If you’re seeing a blue screen on your Nintendo Switch, don’t panic. It can be a sign of a few different problems, not all of which means you’re going to have to send it in for repair. As long as it isn’t cracked or physically damaged, other avenues exist to explore before seeking professional guidance.

A Nintendo Switch blue screen signals a problem in the Switch ecosystem. Whether it’s the console itself, the accessories, or some software issue has yet to be determined at the moment you first notice it.

Whatever the cause of the blue screen, you can fix your Switch. The amount of cost and time that it takes just depends on the cause.

To fix errors on the Switch, it’s best to go about it in a specific way. First, you want to remove questionable variables that might be contributing to the problem. Next, you want to try fixes you can reasonably manage at home. Finally, contact Nintendo for help, especially if you’re under warranty. There are other repair options as well. 

Before you do any significant troubleshooting, start by making sure it isn’t something other than the Switch causing the problem.

When you reset the Switch during these steps, be sure you keep the power button held down for 12 seconds before releasing it. 

If the Switch still isn’t working, you may need to reset the software.

There are a few software fixes you can try. Which works for you will depend on the current state of your console. Sometimes blue screens disappear, and you can access the menus on the device again – but you want to stop them before they reoccur. In that case, you can do things like updating the software. If you can’t access the system even after you power it off, you’ll need help with the hardware.

Updating your software ensures you have the newest fixes available and eliminates any problems from the older software. If you don’t regularly update your Switch, do it now if you can access your system.

If your blue screens were intermittent before, a software update may fix the problem and eliminate them.

If the Switch is updated and still not working, you can reset it without losing all your personal data. Your saved data, screenshots, videos, and other information will be retained. You may have to download everything else.

It’s always a great practice to back up anything you want to save before any type of reset. 

If you’re willing to get rid of everything saved on the Switch so that it returns to its out-of-box state, you can also factory reset it. Since more data is removed, anything corrupted or damaged causing the blue screens should also be removed.

You can also factory reset the Switch from the main menu if you don’t need to shut it down first.

If you can’t access the system settings at all and the screen never stops being blue, you will need to get qualified repair help to be able to use your Switch again. 

Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot you can do at home if the problem with the Nintendo Switch is the hardware. Once you’re sure it’s a hardware issue, you have two choices: whether to file for help with Nintendo or go with a third-party repair option. If you aren’t sure which is right for you, read on.

Go with Nintendo Support whether you’re under warranty or not. They may charge you for repairs, but there’s no reason not to check and see what price they offer. You can always refuse if the repair cost is too high.

However, going with Nintendo guarantees the work they do and might be much cheaper if it’s a known issue or if you’re under warranty. Many people say the blue screen issue is a bit more than $100 to fix in many cases, however.

To start a repair with Nintendo:

You can sign into the Repair Center with your account to track how things are going. 

Contact a third-party repair service if you aren’t under warranty or want more pricing options. Find out what kind of insurance, bonding, guarantees, and replacement for damages they offer before you agree to work with them. You may be able to save money this way and get the repairs done more quickly if you live nearby. 

I'm a computer enthusiast who enjoys building new systems, troubleshooting software for my friends, and playing everything from Apex Legends to Golf with Friends. I used to work as a social media manager and love finding new ways to connect with people.

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