Nintendo Switch blue screen of death? Try these easy fixes

The Nintendo Switch is a popular handheld console known for major titles like Mario and Zelda. While the console is pretty good in its way, some issues can arise. One common issue on Nintendo Switch is the blue screen of death in which the solid blue color appear and doesn’t let you use the device. Let’s explore what causes blue screen on Nintendo Switch and methods to fix the issue.

The Blue Screen of Death on Nintendo Switch can be a worrying problem. Its fixes range from trying various troubleshooting methods to sending the device to Nintendo support for examination. Here we will share methods that you can follow to fix Nintendo Switch blue screen and you may not need to send your Switch to Nintendo.

Why does my Nintendo Switch show a Blue Screen?

Various factors can cause the blue screen of death on the Nintendo Switch. Check them out below.

System Error or Corrupt System: A blue screen will appear on your Nintendo Switch if there are some missing or corrupted OS files due to a software update or glitch that causes the system to malfunction. Software updates not installed properly can also cause the OS to run into issues.
Hardware Failure: One of the other reasons why the blue screen might appear on Nintendo Switch is because of hardware failure. This hardware failure can vary from physical damage breaking internal components to CPU and APU failures.
Power Problems: If the Switch is being charged and there’s a case of power fluctuations, this could harm the device. Also, using batteries not made for the Switch and charging cables that are not rated to work with the Switch can cause power loss, resulting in the device displaying a blue screen.

Now that you know the reasons why the blue screen can appear on the Nintendo Switch, let’s take a look at various ways you can follow to fix this issue.

Easy fixes for Nintendo Switch Blue Screen

Now, let’s take a look at all the troubleshooting methods that can help you resolve the Blue screen on Nintendo Switch. Since you can’t navigate around Switch UI if it’s stuck on blue screen, we’ll use advanced options like maintenance mode, which can be accessed even when your Switch UI won’t load.

Perform a hard reboot of the Nintendo Switch

Performing a forced reboot or a hard reboot can help the switch soft reset itself. Check out these steps to perform a hard reboot.

Press the power button and hold it for 30 seconds.
Release the Power button for a bit and press the Power button again to restart it.

If the blue screen appeared on Switch for minor problem, a hard reboot will fix it, just like how it works on a Windows PC.

Ensure your Switch is running the latest updates

Having the latest software updates, be it for the game or the operating system, is important as it can help fix any issues that may have been caused by glitches or bugs left over from previous updates. Here is how you can check and install the updates on Nintendo Switch in case of blue screen issue.

Turn off your Nintendo Switch.
Now press and hold Volume Up, Volume Down and Power buttons.
When the Nintendo logo appears on-screen, release the Power button.
Once the Maintenance Mode screen appears, release the volume buttons.
From this screen, select and choose Update System.
If any updates are available, the updates will be downloaded and installed.

Free storage on your Switch

Low storage space on the Switch can also cause blue screen issue on Nintendo Switch in rare case. Since the OS’s basic services cannot perform system functions properly, it could simply end up displaying a blue screen. Follow these steps to clear off your Switch storage.

Turn off your Nintendo Switch.
Now, press and hold the volume up and volume down buttons. Also keep the power button pressed.
Once the Maintenance Mode appears on the screen, release the buttons.
From this screen, select Initialize Console without deleting Save Data.
If your device boots up perfectly without any problem, it is time to transfer your saved data onto an external SD card that can be used with your Nintendo Switch.

Also, delete the data that you are not going to use. And you can avoid blue screen from appearing again on your Nintendo Switch.

Check if it’s a display problem

Now, the only way that you can get this to work is by making use of the Nintendo Switch Dock. With this dock, you can enable TV mode for your Nintendo Switch to see if your Switch is able to display anything on your TV screen.

If there is a display on your TV screen but just a blue screen on your Switch, it could be that the Display cables have gone loose, or the display is damaged. However, if you do not get any visuals on your TV via TV Mode, it could be other hardware issue or a software issue.

Contact Nintendo to get the device repaired

If you are not able to identify the reason for the blue screen on your Nintendo Switch, it is probably time to contact customer service/support for Nintendo Switch and hand over the device to get it repaired.

If there is no physical damage and the device is under warranty, it can be possible that the repairs can be done for free. But, if the warranty period has passed its due date, then there will be some sort of charge for the repair work.

Closing Thoughts

This includes the many reasons why the Nintendo Switch might have a blue screen and what methods you can follow to solve it. If the blue screen issue appeared on your Nintendo Switch, let us know what method worked for you or if you had to contact Nintendo support for repairs.

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Image: Nintendo