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Error Message: The Software Was Closed Because An Error Occurred

Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, Nintendo Switch - OLED Model

Follow these steps when a game closes unexpectedly and you receive the error message "The software was closed because an error occurred" during gameplay on Nintendo Switch.

What to do

Try the following steps. After each step, verify if the issue is resolved by starting the software and returning to the part of the game where the error was displayed:

  • Restart your console: hold down the POWER Button for three seconds, select Power OptionsOpciones de apagadoOptions d'alimentationOpções de desligar, then select Restart.
    • If the console does not respond, hold down the POWER Button for twelve seconds to force it to shut down. Then power it on again.
  • Verify that your console has the latest system update.
  • Check for any available updates for the problematic software.
  • Check for any corrupt data for the problematic software.
  • Delete the problematic software and redownload it to the system memory. If you're using a microSD card, remove it before redownloading the software.
    • How to delete downloadable software on Nintendo Switch
      1. From the HOME Menu, select System Settings.
        System Settings icon highlighted on the HOME Menu Screen
      2. Scroll down the options on the left and select Data Management.
      3. On the right-hand side select Manage Software, then select the software you would like to delete.
      4. Select Delete Software. The software and icon will be deleted from the HOME Menu. It can be redownloaded using the Nintendo Account that purchased it.

      For more information, see How to Manage or Delete Downloadable Software.

    • How to remove a microSD card
      1. With the console powered off, locate the microSD card slot:
        • Nintendo Switch 2: Gently swing the adjustable stand open to show the microSD card slot. Diagram of the back of the Nintendo Switch 2 console: 1) Adjustable Stand, 2) Magnetic Connector, 3) microSD Express Card Slot
        • Nintendo Switch – OLED Model: Gently swing the adjustable stand open to show the microSD card slot. Photo of the back of a Nintendo Switch - OLED Model
        • Nintendo Switch: Gently swing the stand open to show the microSD card slot. Photo of the side and back of a Nintendo Switch console
        • Nintendo Switch Lite: Gently open the microSD card slot cover. Photo of the back of a Nintendo Switch Lite
      2. Gently push down on the top of the microSD card until you hear a click, then slide it out of the microSD card slot.

      For more information, see How to Insert/Remove microSD Express Cards on Nintendo Switch 2 or How to Insert/Remove microSD Cards on Nintendo Switch.

    • How to redownload software or DLC without loading the virtual game card
      1. Enable the "Online License" setting for your Nintendo Account:
        1. Select your user icon from the HOME Menu.
        2. Scroll down and select Online License SettingsAjustes de las licencias en líneaParamètres des licences en ligneConfigurações de licenças online.
        3. Update the " Use Online License Utilizar licencias en líneaUtiliser les licenses en ligne Usar licença online " setting to On Oui Sim .
      2. Select Virtual Game CardsThe Virtual Game Cards icon shown on the Nintendo Switch HOME Menu. Tarjetas de juego virtualesEl icono de tarjetas de juego virtuales se muestra en el menú HOME de Nintendo Switch. Cartes de jeu virtuellesL’icône  des Cartes de jeu virtuelles affichée sur le menu HOME de la Nintendo Switch. Cartões de jogo virtuaisO ícone dos Cartões de jogo virtuais exibido no Menu HOME do Nintendo Switch. from the HOME Menu.
      3. Select the user that purchased the game or DLC.
      4. If you have enabled user verification, you may be prompted to confirm your identity by re-entering your password or entering a PIN.
      5. Select the game or DLC you want to redownload from the list of your virtual game cards.
      6. Select Options Opciones Options Opções .
      7. Select Download Data Descargar datos Télécharger les données Baixar dados .
      8. The game or DLC will begin downloading automatically. You can check the download status on the HOME Menu.

      For more information, including how to download software and DLC that is not a virtual game card, please read How to Redownload Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch Digital Content

  • Initialize the console without deleting save data, then redownload the software to the system memory.
    • How to initialize the Nintendo Switch console without deleting save data

      Important: Save data, screenshots, and user information will not be deleted. However, any software saved on the microSD card will no longer be usable. Software can be redownloaded by the Nintendo Account that purchased it.

      1. Power off the system by holding down the POWER Button for three seconds, then select Power Options, and then Turn Off.
        • If the console does not respond, hold down the POWER Button for twelve seconds to force it to shut down.
      2. With the console powered off, press and hold down the volume up (+) and volume down (-) buttons, then press the POWER Button to turn the system on.
        • Keep holding down the volume buttons until the menu for Maintenance Mode appears.
        The Volume buttons highlighted on the Nintendo Switch console
      3. Once in Maintenance Mode, select Initialize Console Without Deleting Save Data.
        • If a Parental Control PIN has been set for the system, you will be prompted to enter it to proceed.
      4. Read through the information, then select Next and Initialize Console Without Deleting Save Data.

      For additional information, see How to Initialize Nintendo Switch Without Deleting Save Data.

If the issue persists, please contact us for support.

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