Nintendo Switch boasts some amazing features and its portability makes it a must-have for avid gamers. But as is the case with any gaming console, your Switch console might act up from time to time, interrupting your gaming experience. Nonetheless, most of the Nintendo Switch problems aren’t serious and you can learn how to fix them easily.
A Nintendo Switch console might act up for several reasons including issues related to software and hardware, faulty connections, or your power source. Some fixes to common Switch problems include restarting the console, changing cables, and sending the console to Nintendo for repairs.
If you’re experiencing issues with your Switch, don’t fret. The occasional glitch is totally normal, and it can probably be fixed without special tools or expertise. Let’s take a closer look at the common Nintendo Switch problems and how to solve them.
What Should You Do if Your Nintendo Switch Is Acting Up?
Issues that commonly appear on the Nintendo Switch include frozen screens, connectivity issues, Joy-con disconnection, buzzing, and overheating.
Whatever the glitch with your Nintendo Switch, avoid opening the gadget if it’s under warranty. Such action will void the warranty and you lose out on manufacturer benefits in case of system failure down the road.
The first step to take is to restart your console, which will fix a lot of memory or system issues affecting the gaming machine. Press the power button for a few seconds and select the power options. Choose the restart option and wait for the machine to reboot.
Next, try changing the mode from console to handheld mode and see if this resolves the glitch.
You can also visit online forums and check what other players have to say. Most of these hitches are common and players share their experiences on different online forums. Checking the downloadable user manual is another useful option.
If there’s a connection issue, for instance, the manufacturer recommends using an original adapter. There are guidelines on setting up your account, the eShop, data management, account settings, playing software, and much more.
Common Nintendo Switch Problems
Nintendo Switch users may experience simple glitches that are easy to fix or more complex issues that require professional repairs or parts replacement. Whatever the issue with your console, there’s an effective solution to get you back into the game.
Whether you’ve just started playing on a Switch console or you’re a regular Nintendo Switch player, learning the most likely problems helps a lot during troubleshooting.
Below are some of the most common issues with the Nintendo Switch console:
Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Disconnecting
A disconnected Joy-Con has to be the most common and frustrating problem with the Nintendo Switch. If you have the older version of the Switch console, the problem is more pronounced and happens mostly with the left Joy-Con.
The disconnection is random and pretty much always ruins your game because you can no longer control the players or other gaming features.
Joy-Con disconnection seems to develop because of interference caused by the positioning of the left controller’s Bluetooth antenna on the circuit board. A popular solution with Switch owners is to cover the left controller’s antenna with conductive foam.
This is the same solution Nintendo offers if you send your Joy-Cons in for repairs. A small piece of conductive foam protects the controller’s antenna from interference.
Buying the latest updated Joy-Cons (on Amazon) is also an alternative to solve this problem permanently. Consider contacting Nintendo support for free repairs if nothing else works.
Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Drifting
The beauty of gaming is the control you have over the fantasy world on your screen. Joy-Con drift ruins this control as things move on the screen without your command.
The most probable cause of Joy-Con drift is dirt and debris inside your controller. The problem may also arise because of incorrect settings on the console.
To resolve Joy-Con drifting, recalibrate your analog sticks from the System Settings and the Controllers and Sensors tab. You can also use compressed air to clean the internal parts of the controllers or use alcohol to wipe off any dirt from the detached controllers.
For a long-term solution to the Joy-Con drifting problem, contact Nintendo Switch customer support and explain the problem. The company may repair the problem at no cost or replace the Joy-Cons at a fee.
Nintendo has an impressive warranty for its consoles and accessories. The standard warranty for consoles is 12 months, while games and accessories get 90 days.
Game Cartridge Failure
Nintendo Switch uses cartridges known as game cards that offer large storage capacity and fast load times. The cartridges also fit perfectly with the portability offered by Switch consoles. If you get a “The Game Card Could Not be Read” error message, this means the cartridge has failed and you can’t load your game.
The cartridge problem arises because of software glitches, cartridge problems, or a damaged port. Solutions for game card failure include updating the firmware of your Nintendo Switch. Resetting the cache of the Nintendo Switch or cleaning and reinserting the game card can also resolve the problem.
Nintendo Switch Freezes
A frozen Nintendo Switch screen is another problem that can affect your gaming experience. You can’t start or continue with any game or download any apps when this occurs. Your game might also crash and erase any progress you made.
A screen problem may also cause flashing accompanied by a high pitched sound, which is not pleasant for anyone in the room. The screen freezing issue could develop because of a software glitch, outdated game updates, or battery issues.
Whatever the cause of the frozen screen on your Switch console, a hard reset is the most effective solution. Hold the power button for about 12 to 15 seconds until the screen turns dark and there’s no flickering light on the console. Turn the console on and wait for it to reboot to continue playing.
You can also remove the console from its dock station and redock it to sort the frozen screen problem. Unplugging the adapter and cables and restarting your console may also resolve the Nintendo Switch screen freeze. If the problem recurs, use your device warranty to get free professional repairs.
Nintendo Switch Battery Dies Fast
Battery power is essential for the best gaming experience since it allows you to keep playing. When using the handheld mode for your Switch console, a battery that drains quickly can have a big impact.
This mostly happens when playing games such as The Legend of Zelda, which has fantastic graphics.
If your Switch console’s battery life is too short, consider adding a second adapter if you want to keep playing. However, a better option is to buy a third-party Switch charging case (on Amazon), which gives you enhanced battery life.
You can also try a USB-C charger, which offers higher power and data transfer speeds. If you’re a heavy gamer, an external battery is a more permanent solution to keep you gaming for longer.
Console Cracks
After some time, you might notice cracks on your console — on the bars across the vent or near the game card slot. The cracks might develop if your Switch console warps after a long period of docking. To fix the cracks, contact Nintendo support for repairs.
How to Reset a Nintendo Switch
Resetting your Nintendo Switch is an effective solution to multiple technical glitches. This simple trick can resolve frozen screen, lagging, audio issues, buzzing, and corrupted software data.
To reset your Switch console, press the power button continuously for about 15 seconds until the screen goes dark. Press the power button once more and look out for the Nintendo logo display as the machine turns on. Try playing or using any application to confirm the issue is no longer there.