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Red and blue Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers in a grip, next to the Switch console in its dock

Photo: Nintendo-Switch-Console-Docked-wJoyConRB.jpg by Evan-Amos (Public domain, cropped), via Wikimedia Commons.

Can I bring a Nintendo Switch on a plane?

Carry-on in JapanYes
Checked bag in JapanConditions

Game consoles can go in carry-on in Japan; checked bags have conditions.

Carry-on: Yes. Narita Airport says portable game consoles can be brought into the cabin without any issues, and large home consoles too once they have been through the X-ray machine. Put a large console in a separate tray at the security check. Checked baggage: Yes, switched completely off (not in sleep mode). A console with a lithium-ion battery of 160Wh or less can be checked, packed so that it cannot switch on or get damaged.

Game consoles on flights in and from Japan

The rule for game consoles comes from the Civil Aviation Bureau's list of restricted items and is the same on domestic and international flights.

Nintendo Switch and game consoles: carry-on and checked baggage in Japan
WhereAllowed?What applies
In the cabinYesYes. Narita Airport says portable game consoles can be brought into the cabin without any issues, and large home consoles too once they have been through the X-ray machine. Put a large console in a separate tray at the security check.
In checked baggageConditionsYes, switched completely off (not in sleep mode). A console with a lithium-ion battery of 160Wh or less can be checked, packed so that it cannot switch on or get damaged.

Switch, PlayStation and Xbox: how airlines and the TSA file consoles

A handheld console carries its own lithium-ion battery; a home console is a large electronic item at the X-ray. The sources treat them differently.

ANA files handheld consoles with phones and laptops
ANA's FAQ names portable game consoles in its list of electronic devices, between e-book readers and camera equipment. For all of them ANA accepts cabin and checked carriage when the lithium-ion battery is 160Wh or less, and says anything over that is refused in both.
Narita's notice lists game consoles
Narita Airport's notice on electronics in checked baggage names game consoles next to computers, phones, video cameras and tablets as devices to be turned OFF. The notice says the safety measure became a duty for passengers from 1 July, to prevent a portable electronic device catching fire out of sight.
Peach lists gaming devices
Peach's FAQ on devices containing batteries gives gaming devices as an example of electronic devices powered by lithium batteries, in the same line as smartphones and laptops. Peach says carriage is permitted only under certain conditions and that handling depends on the battery capacity.
PlayStation and Xbox have TSA entries of their own
The TSA lists Playstation and Xbox as separate items, each yes for carry-on and yes for checked bags. Both entries ask that all cords are wrapped and recommend packing expensive, fragile electronics in carry-on. The FAA's battery table names gaming systems among lithium-ion powered devices that can be checked only when powered off.
Carry-onChecked bag
Tablets and smartphonesCarry-on: yesChecked bag: conditionsLaptopsCarry-on: yesChecked bag: conditionsPower banks (portable chargers)Carry-on: conditionsChecked bag: no

Game consoles: the rule country by country

Extra conditions apply in Mainland China.

Nintendo Switch and game consoles: carry-on and checked baggage rules by country
Flying fromCarry-onChecked bagWhat the authority says
JapanCivil Aviation BureauYesWith limitsNarita Airport says portable game consoles can be brought into the cabin without any issues, and large home consoles too once they have been through the X-ray machine. Source
United StatesTSAYesWith limitsVideo game consoles, including PlayStation and Xbox, are allowed in carry-on and checked bags; place a full-size console in a separate bin for X-ray screening. Lithium-ion gaming systems can be checked only when powered off.TSA entry: Full Sized Video Game Consoles, Playstation, Xbox Source
European UnionEuropean Commission, EASAYesWith limitsA handheld console is a portable electronic device with a lithium battery: carry it in hand baggage. If it must go in checked baggage (not recommended), it has to be completely switched off and protected from accidental activation. Source
United KingdomUK GovernmentYesWith limitsA handheld console is a portable electronic device with a lithium battery: carry-on or checked; if checked with a battery over 2.7 Wh it must be completely switched off. A device that does not switch on when asked is not allowed on board. Source
South KoreaMOLIT Aviation Security 365YesYesA lithium-ion battery of 100Wh or less installed in an electronic device may be carried on or checked. Over 100Wh and up to 160Wh needs airline approval. Source
TaiwanCivil Aviation AdministrationYesWith limitsA portable electronic device with a lithium battery: carrying it in hand baggage is recommended. If checked with a lithium-ion battery over 2.7 Wh, it must be completely switched off (not in sleep or hibernation mode). Source
Hong KongCivil Aviation DepartmentYesWith limitsA handheld console is a portable electronic device with a lithium battery: carry-on and checked baggage, each battery up to 100 Wh. In checked baggage a device whose lithium ion battery exceeds 2.7 Wh must be completely switched off. Source
Mainland ChinaCAACWith limitsWith limitsLithium battery in a portable device: up to 100Wh can be carried on; over 100Wh and up to 160Wh needs airline approval. Checked: lithium batteries are banned and digital electronics should not be packed; ask the airline about such devices. Source
AustraliaHome Affairs, CASAYesWith limitsA handheld console is a portable electronic device with a lithium battery: carry-on or checked, lithium ion up to 100 Wh. It should be carried on; if checked it must be completely switched off and protected from damage.CASA Pack Right entry: Portable electronic devices containing lithium metal or lithium ion cells, battery or batteries (watches, calculators, cameras, mobile phones, laptops, camcorders etc.) Source

Each row comes from that authority's own page. Airlines can be stricter, and the screening officer has the final say.

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring a Nintendo Switch on a plane?

On flights in and from Japan: Yes. Narita Airport says portable game consoles can be brought into the cabin without any issues, and large home consoles too once they have been through the X-ray machine. Put a large console in a separate tray at the security check. In checked baggage: Yes, switched completely off (not in sleep mode). A console with a lithium-ion battery of 160Wh or less can be checked, packed so that it cannot switch on or get damaged.

Can you pack a Nintendo Switch in a checked suitcase on an ANA flight?

Yes, with the power fully off. ANA's FAQ accepts portable game consoles as checked baggage and asks for 2 steps: turn the power completely off, with sleep mode not accepted, and protect the console by packing it in a sturdy suitcase or in clothing. ANA gives the reason as preventing fire from accidental operation or damage.

How many game consoles can one person take on an ANA flight?

Up to 15 devices per person. ANA's FAQ counts portable game consoles together with mobile phones, laptops, digital cameras and wireless earphones, and accepts 15 such devices per person in the cabin and at check-in combined, each within the battery limits.

Can you bring a PlayStation or Xbox on a plane?

Yes. The TSA lists Playstation and Xbox by name and marks both yes for carry-on and checked bags, and asks that a full-sized console goes in a separate bin for X-ray screening. Narita Airport's FAQ says large stationary consoles can be brought into the cabin once they have been through the X-ray machine like other carry-on luggage.

Does the TSA allow a game console in carry-on bags?

Video game consoles, including PlayStation and Xbox, are allowed in carry-on and checked bags; place a full-size console in a separate bin for X-ray screening. Lithium-ion gaming systems can be checked only when powered off.

Can you put a game console in checked luggage?

Yes, switched completely off (not in sleep mode). A console with a lithium-ion battery of 160Wh or less can be checked, packed so that it cannot switch on or get damaged.

What is the rule for game consoles on flights from Mainland China?

Mainland China: Lithium battery in a portable device: up to 100Wh can be carried on; over 100Wh and up to 160Wh needs airline approval. Checked: lithium batteries are banned and digital electronics should not be packed; ask the airline about such devices.

Related items

Batteries & electronicsCarry-onChecked bag
Power banks (portable chargers)Carry-on: conditionsChecked bag: noTablets and smartphonesCarry-on: yesChecked bag: conditionsLaptopsCarry-on: yesChecked bag: conditionsWireless earbuds and headphonesCarry-on: yesChecked bag: conditionsChargers and AC adaptersCarry-on: yesChecked bag: yesLithium batteriesCarry-on: conditionsChecked bag: conditions
Show all 22Batteries (AA, AAA, rechargeable)Carry-on: conditionsChecked bag: conditionsCamerasCarry-on: yesChecked bag: conditionsWired earphones and headphonesCarry-on: yesChecked bag: yesSmart luggage (with a built-in battery)Carry-on: conditionsChecked bag: conditionsE-cigarettes and heated tobaccoCarry-on: yesChecked bag: noGenerators and enginesCarry-on: noChecked bag: conditionsSoldering irons and glue gunsCarry-on: conditionsChecked bag: conditionsMagnetsCarry-on: conditionsChecked bag: conditionsElectric wheelchairs and mobility scootersCarry-on: conditionsChecked bag: conditionsPortable fans (handheld and neck fans)Carry-on: yesChecked bag: conditionsButton and coin cell batteriesCarry-on: conditionsChecked bag: conditionsCharging cables and USB cablesCarry-on: yesChecked bag: yesFlashlights and torchesCarry-on: yesChecked bag: conditionsLuggage scalesCarry-on: yesChecked bag: conditionsAirTags and luggage trackersCarry-on: yesChecked bag: conditionsBeauty devices (facial and skincare)Carry-on: yesChecked bag: conditions

Back to What you can bring

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Sources for this page

Show all 14
  1. Narita International Airport — FAQ: prohibited items
  2. Japan Civil Aviation Bureau — Items restricted in carry-on and checked baggage (updated 24 April 2026)
  3. Narita International Airport — Notice: Switch off electronic devices packed in checked baggage (Japanese)
  4. TSA — What Can I Bring?: Full Sized Video Game Consoles
  5. EASA — Dangerous goods
  6. UK Civil Aviation Authority — What items can I travel with and which are restricted
  7. Aviation Security 365 (MOLIT / KOTSA) — Items restricted on the plane: batteries
  8. Taiwan CAA — Dangerous goods passengers and crew may carry
  9. Civil Aviation Department (Hong Kong) — Packing Tips for Air Passenger: Provisions for Dangerous Goods Carried by Passenger and Crew
  10. CAAC — Air travel basics (航空旅行常识)
  11. CASA — Pack Right: Portable electronic devices containing lithium metal or lithium ion cells, battery or batteries (watches, calculators, cameras, mobile phones, laptops, camcorders, smart glasses etc.)
  12. ANA — Items with conditions for carry-on and checked baggage, domestic flights (Japanese)
  13. ANA — FAQ: Handling of electronic devices with built-in lithium-ion batteries and power banks (Japanese)
  14. Peach Aviation — FAQ: Can I bring electronic devices containing batteries or mobile batteries in my carry-on baggage?