General Problems with Downloaded Software for Nintendo Switch 2 (Freezing, Not Responding, etc.)

Possible solutions

• Restart your console: hold down the POWER Button for three seconds, select Power Options, then select Restart.
  • If the console does not respond, hold down the POWER Button for twelve seconds to force it to shut down. Then power it on again.
• Verify that your console has the latest system update.
  • 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.

• 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 any corrupt data for the problematic software.
  • How to Check for Corrupt Data on 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 check.
    4. Select Scan for Corrupted Data.
• Delete each title encountering the issue and 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 redownload software or DLC without loading the virtual game card
    1. Enable the "Online License" setting for your Nintendo Account:
       1. Select your user icon from the HOME Menu.
       2. Scroll down and select Online License SettingsAjustes de las licencias en líneaParamètres des licences en ligneConfigurações de licenças online.
       3. Update the " Use Online License Utilizar licencias en líneaUtiliser les licenses en ligne Usar licença online " setting to On Sí Oui Sim .
    2. Select Virtual Game Cards Tarjetas de juego virtuales Cartes de jeu virtuelles Cartões de jogo virtuais from the HOME Menu.
    3. Select the user that purchased the game or DLC.
    4. If you have enabled user verification, you may be prompted to confirm your identity by re-entering your password or entering a PIN.
    5. Select the game or DLC you want to redownload from the list of your virtual game cards.
    6. Select Options Opciones Options Opções .
    7. Select Download Data Descargar datos Télécharger les données Baixar dados .
    8. The game or DLC will begin downloading automatically. You can check the download status on the HOME Menu.

    For more information, including how to download software and DLC that is not a virtual game card, please read How to Redownload Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch Digital Content

• If a microSD Express card is being used with the console, try the following:
  • Format the 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 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 and microSD Express Card on Console.

  • Use a different microSD Express card.
  • Remove the microSD Express 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.