The Nintendo Switch is the only handheld console that has been welcomed by many alike since its launch in 2017. It comes with more storage, touch control, and supports many games. But there can be some cases when you want to reset your Nintendo Switch like a smartphone. Some cases can be selling your Nintendo Switch or want to make your Switch brand new for better performance. So here you get to know different methods to factory reset Nintendo Switch.
It’s a Nintendo product, and that’s enough for Kids to go and buy Nintendo Switch. Not only Kids but adults also like to play games on Nintendo. Nintendo even caters to those who prefer a smaller-sized Switch with the Switch Lite and also has other accessories that are aimed at enhancing gameplay on these devices.
The Switch has a wide variety of games that are available to play for free. Take a look at our best games for the Nintendo Switch. If you’re running out of storage space you can also check out this guide as well. Anyway, today, we’ll be talking about how to factory reset the Nintendo Switch.
There could be many reasons as to why you would want to factory reset Nintendo Switch. Maybe it’s because of some temporary bugs that have crept in during a software update or maybe your game isn’t playing properly or maybe you plan to sell your Nintendo Switch to someone else online. Whatever the case maybe you can follow along to know how to perform a factory reset.
Factory Reset Nintendo Switch
Perform Soft Reset on Nintendo Switch
A soft reset is usually performed when either your Switch starts glitching or hangs due to some unknown reasons. And so soft reset help to remove glitches and even make your Switch faster and responsive. If you don’t want to lose all the data, then you can perform a soft reset. Here’s how you soft reset a Nintendo Switch.
- Hold the Power button on the Switch for 12-15 seconds. The device will forcefully shut itself down within 15 seconds.
- Now, wait around for 7 to 10 seconds.
- After that hold the power button to turn the Nintendo Switch on. This should help to clear of any software errors, lags, and glitches.
Perform Hard Reset on Switch
When a soft reset is not able to fix any of the problems, a hard reset is a way to go. A hard reset can also be called a factory reset and by performing one it’ll clear out all your data and your Switch will become new the same as the day you unboxed it. So, if you plan to fully wipe your data from Nintendo Switch, then you can perform a hard reset on your Nintendo Switch. Check out the steps.
- On your main apps screen tap on the gear icon that represents the System Settings.
- Once in the settings menu, look for the System menu that is on the left side of the menu.
- Once inside the System menu, scroll downwards until you find Formatting Options. Enter your Parental Controls Pin if enabled.
- Here you’ll find many reset options. You can choose to reset your keyboard or even format your memory card. Select Initialize Console.
- You’ll now get a dialogue box asking you to confirm, click Continue.
- Now your Switch will format and resets to factory settings. This process can take about 2-3 minutes to complete.
And there you have it, a factory restored Nintendo Switch. You can now set up a new profile and enjoy the Nintendo as a new console without any lag and glitches. But if you have game data or your game progress that you don’t want to delete during factory reset then you can follow the next method.
Reset Nintendo Switch Without Losing Data
Yes! There is another method to reset the Switch without losing data. You can keep your game save files and also some other important data. It’s quite simple and it doesn’t even require you to connect your Switch to a computer. You can also hard reset your Switch with this method, you have to only change one option in the third step.
- For this method, you need to first turn off your Nintendo Switch.
- Now, press the Power button along with the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons together. Keep these buttons pressed till the recovery mode screen shows up.
- Once the screen shows up, simply select the Initialize Console Without Deleting Save Data.
- Then on the next screen select Next.
The reset will begin and, in a few minutes, the process will be completed. And there you have a fresh Switch with your game save files safe and sound. So, these are three ways by which you can factory reset your Nintendo Switch. I know these steps may sound easy, but if you want to keep your data, then you should follow the correct method and correct steps.
Conclusion
If in any case, you are unable to fix any software issues that were caused by an update or a game, the best bet is to take it to an authorized Nintendo service center to get it checked up. Also do not attempt to disassemble your Switch as the service personnel might refuse to attend to your Switch, especially if it’s still under the warranty period.
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