How to Start/Close a Game or Software Application on Nintendo Switch

Complete these steps

Are you trying to start or close a game or software application?

• Start a game or software application
  1. Insert a game card in the game card slot on the console, load a virtual game card, or download a game or software application from the Nintendo eShop.
     • How to insert a game card into a Nintendo Switch console
       1. Open the game card slot cover located on the top right side of your console.
       2. Hold the game card so that the label of the game card faces in the same direction as the Nintendo Switch screen.

          Important

          • Game cards for Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive software are not compatible with Nintendo Switch.
          • Game cards for the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Nintendo Switch software can be inserted and played on Nintendo Switch. Only the Nintendo Switch version of the software will be played with none of the enhancements in the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.
       3. Slide the game card into the game card slot until it clicks into place. If the game card seems difficult to insert, remove it and verify that it is facing in the correct direction.
       4. Once inserted, the software icon of the inserted game card will be displayed on the HOME Menu .

       For more information, see How to Insert/Remove Game Cards.

     • How to load a virtual game card
       1. Select Virtual Game Cards Tarjetas de juego virtuales Cartes de jeu virtuelles Cartões de jogo virtuais from the HOME Menu.
       2. Select your user.
       3. If prompted, enter your user verification PIN or enter your Nintendo Account password.
       4. Select the game you want to load from the list of your virtual game cards.
       5. Select Load on This System Cargar en esta consola Charger sur cette console Carregar neste console .
       6. If not already downloaded, the icon for the game will appear on the HOME Menu and it will begin downloading. Once downloaded, all users on the console where the game is loaded can play the game.

       For more information, read the Virtual Game Card Guide.

  2. Highlight the icon for the game or software application that you wish to use on the HOME Menu.
  3. Press the A Button or select Start.
  4. Select a user if prompted.
• Close a game or software application
  1. Save your progress or it will be lost upon closing the game or application.
  2. Press the HOME Button while in a game or software application to suspend the game and display the HOME Menu.
  3. Highlight the icon for the game or software application on the HOME menu.
  4. Press the X Button or select Close Software.
     • This option is only available for software you are currently playing. This will be indicated by a "Playing" icon hovering over the game application.
  5. Select Close when asked if you would like to close the software you are currently using.