A frozen Nintendo Switch can feel like hitting a wall in the middle of a game. Don’t panic—it’s fixable. Here’s what to do.
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Solution 1: Force Restart the Console
- Hold the Power button for 15 seconds straight.
- Ignore any options that pop up—just keep holding it down.
- The screen will go black, shutting the system off completely.
Solution 2: Check for Dust or Debris
- While it’s off, inspect the game card slot and microSD card slot.
- Use a soft, dry cloth to gently clean out any dirt or dust you see.
- Sometimes, tiny particles can cause big problems, like sand in your shoe.
Solution 3: Power It Back On
- Press the Power button again to turn it back on.
- Wait for the system to boot up fully and check if it’s responsive now.
- If it works, you’re back in action! If not, it might be time to contact support.
A frozen screen isn’t the end—it’s just a pause button you didn’t press.