Nintendo Switch Freezes, Locks Up, or Will Not Power Off

Description:

The console appears to be frozen or stops moving, and will not respond.

Important:

If this issue is happening specifically with downloaded software, click here.

What to Do:

Which console are you using?

• Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch - OLED Model:

  1. With the console undocked, attach the Joy-Con controllers.

  2. If this issue is happening while the console is in TV mode, verify you are using the Nintendo Switch dock (model No. HAC-007) or the Nintendo Switch dock with LAN port (model No. HEG-007). 

     • If a different accessory is being used, replacing it with the licensed dock may resolve the problem.

  3. Hold down the POWER Button for at least 20 seconds to force the console to power off, then remove any game cards or microSD cards.

  4. Power on the console and perform a system update.

     • If the issue persists, power off the console again, then format the console without deleting save data.

• Nintendo Switch Lite:

  1. Hold down the POWER Button for at least 20 seconds to force the console to power off, then remove any game cards or microSD cards.

  2. Power on the console and perform a system update.

     • If the issue persists, power off the console again, then format the console without deleting save data.

Situation not resolved:

If the freezing continues to the point where it affects your game play, then the Nintendo Switch console may need to be inspected.

Please click here to begin the repair process.