Recommended Free Tools
To restart a responsive Nintendo Switch, hold the POWER button for at least three seconds, select Power Options, then choose Restart. If the console is unresponsive, use Nintendo’s forced-shutdown instructions instead; a forced shutdown is not the same as initialization.
Restart a responsive Switch from the POWER menu
- Hold the console’s POWER button for at least three seconds.
- Select Power Options.
- Select Restart.
Nintendo’s restart FAQ applies to Nintendo Switch consoles: Nintendo Support: How do I restart the console? This restarts the console itself. To restart a game or other software, close it and open it again.
If the console is unresponsive
If the POWER menu will not appear, Nintendo’s restart FAQ directs you to hold POWER for at least twelve seconds to force the console to shut down. After it turns off, press POWER again to turn it on.
For freezing or nonresponsive downloaded software, Nintendo’s troubleshooting guidance instead says to hold POWER for twenty seconds to force shutdown, then turn the console on again. Nintendo recommends restarting as the initial troubleshooting step for that software problem. Follow the instruction that matches the situation rather than treating the two hold times as interchangeable: Nintendo Support: General Problems with Downloaded Software (Freezing, Not Responding, etc.).
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →#1 Best Overall
- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
Nintendo says, “Save data is stored on the console’s system memory, so it will not be lost in this process.” This statement refers to the forced shutdown and restart troubleshooting process described on that support page.
A restart is not initialization
A restart shuts down and starts the console; it does not erase user data. Initialize Console Without Deleting Save Data is a separate recovery operation in Maintenance Mode, not a soft reset. Although that option preserves save data, screenshots, and user information, software stored on the microSD card becomes unusable. See Nintendo Support: How to Initialize Nintendo Switch Without Deleting Save Data.
Rank #2
- 6.2” LCD screen
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
- Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario & friends
Which Switch models do these instructions cover?
Nintendo’s cited freezing and initialization guidance lists Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, and Nintendo Switch – OLED Model. The POWER-menu restart FAQ is titled for Nintendo Switch consoles.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- One player can use a Joy-Con in each hand
- Two players can each take one
- Multiple Joy-Con can be employed by numerous people for a variety of gameplay options (additional Joy-Con sold separately)
- Slip a set of Joy-Con into a Joy-Con grip accessory, mirroring a more traditional controller. Or, select an optional Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- 6.2” LCD screen.
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
Rank #3
- Play your way with the Nintendo Switch gaming system. Whether you’re at home or on the go, solo or with friends, the Nintendo Switch system is designed to fit your life. Dock your Nintendo Switch to enjoy HD gaming on your TV. Heading out? Just undock your console and keep playing in handheld mode
- This model includes battery life of approximately 4.5 - 9 hours.
- The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (games sold separately)
- Model number HAC 001( 01)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
