Nintendo Switch Game Card Read Issues (Including Error Message: "Nothing Inserted in the Game Card Slot") - Occurs With a Single Game

What to do

1. Ensure your console has the latest 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.

2. Check for any available software updates for the problematic game card.
   • 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.

3. Remove the game card.
   • How to remove a game card from Nintendo Switch

     Important: Remove a game card only while on the HOME Menu, or when the system is powered off. If you have suspended a software title, make sure you have closed it before removing its game card.

     1. Open the game card slot cover located on the top right side of your Nintendo Switch console.
     2. Gently push down on the inserted game card until the card clicks.
     3. Release the game card and it will partially eject.
     4. Slide the game card out of the game card slot and close the cover.

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

4. Use a soft, dry fabric, such as an eye glasses or screen cleaning cloth, and gently wipe down the game card. Use care so the game card isn’t damaged.
   • Dust or other foreign objects could be causing the game read issues with the problematic game card.
   • Do not use liquids when cleaning your game card to prevent damage to it and to your console.
5. Re-insert the game card.
   • 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.

6. Restart the console by holding down the POWER Button for three seconds, then select Power Options followed by Restart.