Nintendo Switch Issues And Hardware Faults - How To Fix Common Switch Problems

The Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite are a durable pair of consoles designed to endure the rigours of home and portable gaming. For the most part, we've been very happy with reliability of our Switch hardware - our launch systems are still going strong after being slung in backpacks, dropped into docks, and dropped on the floor too many times than we'd care to mention.

That's not to say the Switch hardware is perfect, though. Several issues have come to light since launch--some rather significant--which you may encounter after prolonged use of the console. In this guide we will address the most common Switch hardware problems and offer potential solutions and guidance if you find yourself up Switch creek without a paddle.

Switch Hardware Problem: My Joy-Con / Pro Controller analog stick is drifting

By far the biggest complaint with Switch hardware is the infamous Joy-Con ‘drift’ – a phenomenon where apparent wear to the contacts in the analogue stick mechanism causes movement to register without any pressure being applied.

Solution #1: Get Nintendo to repair / replace your Joy-Con

Nintendo is repairing Joy-Con free of charge in some territories (even outside of the guarantee period), although that's not true for all regions. Simply contact them and follow their instructions on how to send them to an authorised repair shop and you should have them back in a week or two, good as new.

Solution #2: Replace the Joy-Con analog sticks yourself

However, if (like us) you're not willing to wait that long, the process of replacing the sticks in the Joy-Con yourself is relatively cheap and painless, and it means you won't be stuck without a controller while Nintendo repairs them.

Our photo guide on how to repair drifting Joy-Con goes into forensic detail, so if Nintendo isn't replacing them free-of-charge in your region, repairing them yourself is by far the easiest, most affordable option.

Drifting analogue sticks in your Switch Lite present a more delicate problem. While self-repairs and replacements are entirely possible, we'd recommend contacting Nintendo with that one rather than cracking open your console. Remember, any repair work not carried out by an authorised repair person will likely void your warranty (if you've still got one).

If you're having issues with your Pro Controller, we've got a handy guide for Pro Controller drift, too.

Switch Hardware Problem: My Joy-Con disconnects from the Switch

A common issue at launch was with Joy-Con controllers--specifically left ones--frequently dropping connection to the console. This would happen in various situations, typically when the Joy-Con was more than a few feet from the dock, or if any large object was standing between the controller and the console.

While newer Joy-Con seem to be less affected by this irritating phenomenon (and our Pro Controller has always been fine), we still experience occasional issues with a yellow Joy-Con - a colour not available at launch and presumably manufactured after Nintendo had identified and corrected a minor manufacturing defect.

Solution #1: Send it to Nintendo for repair

If you're having Joy-Con connection issues, Nintendo may replace or repair it for free - the company's policy regarding Joy-Con varies between regions. In general, since the Joy-Con drift debacle Nintendo has been replacing and repairing the controllers free-of-charge more readily, even out-of-warranty Joy-Con. Contact them and see what they say.

However, if once again you don't want to be stuck for at least a week without your Joy-Con, there's another solution which has worked well for many people...

Solution #2: Add a piece of conductive foam yourself

Just after launch, Sean Hollister over at CNET discovered that Nintendo's 'repair' solution was to add a small square of conductive foam to help shield the controller's antenna from radio interference.

As detailed in our Joy-Con drift repair guide, it's easy enough to open up your Joy-Con, provided you've got the right tools. Conductive foam is cheap, so you haven't got much to lose in doing some DIY on your older Joy-Con. Just be sure to use conductive foam - an old bit of sponge or a squashed-up packaging peanut won't do squat.

Switch Hardware Problem: My Switch won't turn on

An unresponsive Switch that won't start up is obviously a significant problem when you want to blast through a level of something or check turnip prices. This has happened to us very occasionally in the past and, in our case (and hopefully in yours), it was no more than a hardware hiccup (or, perhaps more accurately, a software hiccup).

Solution: Make sure your Switch is charged and perform a hard reset

Ah, the ol' turn-it-off-and-on-again trick. To perform a hard reset, hold down the power button on the top of the console (not the Home Button on the Joy-Con) for around 12 seconds. Release the power button and press it once to turn the console on. Hopefully, the console should power on and be good as new.

If a hard reset doesn't work, check out our guide on how to fix a Switch that won't turn on for a few more ideas (using a non-official power adaptor could be the cause, for example). If none of those work, it's time to call Nintendo.

Switch Hardware Problem: My Switch won't read game cartridges

We've experienced this a few times when swapping cartridges out. Occasionally, the cart won't register with the contacts inside the console and the game doesn't appear on the menu screen.

Solution: Remove the cartridge and check for debris

Assuming normal everyday use, there's unlikely to be a huge build up of dust or detritus in your Switch's game cart slot due to the cap over the opening - certainly nothing like the wodge of pocket lint we periodically remove from our cell phone's charging port. However, it's worth giving the cart slot a visual inspection and CAREFULLY removing any foreign objects with a thin pair of tweezers (with the Switch powered off, of course). Blowing into the slot is not recommended, although we know you'll probably do it anyway.

Also, inspect the cartridge itself and make sure the gold contacts are clean. They can be VERY CAREFULLY wiped with a microfiber cloth to remove any dust or residue that may have appeared. Once everything is clean, simply put the cart in the slot again and away you go.

If none of the above produces results, it's time to contact Nintendo.

Switch Hardware Problem: My Pro Controller D-pad registers inputs that it shouldn't

The Switch Pro Controller is a thing of beauty - we honestly couldn't go back to Joy-Con after grasping its rubbery loveliness. It's even got an honest-to-goodness D-pad, too, which is great for 2D platformers, fighters and more.

However, the D-pad n the Pro Controller isn't perfect, and it can often register inputs on the opposite axis than the one you intended (while moving from left to right, for example, the controller might briefly register an 'Up' or 'Down' input).

Solution: Put tape over the inner parts of the contacts inside the Pro Controller

Fortunately, there's a relatively easy fix for this if you've got the tools to take your Pro Controller apart. As first detailed back in 2017 on La Nueva Esculea by @ateijelo, disassembling your controller and applying tape over the innermost part of the contacts should prevent inputs registering inadvertently.

The instructions on the blog above are very clear and easy to follow, so check them out if you're suffering from D-pad imprecision with your Pro Controller. We would probably recommend covering a little less than 50% of the contacts (between 1/4 or 1/3 is ideal in our opinion), but it's a simple fix to remove the tape and find the optimum coverage. Just remember, as always, to be careful and take your time while taking your controller and other hardware apart.

Switch Hardware Problem: My Switch has run out of memory space

If you've been hitting the Switch eShop and downloading digital games (or you've been stung by a physical game which requires a hefty additional download), you may find your Switch's 32GB of storage filling up very fast indeed.

Solution: Expand your Switch's storage with a Micro SD card

This is the easiest solution on this page and bolstering Switch's onboard memory with some extra external memory is both simple and relatively cheap depending on the card you purchase. Check out our guide on the best micro SD cards for Switch to find the best deals on micro SD cards from 128GB to a whopping (and pricey) 1TB, plus how to install them.

Switch Hardware Problem: My Switch casing is cracked

A number of Switch owners (us included) have noticed small cracks appear in the casing of their console. This is reportedly due to the expansion and shrinking caused by heat, which causes micro-fractures to appear in the console's plastic housing (ours were near the fan and the headphone jack).

Solution: If the console is still under warranty, get the Switch replaced

If you purchased your Switch within the last 12 months, simply contact your original supplier or Nintendo and it should be replaced.

If you're outside the warranty period, unfortunately there's not much to be done. On the bright side, while cracks and missing grilles may be unsightly, they shouldn't affect the functioning of your Switch.

Switch Hardware Problem: My Switch is warping / bending

Another issue related to heat expansion, many players (us included) have noted that their Switch is warped or bending to a certain degree. While most cases are extremely minor (you'd have difficulty spotting the warping without a ruler or flat surface to test against), others are easily visible to the naked eye.

In the worst cases this can lead to problems with screen scratches when docking the Switch.

Solution: If the console is still under warranty, get the Switch replaced

If the warping is affecting the function of the console (i.e. safely docking the Switch without damaging the screen is impossible), Nintendo should replace it for you within a year of purchase.

However, minor warping isn't considered a defect. Unless you have a serious issue (or a particularly understanding retailer), you'll likely have to live with a slightly warped Switch. It gives it some character, no? No, we know it's irritating.

You might also want to consider affixing a microfiber cloth to the inside face of your dock to make doubly sure the screen doesn't rub against the plastic when you place the console in the dock.

Switch Hardware Problem: My Switch screen is scratched

If you've had issues like the ones above, or have simply been careless with your console and thrown your Switch in a bag with keys, coins and rocks, your screen may have picked up little scratches and marks.

Solution: Protect your Switch's screen with... a screen protector

It might seem simple, but the easiest way to prevent scratches is to apply a screen protector to your console, preferably the moment you take it out of the box. There are many options available for both the standard Switch and Switch Lite--we're partial to a nice tempered glass screen protector ourselves--and you'll be thankful for it when you drop your console on a gravel path and removing the scratches is as simple as peeling off the protector.

Obviously, that isn't going to help if you've already marked your screen. If that's the case and you can't live with a scratched screen, it's probably best to enquire about a replacement from Nintendo directly. Be warned, though, it won't be cheap. It is possible to buy replacement parts and do it yourself, but you'll need advanced knowledge and tools to make a good job of it. When all's said and done, it would arguably be far simpler to speak to Nintendo and get a replacement with an official warranty.

If you take your Switch out and about with you often, you'll find a carry case invaluable for keeping your console in top condition. Again, there are a wide range of carry case options available, from cheap-and-cheerful to luxuriously expensive. Whatever you go for, we recommend slipping your console in a case before throwing it in the bottom of your bag.

Switch Hardware Problem: My Switch screen has dead pixels

It's a fact of life that the odd faulty pixel can be found on any screen coming off a factory production line, but they're incredibly distracting if you're unfortunate enough to find them on one of your devices. From our perspective, any number dead pixels is cause for a replacement, although manufacturers often beg to differ on that point.

Solution: Speak to Nintendo

In general, Nintendo doesn't consider a 'small number of stuck or dead pixels' to be a defect, although the company is vague on specifics. We'd recommend contacting Nintendo and seeing what they say. The response may depend on how distracting the missing pixels are; a cluster of failures in the centre of the screen are likely to garner a more favourable response than a single dead pixel in one corner.

Nintendo Switch FAQs

Here are some other common questions Switch owners may have, along with links to our relevant guide:

• Which games don't work with Switch Lite?
  
• How do you share games and saves between Switch and Switch Lite? - Note: this is not currently possible with Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Nintendo Support Contact

Nintendo can be contacted in a variety of ways (chat, email, phone, text, etc). Select your country/region after clicking below to head to your regional support page:

• Nintendo Support / Repair

We hope these solutions have helped you. Let us know below if you've had an issue with your Switch along with how (or ''if') you solved the problem and we may add it to the list above.