Nintendo Support

General Problems with Downloaded Software (Freezing, Not Responding, etc.)

Help when you are trying to play a downloaded game on a Nintendo Switch system and there is a long load time, a long lag, the console freezes, or it will not respond.

Note

If a specific error code or error message is displayed, search for an article about the error and follow those steps.

Possible Solutions:

  • Restart the Nintendo Switch console by holding down the POWER Button for at least three seconds, then selecting Power Options and then Restart.

    • If the console is not responding, hold down the POWER Button for twelve seconds in order to force the console to shut down. Then power it on again.

  • Perform a system update.

    1. Select System Settings on the HOME Menu. System Settings on the HOME Menu
      System Settings being highlighted on the Nintendo Switch HOME Menu Screen

    2. Scroll down to the bottom of the System Settings menu and select System.

    3. Select System Update. System update from system menu

      System Update being highlighted within the system option in the System Settings

      • If an update is available, it will begin to download.

    For more info, see How to Perform a System Update on Nintendo Switch.

  • Check for any software updates for the problematic game.

    1. Ensure the Nintendo Switch console is connected to the Internet.

    2. From the HOME Menu, select the icon for the software you wish to update without starting the game or application.

    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.

  • Check for corrupt data.

    1. From the HOME Menu, select System Settings. System Settings on the HOME Menu
      System Settings highlighted on the HOME Menu Screen

    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 Check for Corrupt Data.

    For more information, see How to Check for Corrupt Data on Downloadable Software.

  • Delete the problematic software and then redownload it.

    1. From the HOME Menu, select System Settings. System Settings on the HOME Menu
      System Settings icon highlighted on the HOME Menu Screen

    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 from the Nintendo eShop using the Nintendo Account that purchased it.

    For more information, see How to Manage or Delete Downloadable Software.

    1. From the HOME Menu, open Nintendo eShop with the Nintendo Account that purchased the game.

    2. Select the picture of your icon in the upper right corner to access your Account Information.

    3. Highlight Redownload on the left side of the screen. A list of titles you’ve purchased will appear.

    4. Highlight the game you want to redownload and select the orange icon to begin downloading the game and any DLC for it that you have purchased. You can check the download status on the HOME Menu.

    For more details, read How to Redownload Nintendo Switch eShop Content.

  • If a microSD card is being used with the console, try the following:

    • Format the microSD card.

      Important

      • Once formatted, the information on the microSD card cannot be recovered. If screenshots or videos are stored on the microSD card, be sure to first back up the information on a computer.

      • If downloadable software was saved to the microSD 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. System Settings on the HOME Menu

        System Settings highlighted on the HOME Menu Screen

      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 Card.

    • Use a different microSD card.

    • Remove the microSD card and download the game directly to the system memory.

      1. With the console powered off, locate 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 Cards on Nintendo Switch.

Situation Not Resolved:

If the issue persists, please contact us for additional support.