Cleaning your Switch’s game card slot prevents unreadable cartridges and extends the console’s lifespan. Power off the Switch completely—never clean the slot while the console is on. Use a can of compressed air to blow dust out of the slot: hold the can 4-6 inches away, tilt the console slightly, and spray 2-3 short bursts to dislodge debris. For stubborn dust, use a dry, lint-free cotton swab (not Q-tips, which leave fibers) to gently wipe the inside of the slot—move the swab in one direction only, not back and forth. Avoid using liquids, as they can damage the slot’s metal contacts. After cleaning, insert a game card to test—if it’s still unreadable, repeat the process. Clean the slot every 1-2 months, especially if you frequently swap cartridges, to keep it free of dust and dirt.