I have used many gaming consoles. So, it is common thing for me to handle their malfunctions. A few days ago, I reset my Nintendo Switch. Afterward, it stopped working.
I guess I am not the only one who faced this problem. A lot of users complain about it. However, every problem comes with a solution.
This troubleshooting guide will help you in this regard. I am sharing authentic and official solutions as well as my personal experiences here.
1. Charge the Battery Fully
A hard reset drains the Switch battery. Therefore, it cannot work immediately. Connect your Nintendo Switch to its dock. Then, notice, how it responds.
If the battery takes a charge, the dock indicator glows green. Let it charge for 30 minutes and then turn it ON.
If still the console is not working, let it charge for 3-24 hours. Because a completely dead battery requires extra time to store energy.
2. Reset the Battery
An effective trick is to reset the battery. But, do not go for it if your Switch is under warranty. Because it requires disassembling the device.
Hence, its warranty cannot be claimed after opening. However, if the warranty period has passed, you can try the following process;
- Take the right type of screwdriver to disassemble the battery.
- Remove the plastic back and the metal shield inside.
- It will expose the battery. Disconnect or remove the battery.
- Wait a few minutes and insert it again.
- Now, turn ON the device and it will start working.
3. Check the Charging Dock
The dock should illuminate a green light on the bottom left if the console is charging. However, no light means the dock is faulty.
Clean the contact points to remove debris and dust. If possible try charging with a different dock. You can borrow from a friend.
4. Examine the Cable and Adapter
It can be the defective power cord or AC adapter. So, you should examine both accessories. Try using another AC adapter and cord.
Plug the adapter firmly into the wall power outlet. Furthermore, you should use the original charging accessories. Third-party adapters or cables can create such issues.
5. Force Restart Switch
Hard reset or force restart your device once again. It can prove an effective hack to solve the issue. Here is how to do it;
- Turn OFF your Nintendo Switch.
- Press and hold the “Power” button for 20 seconds.
- Wait a few moments after releasing the power button.
- Now, turn ON the Switch.
- Repeat this process two or three times.
6. Remove the SD Card
The MicroSD card in your console may be corrupted or has a virus. Therefore, the console is not turning ON. In fact, the console is alright but the card is the culprit.
The issue can be fixed by removing the SD card. Here is the step-by-step guide;
- Turn over your console and locate the SD card slot.
- Open the kickstand and take out the SD card.
- Now, press the Power button to turn ON the Switch.
- If it starts working, do not insert the card again.
7. Initialize Your Switch
A force restart or initializing can recover your console. Here is how to do it;
- Turn OFF the console completely. Press and hold the “Power” button for 12 seconds.
- This will force shut down the device if it is not responding.
- Once, the Switch is completely shut down, initialize it.
- Press and hold the Volume up and Volume Down buttons simultaneously.
- Meanwhile, press the “Power” button to turn ON the console.
- Release the Volume buttons when the maintenance menu appears on the screen.
- Click “Initialize Console without Deleting Saved Data”.
- Enter the “Parental Control PIN” if it asks.
- Tap the “Next” button and then confirm the initialization.
8. Contact Nintendo
The above-mentioned tricks worked for my Nintendo Switch. Initializing, hard resetting, and charging for 24 hours worked for my device.
However, your console has some hardware defect if nothing worked for it. In this case, you must consult Nintendo for a repair or replacement.
You can also consult a professional and certified technician. But, I would recommend consulting the manufacturer.
FAQs About Nintendo Switch
Here are some important questions that are frequently asked by users. Review them to know more about gaming consoles.
How many hours Nintendo Switch takes to charge fully?
It takes almost 3 hours to completely charge. This is an estimated charging time when the console is in sleep mode or shut down. However, the time can extend if you are using it during charging. The battery lasts 4.5 to 9 hours depending on the usage.
What is a Bricked Nintendo Switch?
A bricked Switch means a stuck or useless console. It does not work at all and cannot be fixed. The device becomes useless just like a brick. It freezes on the boot screen or fails to boot up. Such a device needs to be replaced or can be fixed by the manufacturer.
How many Nintendo Switches can be connected together?
Up to 8 Nintendo Switch can be linked together. Likewise, eight controllers can be connected to a Switch. They can be connected via local wireless internet. The users should be in the same room.
You may also like: Resetting Nintendo Switch Without Pin
Concluding Words
So, this guide promises to fix your Nintendo Switch. It fails to work after a hard reset or cannot be hard reset. Both problems can be solved by this article.
