Facing a Nintendo Switch with an orange screen? This a common problem with the Nintendo Switch and the other models: the Switch OLED and Switch Lite. luckily there are several quick and easy solutions you can try before considering a repair.
The Nintendo Switch Orange Screen can usually be cleared by holding the power button for 12 seconds. If the device doesn’t shut down and restart, you should go ahead and consider a repair. Contact Nintendo support to figure out your options.
Below, we’ll start by explaining why this happens before turning our attention toward what you can try to fix it. Then, we’ll consider how much a repair could cost and how to go about getting on if needed. Hopefully, your device is still under warranty!
Key Takeaways
- For any model of Nintendo Switch (Classic, OLED, Lite), the first thing to try is holding the power button for 12 seconds or longer, to force a shutdown/restart.
- If the screen remains, you can try some DIY fixes but you’re better off getting in touch with Nintendo for a repair.
- Expect an out-of-warranty repair to cost $50-$100, depending on the model and damage.
Nintendo Switch Orange Screen Explained
If you are here, you’ve encountered the orange screen of death on your Nintendo Switch. It’s called “the orange screen of death” because the whole screen becomes orange, and you don’t have an option to go back or forth on your Switch.
You don’t need to panic at this point because this issue is more common than you think. Now, if your Switch suddenly won’t turn on at all (or Switch Lite), see our related guide for handling that slightly stickier issue.
It doesn’t usually require any extreme repairs, and in most cases, it can be fixed within seconds. But before learning how to fix an orange screen on Nintendo Switch, you need to know why it occurs. So, let’s find out!
This problem happens on all Switch models, too. So, you may encounter an orange screen on Nintendo Switch OLED or an orange screen on Nintendo Switch Lite as well.
Causes of “Orange Screen of Death” on Nintendo Switch
Understanding the causes of this problem is the best way to start to get a hold of a solution. With that in mind, here are the two sorts of “angles” this problem can come from: outside the console (internet) or inside it (damage to the motherboard or some chips on the motherboard). Some people who experience
Poor Internet Connection
The number one cause of the orange screen on your Nintendo Switch is a bad or slow internet connection. Bad internet connection, unresponsive ISP, and/or busy and congested Wi-Fi networks can cause the orange screen of death on your console.
While connecting to the internet on your Switch, if it has to make a connection over and over again and is still unable to find a stable connection, it shows an orange screen. This orange screen is an indication of an issue with the internet connection
Be sure to check out our resources on Using 5GHz internet for gaming, and how to connect any gaming console to a 5GHz WiFi network if you have one available.
Console Damage or Internal Issue
At times, it isn’t your internet that is poor, but your device has become cripple at the point where the internet is managed internally–on the motherboard.
This can occur due to user damage such as dropping the Nintendo on the floor or a hard and heavy object hitting the console.
Keeping the Nintendo in a small pocket, leading to the console bending, can damage it. This leads to the same effect as described above: the orange screen.
Charging Issues
This is much rarer. But, many users report that this orange screen happens while charging. We don’t know exactly why that is, but note that it can happen when the Switch is docked as well.
If the Switch is in the dock and the screen is orange, that’s especially concerning. If you had these problems before the orange screen started, be sure to skim our resources on Why a Nintendo Switch Dies Too Fast, and why a Nintendo Switch May Charge Too Slowly.
How Do You Fix an Orange Screen on Nintendo Switch?
Let’s talk about some ways to fix this quickly and easily. It’s critical to do some troubleshooting before you consider contacting Nintendo support.
Force A Shut Down + Restart
If your internet connection is stable and you face the orange screen issue, then the Switch console is probably having. This is where Nintendo suggests you start on this orange screen issue as well.
To do this, hold down the power button for 12 seconds seconds and see if the screen goes off. Keep holding it to see if the unit turns on after that. Holding the button for a long time isn’t necessary, but if 12 seconds isn’t enough, go ahead and try to hold it longer to see if that will help things. 30 seconds, for example, is enough to say you tried this option and it didn’t work.
Fix your Internet Connection
You can check the internet speed on your phone or laptop. You can fix the internet issue by rebooting your router (perform a power cycle).
Unplug the router and then plug it in again after about a minute. Then, give it 5-10 minutes to reboot. Software isn’t automatic, so the router will need some time to boot up. After that, though, you can try your Switch to see if anything different is happening now.
(Advanced) Reflow the “IC Chip”
Damage to the Switch can destroy the components inside it, leading to a bad internet connection and an orange screen. Typically, this damage has been done to the “IC” chip. Older gamers may remember doing something similar to clear the red ring of death on the Xbox 360 back in the day. And note: this definitely voids the warranty.
- Open the Nintendo Switch and remove its motherboard.
- Disconnect the EMMC module from the system.
- Find the EMI shield on the WiFi IC and lift it away.
- Heat the board to about 300 Celsius and apply flux to it.
- Heat it until the flux bubbles up. You can increase the temperature to 450 Celsius.
- Use an ultrasonic cleaner to clean the board and attach everything back in place.
How To Prevent Nintendo Switch Orange Screen
Preventing the notorious orange screen on your Nintendo Switch, OLED Switch, or Switch Lite largely involves taking good care of your console and ensuring it is stored and handled with care. Here are some steps you can take to minimize the risk of encountering this issue:
1. Handle with Care:
Treat your Nintendo Switch with utmost care. Avoid dropping it, exposing it to extreme temperatures, or handling it roughly. Small accidents can sometimes lead to internal damage that manifests as the dreaded orange screen.
2. Quality Internet Connection:
Always ensure that your Nintendo Switch is connected to a stable and robust internet connection. Avoid congested networks and regularly check your internet speed to ensure it’s optimal for gaming.
3. Regular Updates:
Keep your Nintendo Switch software updated. Nintendo often releases updates that fix bugs and improve the system’s stability, reducing the risk of issues like the orange screen.
4. Proper Storage:
When not in use, store your Nintendo Switch in a secure and protective case to shield it from potential damage.
We highly recommend the TNP Switch Bag (on Amazon). This bag is not only stylish but also highly functional, with compartments to safely store your console, controllers, and games.
Nintendo Switch Orange Screen Repair Cost
A Nintendo Switch orange screen repair won’t cost you anything if your Switch is still under warranty and you get it repaired by the company. If you’ve damaged the Switch through misuse or you’re facing any issues within the warranty timeline, you may have to go to a repair shop to handle it.
Depending on your model, expect a Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch OLED, or Nintendo Switch Lite to cost about $50-$100 to repair an orange screen issue (if it can be repaired at all).
Hopefully, your device is still under warranty. Support can be contacted at this link, where you can start the process with Nintendo and give them the necessary information required for them to get your repair started. Once shipped, you’ll get it back in 3-5 weeks.
Other Nintendo Screen Issues
Hopefully, this is your first (and only!) Nintendo Switch screen issues, but we see a lot of questions related to the Nintendo Switch and its screen.
Be sure to come back and check out our detailed guides if you face blue screen issues (on the Switch or Switch Lite), if you have problems with a totally black or white screen, or if you have image tearing/stretching or flickering when the Switch is docked. Lastly, you may start to find lines on your Nintendo Switch screen over time.