page but basically you connect a LAN cable from your router to this LAN adapter, which plugs into the Switch and makes it hardwired to the internet. 

You will need to update the Switch settings for the wired connection:

System Settings -> Internet -> Internet Settings -> Wired Connection. Select Connect to the Internet via Wired Connection. 

5. Unplug the Nintendo Switch Console when it’s not in use

This is a simple suggestion but it will help to reduce the electric and magnetic field EMFs created by the Console being plugged into the wall outlet.

Also consider turning off your Wi-Fi at night when you’re not using it to reduce RF radiation overall in your house. 

Nintendo Switch and the Harmful Effects of EMFs

There is no question about the harmful effects of EMFs above a certain point. We know gamma rays damage cells and DNA. This is the ionizing radiation part of the electromagnetic spectrum. (3)

Where the question lies is in the low-mid frequency part of the electromagnetic spectrum, the non-ionizing radiation exposure. The Nintendo Switch EMF radiation is at this non-ionizing part of the spectrum.

The biological effects of the increasing levels of artificial sources of EMFs is where the research, and this website, are focused.

Ionizing VS Non-Ionizing EMFs Explained

There are two categories of EMFs:

1. Higher frequency – the ionizing radiation part of the electromagnetic spectrum. 

This damages cells and DNA directly. Examples are x-rays and gamma rays.

2. Low-mid frequency – the non-ionizing radiation part of the electromagnetic spectrum. 

This includes:

1. Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF) radiation – major sources are household electronics, nearby power lines and high voltage transmission lines.
2. Radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF) radiation – major sources include Wifi, cell phones, and Bluetooth
3. Microwave radiation 
4. Infrared radiation (IR) – absorbed by the skin and eyes as heat. Sources of IR radiation include furnaces and heat lamps
5. Visible light radiation 

As RF radiation in the form of Wifi, cellular networks (including 5G), and Bluetooth have become increasingly prominent over the last 20-30 years, the scientific community is trying to keep up. 

Scientific Literature

As the EMF exposure frequency and duration have increased as technology advances, many researchers, scientists, and doctors have explored the possibility of harmful health effects. 

Behavior, Memory and Learning

The behavior of a person and their ability to learn is based on the neural integration of memory, which is a complex system linking the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system. 

This system can be easily affected by things like toxic exposures during fetal development and childhood, nutritional deficiencies, and hormonal imbalance. 

We know that chemical toxins like pesticides can be harmful to pregnant women and children, and that ionizing radiation can have adverse effects on development. 

Now there is new research linking non-ionizing radiofrequency (RF) radiation from wireless devices to neurological harm, both prenatally and postnatally. 

This means that using devices like Wifi, cell phones, tablets, and laptops can potentially damage nerve cells in the hippocampus and other areas of the brain. (3)

A 2021 study published in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health concluded:

“Our results suggest that higher brain exposure to RF-EMF is related to lower non-verbal intelligence…we cannot discard that our results are due to chance finding or reverse causality. Longitudinal studies on RF-EMF brain exposure and cognitive function are needed.” (4)

In an article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Pediatrics in 2020, the conclusion was:

“This study found an association between increased screen-based media use, compared with the AAP guidelines, and lower microstructural integrity of brain white matter tracts supporting language and emergent literacy skills in prekindergarten children. The findings suggest further study is needed, particularly during the rapid early stages of brain development.” (5)

There are many available studies on this topic but the final I will highlight is this one from Bioelectromagnetics in 2019. 

This study specifically called out the increased exposure to a broad spectrum of radiofrequency (RF) fields from many sources, like mobile phones, Bluetooth and Wifi. 

The scientists are trying to fill the gap of research that exists on the low levels of consistent exposure to RF radiation from early prenatal development to young children and the effects on early-life exposure on behavior: emotional, communication and motor skills. 

Of course they can’t expose prenatal and postnatal children to increased levels of RF radiation so this study used mice. 

They summarize the findings as:

“prenatal and early‐life exposure of male mice to pulsed 1,846 MHz RF fields simulating LTE downlink signals at a whole‐body averaged SAR of 0.5 or 1 W/kg resulted in consistent and long‐lasting changes in drinking and eating behavior, as well as locomotor and rest behaviors” (6)

If you want to read one article on the potential behavioral effects of RF radiation on children, this is the article I would recommend. 

Nervous System Effects

The brain and nervous system are very sensitive to microwave radio frequency radiation. 

This can cause a lot of problems including damage to parts of the brain that are important for learning and memory, changes in mood, and problems with nerve cell protection. (3)

It is generally thought that children and young adults (up to age 26) are most vulnerable to RF radiation as their brains are most rapidly developing at this age. 

A review of recent studies:

In a 2021 study, a cross-section of pre-adolescents ages 9-11 and adolescents ages 17-18 found data that suggested higher brain exposure to RF EMF is related to lower non-verbal intelligence. (7)

A study in the Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy in 2020 used rats to study the effects of 900 MHz (Wifi) of radiation on four different groups: a control group and three exposure groups at different amounts of duration at the 900 MHz frequency. 

They found altered neurotransmission in brain cells, cellular degeneration in the radiation-exposed group’s hippocampus and a reduction in working memory. (8)

A 2019 article published in Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine found:

“900-, 1800-, and 2100-MHz RFR emitted from mobile phones may cause oxidative damage, induce increase in lipid peroxidation, and increase oxidative DNA damage formation in the frontal lobe…” (9)

Reproductive Health Effects

Men generally carry cell phones in their pockets.

The question of the effects of RF radiation on sperm has become a concern.

To help answer these questions several studies have examined the potential effects of non-ionizing radiation on male reproductive health.

A 2018 study was trying to test just this. The authors commented that it is known there are many factors that affect male fertility including high heat, pesticides, ionizing radiation, etc. 

With the prevalence of Wifi and cell phones, they wanted to find out if non-ionizing RF radiation could be having an impact as well. 

They concluded:

“RF-EMF may induce oxidative stress with an increased level of reactive oxygen species, which may lead to infertility. This has been concluded based on available evidences from in vitro and in vivo studies suggesting that RF-EMF exposure negatively affects sperm quality.” (10)

A 2017 study came to similar conclusions after a 38 year look across multiple countries and continents:

“This comprehensive meta-regression analysis reports a significant decline in sperm counts (as measured by SC and TSC) between 1973 and 2011, driven by a 50–60% decline among men unselected by fertility from North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.” (11)

Possible Carcinogen

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization works to find causes of cancer.

In 2011 they classified RF EMF radiation as a Group 2B Possible Human Carcinogen (13). Many researchers, scientists and doctors who work in the field of electromagnetic radiation are pushing the IARC to upgrade the risk to a Group 1 Known Carcinogen.

Swedish oncologist and professor Lennart Hardell and scientist in the Department of Oncology at Örebro University Hospital Michael Carlberg published a paper in the International Journal of Oncology. 

They state the IARC should classify RF radiation as Group 1 in their conclusion:

“​​There is clear evidence that RF radiation causes cancer/tumor at multiple sites, primarily in the brain (glioma) and head (acoustic neuroma). There is also evidence of an increased risk of developing other tumor types. The results are similar in both the NTP studies (19,20) and the Ramazzini Institute findings (34). Based on the IARC preamble to the monographs, RF radiation should be classified as Group 1: The agent is carcinogenic to humans.” (12)

Similarly a group of epidemiologists supported the conclusion that the IARC should upgrade the risk to Group 1. (14)

On the topic of 5G the European Parliament published a review of the health impact of 5G (15). The author, Belpoggi, PhD, International Academy of Toxicologic Pathology Fellow (IATPF), reviewed 1,861 studies on cancer (950 human and 911 rodent) and 7,886 studies on reproduction.

In the report she states:

“The literature contains no adequate studies that would rule out the risk that tumours and adverse effects on reproduction and development may occur upon exposure to 5G MMW, or to exclude the possibility of some synergistic interactions between 5G and other frequencies that are already being used. This makes the introduction of 5G fraught with uncertainty concerning both health issues and forecasting and or monitoring the actual exposure of the population: these gaps in knowledge justify the call for a moratorium on MMW of 5G, pending completion of adequate research.” (15)

Biological Mechanisms

DNA and RNA are important molecules that carry our individual genetic codes from one generation to the next. 

These fragile chains of nucleic acids not only direct our inheritance, they also direct fetal development, metabolism, protein synthesis, immune system functioning, nervous system functioning and cancer protection. 

DNA and RNA can be damaged by exposure to things like ionizing radiation from X-Rays, nuclear power plants and atomic bombs. 

The question is if (and how much) non-ionizing radiation from RF EMF sources like cell phones, Wifi, and Bluetooth can alter DNA and RNA by various mechanisms including creation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), similar to other toxins exposures like pesticides and heavy metals.

Several studies have attempted to answer this question. 

The National Toxicology tested two common RF frequencies on rodents in a 2 year assay. They found a significant increase in DNA damage in the frontal cortex of male mice (both modulations), leukocytes of female mice (CDMA only), and hippocampus of male rats (CDMA only). (16)

VERUM – Foundation for Behaviour and Environment – based in Munich conducted a 4 year study to parse through the data and try to determine the effects of ELF and RF EMFs on DNA. They concluded that:

“For both ELF-EMF and RF-EMF, the results of the whole genome cDNA micro-array and proteomic analyses indicated that EMF may activate several groups of genes that play a role in cell division, cell proliferation, and cell differentiation.” (17)

Several studies have found DNA damage (19) (20) specifically from radio frequency radiation, like that from cell phones and wifi. 

Final Thoughts on EMF Radiation from the Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch is a fun game for kids and adults. It’s important to know the risks of EMF radiation so you can reduce them while having fun.

References and Sources

1. Wireless Regulatory Info for U.S.A. and Canada
2. World Health Organization – Radiation: Electromagnetic Fields
3. Occupational Safety and Health Administration – Ionizing Radiation
4. Physicians for Safe Technology – Behavior, Memory and Learning: https://mdsafetech.org/science/behavior/
5. Cabré-Riera et al. Association between estimated whole-brain radiofrequency electromagnetic fields dose and cognitive function in preadolescents and adolescents. Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2021 Jan;231:113659. doi: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2020.113659. Epub 2020 Nov 19. PMID: 33221634.
6. Hutton JS, Dudley J, Horowitz-Kraus T, DeWitt T, Holland SK. Associations Between Screen-Based Media Use and Brain White Matter Integrity in Preschool-Aged Children. JAMA Pediatr. 2020;174(1)
7. Broom KA, Findlay R, Addison DS, Goiceanu C, Sienkiewicz Z. Early-Life Exposure to Pulsed LTE Radiofrequency Fields Causes Persistent Changes in Activity and Behavior in C57BL/6 J Mice. Bioelectromagnetics. 2019;40(7):498-511. doi:10.1002/bem.22217
8. Cabré-Riera et al. Association between estimated whole-brain radiofrequency electromagnetic fields dose and cognitive function in preadolescents and adolescents. Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2021 Jan;231:113659. 
9. Sharma S, Shukla S. Effect of electromagnetic radiation on redox status, acetylcholine esterase activity and cellular damage contributing to the diminution of the brain working memory in rats. Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy. 2020 Jul;106:101784
10. Alkis ME, Bilgin HM, Akpolat V, Dasdag S, Yegin K, Yavas MC, Akdag MZ. Effect of 900-, 1800-, and 2100-MHz radiofrequency radiation on DNA and oxidative stress in brain. Electromagn Biol Med. 2019;38(1):32-47. 
11. Kesari KK, Agarwal A, Henkel R. Radiations and male fertility. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2018 Dec 9;16(1):118.
12. Hagai Levine, Niels Jørgensen, Anderson Martino-Andrade, Jaime Mendiola, Dan Weksler-Derri, Irina Mindlis, Rachel Pinotti, Shanna H Swan, Temporal trends in sperm count: a systematic review and meta-regression analysis, Human Reproduction Update, Volume 23, Issue 6, November-December 2017, Pages 646–659
13. Spandidos Publications styleHardell L and Hardell L: Comments on the US National Toxicology Program technical reports on toxicology and carcinogenesis study in rats exposed to whole-body radiofrequency radiation at 900 MHz and in mice exposed to whole-body radiofrequency radiation at 1,900 MHz. Int J Oncol 54: 111-127, 2019
14. World Health Organization – IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer). Non-ionizing Radiation, Part 1: Static and Extremely Low-frequency (ELF) Electric and Magnetic Fields. 
15. Miller AB, Morgan LL, Udasin I, Davis DL. Cancer epidemiology update, following the 2011 IARC evaluation of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (Monograph 102). Environ Res. 2018 Nov;167:673-683
16. Health impact of 5G – EPRS | European Parliamentary Research Service Scientific Foresight Unit (STOA) PE 690.012 – July 2021. Link to PDF
17. Smith-Roe SL, Wyde ME, Stout MD, Winters JW, Hobbs CA, Shepard KG, Green AS, Kissling GE, Shockley KR, Tice RR, Bucher JR, Witt KL. Evaluation of the genotoxicity of cell phone radiofrequency radiation in male and female rats and mice following subchronic exposure. Environ Mol Mutagen. 2020 Feb;61(2):276-290.
18. VERUM Foundation Risk Evaluation of Potential Environmental Hazards from Low Energy Electromagnetic – Field Exposure Using Sensitive in vitro Methods – Contract number: QLK4-CT-1999-01574
19. Al-Serori H, Ferk F, Kundi M, Bileck A, Gerner C, Mišík M, Nersesyan A, Waldherr M, Murbach M, Lah TT, Herold-Mende C, Collins AR, Knasmüller S. Mobile phone specific electromagnetic fields induce transient DNA damage and nucleotide excision repair in serum-deprived human glioblastoma cells. PLoS One. 2018 Apr 12;13(4):e0193677.
20. Al-Serori H, Ferk F, Kundi M, Bileck A, Gerner C, Mišík M, Nersesyan A, Waldherr M, Murbach M, Lah TT, Herold-Mende C, Collins AR, Knasmüller S. Mobile phone specific electromagnetic fields induce transient DNA damage and nucleotide excision repair in serum-deprived human glioblastoma cells. PLoS One. 2018 Apr 12;13(4):e0193677. 
21. Zothansiama, Zosangzuali M, Lalramdinpuii M, Jagetia GC. Impact of radiofrequency radiation on DNA damage and antioxidants in peripheral blood lymphocytes of humans residing in the vicinity of mobile phone base stations. Electromagn Biol Med. 2017;36(3):295-305.