The Nintendo Switch has remained the most popular handheld console since its release in 2017. The console has had a successful run, and it does not seem to be stopping any time soon. As impressive as the Nintendo Switch is, it has flaws. Like all tech, the Nintendo Switch is susceptible to crashes, causing it to become unresponsive, in which case a restart is in order.
When the Nintendo Switch is unresponsive, it is a good idea to restart the console. If restarting the console does not resolve the issue, the user can opt for a force restart instead. For those unfamiliar with resetting or force restarting their console, this guide will cover everything there is to know about it and other useful tidbits.
How to Restart Nintendo Switch
To restart the Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, or Switch OLED, users need to follow these simple instructions:
- Press the power button for three seconds.
- Select Power Options from the menu that pops up.
- Select Restart.
If holding the power button for three seconds does not bring up the power menu, the user should hold down the power button for longer to force shut down the console.
How to Force Restart a Nintendo Switch
To fix an unresponsive Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, or Switch OLED, a force restart could fix the issue. To force restart a Nintendo Switch, follow these steps:
- Press the power button for 15 seconds.
- The console should shut down and restart.
- The Nintendo Switch should return to working order after rebooting.
Risks Associated with Force Restarting a Nintendo Switch
Force restarting a Nintendo Switch can have the following risks:
- A force restart could corrupt data, like app data, and save data.
- A force restart could corrupt the OS, referred to as the blue screen of death. Unfortunately, there is no way to fix this issue unless the console is sent to Nintendo to reset the console.
Since force restarting a Nintendo Switch has risks, use it as a last resort. Instead of force restarting the console, there are other fixes worth checking out to get it out of its unresponsive state, such as:
- Place the Switch in its dock.
- Press the Home button to return to the main menu.
While it may seem complicated, restarting or force restarting a Nintendo Switch is incredibly simple. However, console owners should use these features wisely to avoid getting into a fix.