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Image on TV is Discolored, Scrambled, Distorted, or Blurry when Nintendo Switch 2 is Docked

Nintendo Switch 2

Steps for when the image on the TV screen appears discolored, scrambled (dots, shapes, static, pixels), distorted, or blurry while the Nintendo Switch 2 console is docked.

Before you start

You will need:

  • Your Nintendo Switch 2 console

What to do

  1. Undock the Nintendo Switch 2 console and check if the issue occurs in handheld mode as well.
  2. Confirm your console has the latest system update.
    • How to perform a system update on Nintendo Switch 2
      1. Select the System Settings on the HOME Menu.
        System Settings highlighted on the HOME Menu Screen
        Configuración de la consola resaltado en la pantalla del menú HOME
        Paramètres de la console en surbrillance dans le menu HOME
        Configuração do console em destaque na tela do menu HOME
      2. Scroll down through the System Settings menu and select System.
      3. Select System Update, to start the system update process.
        System Update is highlighted within the System menu in System Settings
        Actualización del sistema resaltada en la página de Consola en la Configuración de la consola en Nintendo Switch 2
        « Mise à jour de la console » en surbrillance dans la page Console des Paramètres de la console sur Nintendo Switch 2
        Atualização em destaque na opção Configuração do console no Nintendo Switch 2
        • During the process, the system will first perform a check to determine if a new system update is available.
        • If an update is available, the download process will begin automatically.
  3. Restart the console.
  4. Reset the AC adapter. Unplug it from the wall outlet and then unplug the USB-C charging cable from the dock and the AC plug. Leave them unplugged for 30 seconds while checking the following:
    • Verify that you are using the Nintendo Switch AC adapter (model No. NGN-01) Nintendo Switch 2 AC adapter (model No. NGN-01), and check for any damage to the cable (frayed cables, kinks, knots, etc.) or the AC plug.
      • If either part of the AC adapter is damaged, the AC adapter will need to be replaced with a non-damaged adapter.
      • If a different AC adapter is being used, replacing it with the original AC adapter may resolve the problem.
    • Unplug the HDMI cable from the dock and the TV and check for any damage as well.
      • If any damage is found, replacing the damaged cable may resolve the problem.
  5. Plug the USB-C cable back into the AC plug, plug the AC plug directly into a wall outlet, then plug the USB-C cable into the dock.
    • If a power strip or a surge protector is being used, remove them for troubleshooting.
  6. Plug the HDMI cable back into the dock and directly to an HDMI port on the TV.
    • If another device is being used, such as a sound bar, a home theater system, or a DVI adapter, remove them for troubleshooting.
  7. Dock the console and check if the issue is still occurring.
    • Image is still discolored, scrambled, etc.
      • Use a different HDMI port on the TV.
      • Use a different HDMI cable. Note that Nintendo Switch 2 is intended to be used with an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable.
      • If supported, check for any Game Mode settings on your TV set.
        • For questions about your specific TV model, consult the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer for assistance.
      • Use a different TV set.
      • If possible, use a different Nintendo Switch 2 dock with your console.
        • If the image on the TV is displayed properly while using a different dock, then the original Nintendo Switch 2 dock will need to be serviced.

Situation not resolved

  • If the issue is occurring while using a TV or monitor that does not support HDMI connections, it is possible that the the TV or monitor is not compatible with Nintendo Switch 2, and a different TV or monitor will need to be used.
  • If the image continues to display incorrectly on multiple TV sets that support HDMI connections, to the point where it interferes with your game play, we will be happy to inspect the Nintendo Switch 2 console and service it as necessary.
    • Please be sure to include the dock and the HDMI cable.

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