Review: amFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector for Nintendo Switch

The amFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector for Nintendo Switch offers great protection with easy installation. It’s a worthwhile purchase if you’re looking to keep your screen free of scratches without sacrificing functionality or visibility, and yes, your Switch will still fit in the dock once it’s on.

Name: amFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector for Nintendo Switch
Manufacturer: amFilm
Price: $29.99

I had all but given up on screen protectors as of a few years ago, having failed to install a single one on any device without getting dust trapped under it and bubbles in the film. From the moment I took it out of the box, however, I knew I wanted something over the screen of my Nintendo Switch. It just feels like a more delicate piece of hardware than any previous Nintendo handheld, not being made from chunky plastic like a Gameboy and lacking the clamshell design that protected the screens of the DS and 3DS. The final straw, however, was the dock; despite Reggie Fils-Aimé’s claim that they never saw it while demoing the system, my Switch absolutely has scuffing at the bottom of the screen from the very plastic base that it comes with. The scuffing seems to be caused not by placing or removing the system from the dock, but from it sitting in the dock for extended periods of time.

A friend who saw the same scuffing on his Switch’s screen sent me a link to amFilm’s Tempered Glass Screen Protector for Nintendo Switch, and I decided to give it a chance.

The kit includes:

• 2x screen protectors
• 2x dry/wet cloth packs
• 1x microfiber cloth
• 1x cardboard squeegee
• 6x dust stickers

Not pictured: the kit contains two screen protectors and sets of wipes

Instead of a sheet of soft plastic film, these kits contain two .33mm thick pieces of solid, clear glass. The most obvious advantage of a solid screen protector over a soft one is that it offers a far greater level of protection, able to keep more than just light scratches from damaging your hardware. But there was a second benefit that I was very pleasantly surprised by: bubble-free installation. That’s not to say that bubbles didn’t form as I was laying down the screen protector, but where I’ve wrestled for far longer than is reasonable with trying to smooth out bubbles from soft screen protectors in the past, they were incredibly easy to push out from under this one with the provided cardboard squeegee.

The screen protector is .33mm thick

Impressing me further was amFilm’s dedication to supporting their product. Not long after my order was confirmed, I received an email from them that stated, “If you are not 100% Satisfied with your screen protectors, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to offer a Free Exchange, Free Replacement or Refund.” Below that was a link to a helpful installation video, and the following tips:

Tips for a Bubble-Free installation:

1. Keep device powered off and install protectors in a well lit environment.

2. Try spraying some water or alcohol on the cleaning cloth before use.

3. Install in a clean, “dust-free” environment. (Running a hot shower for a few minutes and installing in the bathroom will help reduce the dust in the air.)

I actually ended up trying the bathroom installation method, which worked fantastically well. The included wet and dry wipes were greatly appreciated, as were the dust removal stickers and cloth. It took less than five minutes to install the screen protector, and it’s given me a fair amount of peace of mind for my Switch. To answer the biggest question I had from the moment I ordered it: yes, the Switch still fits in its dock with the amFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector installed. It is ever so slightly more snug, but the added tightness is negligible. I do still get the same scuffing as before, but it wipes right off, and I feel much better knowing that it’s not happening to the actual screen now. 

Post-installation

The screen protector sits raised from the system due to its thickness, but is otherwise invisible. I made the mistake of getting a soft screen protector with a matte finish for my original PSP years ago, which altered the appearance of the graphics since I was looking at them through a patterned material. This protector is crystal-clear, and also doesn’t interfere with the touch capabilities of the Switch’s screen whatsoever. It’s been very easy to keep clean, as well.

The screen protector sits slightly raised from the system

In looking over the customer ratings at Amazon, I did see a couple of comments that talked about thick screen protectors in general that claimed they have issues with adhesives melting when the system gets hot. I’ve had the amFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector on my Switch for over a week, and so far have had no issues with the adhesive. The system heats up when it’s docked, and mine has spent hours running hot with no issues that I’ve noticed. The screen protector is still secure, I don’t see any evidence of of melting or failing adhesive, and it hasn’t otherwise lost clarity or reduced the system’s touch sensitivity.

I fully recommend the amFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector for Nintendo Switch. It’s well-made, easy to install, and worth the investment. 

Buy it on Amazon!