Game Card Required to Launch Downloaded Software

Possible solutions

After each of the following steps, check to see if the issue is resolved:

• Ensure your system has the latest system update installed.
  • How to check for the latest system update
    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 to start the system update process.
       • The system will check to see if an update is available.

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

• Delete the problematic software, then redownload it.
  • How to delete downloadable software on Nintendo Switch 2
    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, please see How to Manage or Delete Downloadable Software on Nintendo Switch 2.

  • 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.

• Initialize the console without deleting save data.
  • How to initialize the Nintendo Switch 2 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. Press and hold down the volume up (+) and volume down (-) buttons, press the POWER Button once to turn the system on.
    3. Keep holding down the volume buttons until the menu for Recovery Mode appears.
    4. Once in Recovery Mode, select Restore Settings (Keep User Data).
       • If a Parental Control PIN has been set for the system, you will be prompted to enter it to proceed.
    5. Read through the information, then select Next.
    6. Select Restore Settings (Keep User Data).

    For additional information, see How to Initialize Nintendo Switch 2 Without Deleting Save Data.

  • 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.
       
    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.