Skip Navigation

Error Code: 2016-0641

Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, Nintendo Switch - OLED Model

Steps for when error code 2016-0641 is received when trying to start a game on Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch.

Before you start

You will need:

  • Your Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch console
  • An Internet connection

    • What to do

    1. Confirm your console has the latest system update.
    2. Restart your console.
    3. Check for corrupt data.
      • How to check for corrupt data on Nintendo Switch 2
        1. From the HOME Menu, select System Settings.System Settings 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 check.
        4. Select Scan for Corrupted Data.
      • How to check for corrupt data on Nintendo Switch
        1. From the HOME Menu, select System Settings.
          System Settings 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 check.
        4. Select Check for Corrupt Data.
    4. Delete any problematic software.
    5. Redownload the software.
      • How to redownload a game or DLC

        To redownload a digital game or DLC, load the virtual game card:

        1. 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.
        2. Select your user.
        3. If prompted, enter your user verification PIN or enter your Nintendo Account password.
        4. Select the item you want to redownload 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. The game (and any DLC for that game you have purchased) will begin downloading. You can check the download status on the HOME Menu.

        For more details, including how to redownload games that are not virtual game cards, read How to Redownload Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch Digital Content.

    1. Is a microSD / microSD Express card card being used with the console?
      1. If the error persists while a microSD / microSD Express card is being used, try the following:
        • Power off the console, then remove and reinsert the card.
        • Format the microSD / microSD Express card.
          • How to format a microSD Express card
            Important
            • Once formatted, the information on the microSD Express card cannot be recovered. If screenshots or videos are stored on the microSD Express card, be sure to first back up the information on a computer.
            • If downloadable software was saved to the microSD Express card, it can be redownloaded using the same Nintendo Account it was purchased with.
            • Save data is stored on the console’s system memory, so it will not be lost in this process.
            1. From the HOME Menu, select System SettingsThe System Settings icon highlighted on the HOME Menu on Nintendo Switch 2.
            2. Scroll down the options on the left and select System.
            3. Scroll down the options on the right-hand side and select Formatting Options.
              • If prompted, enter your Parental Controls PIN.
            4. Select Format microSD Card, then Continue.
              • The following message will be displayed, “All data on the microSD card will be deleted. Data cannot be restored once it is deleted. Continue?”
            5. To continue, select Format. The console will then restart.

            For more information: How to Format a microSD and microSD Express Card on Console.

          • How to format a microSD card
            Important
            • Once formatted, the information on the microSD card cannot be recovered. If screenshots or videos are stored on the microSD card, be sure to first back up the information on a computer.
            • If downloadable software was saved to the microSD card, it can be redownloaded using the same Nintendo Account it was purchased with.
            • Save data is stored on the console’s system memory, so it will not be lost in this process.
            1. From the HOME Menu, select System Settings.
              System Settings highlighted on the HOME Menu Screen
            2. Scroll down the options on the left and select System.
            3. Scroll down the options on the right-hand side and select Formatting Options.
              • If prompted, enter your Parental Controls PIN.
            4. Select Format microSD Card, then Continue.
              • The following message will be displayed, “All data on the microSD card will be deleted. Data cannot be restored once it is deleted. Continue?”
            5. To continue, select Format. The console will then restart.

            For more information: How to Format a microSD Card.

          Important
          • Once formatted, the information on the microSD / microSD Express card cannot be recovered. If screenshots or videos are stored on the card, be sure to first back up the information on a computer.
          • If downloadable software was saved to the microSD / microSD Express card, it can be redownloaded using the same Nintendo Account where it was purchased.
        • Use a different microSD / microSD Express card, if possible.
      Did this resolve your issue?

      If the error code persists and a microSD / microSD Express card is not being used, the console will need to be serviced.

      For your convenience, Nintendo provides a quick and easy-to-use online service request process.

    3. If this information resolved your issue, then you’re all set! For information about Nintendo’s products, be sure to check out Nintendo's website for all the latest news.

      If the error persists with multiple microSD / microSD Express cards or while downloading directly to the system memory, the console will need to be serviced.

      • Be sure to include at least one of the problematic microSD / microSD Express cards with the service request.

      For your convenience, Nintendo provides a quick and easy-to-use online service request process.

    Additional information

    If a microSD / microSD Express card is inserted on the console, the save location will default to the microSD card when downloading or redownloading software.

    Was this helpful?