General Problems with Downloaded Software (Freezing, Not Responding, etc.)

Possible solutions

• Restart the console.
  • How to restart a Nintendo Switch console
    1. Press and hold the POWER Button for at least three seconds.
    2. Select Power OptionsOpciones de apagadoOptions d'alimentationOpções de desligar.
    3. Select Restart.
  • Console does not respond

    Hold down the POWER Button for twenty seconds in order to force the system to shut down. Then power it on again.

• Perform a system update.
  • How to update to the latest system version
    1. Select System Settings on the HOME Menu.
       
    2. Scroll down to the bottom of the System Settings menu and select System.
    3. Select System Update.
       
       • If an update is available, it will begin to download.

    For more info, see either How to Perform a System Update on Nintendo Switch 2 or How to Perform a System Update on Nintendo Switch.

• Check for software updates for each title encountering the issue.
  • How to update game software
    1. Ensure the console is connected to the Internet.
    2. From the HOME Menu, select (but do not start) the icon for the software you wish to update.
    3. Press the + Button or – Button on your controller, then select Software Update followed by Via the Internet.

    For more details, see How to Update Software on Nintendo Switch 2 or How to Update Software on Nintendo Switch.

• Check for corrupt data for each title encountering the issue.
  • How to Check for Corrupt Data on Downloadable Software on Nintendo Switch
    1. From the HOME Menu, select System Settings.
       
    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.
• Delete each title encountering the issue and then redownload it.
  • How to delete downloadable software on Nintendo Switch
    1. From the HOME Menu, select System Settings.
       
    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 redownload a game or DLC

    To redownload a digital game or DLC, load the 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 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.

• If a microSD card is being used with the system, try the following:
  • Format the microSD card.
    • 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.
         
      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.

  • Use a different microSD card.
  • Remove the microSD card and download the game directly to the system memory.
    • 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.
         • Nintendo Switch – OLED Model: Gently swing the adjustable stand open to show the microSD card slot.
         • Nintendo Switch: Gently swing the stand open to show the microSD card slot.
         • Nintendo Switch Lite: Gently open the microSD card slot cover.
      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.