If Metroid Prime 4: Beyond freezes or closes unexpectedly on Nintendo Switch, try Nintendo’s general software-troubleshooting steps: restart the console, install available system and game updates, and check the game for corrupt data. Nintendo has not published a title-specific crash cause or confirmed fix in the support guidance covered here, so treat these as general troubleshooting—not a guaranteed solution.
First, identify what the game is doing
A freeze, an unexpected-close error, and a failure to start are different symptoms. Nintendo has separate troubleshooting guidance for them, and the recommended steps are not identical. If an error message or code appears, use Nintendo’s instructions for that exact message rather than assuming every crash has the same cause.
- Freeze or stop responding: Start with Nintendo’s general downloaded-software freezing guidance.
- “The Software Was Closed Because An Error Occurred”: Follow Nintendo’s unexpected-close troubleshooting.
- “Unable to start software”: Use Nintendo’s guidance for that start-up error.
Try Nintendo’s basic troubleshooting steps
1. Restart the Switch
For a console that still responds, hold the POWER button for at least three seconds, choose Power Options, then select Restart. If the console is unresponsive, Nintendo’s freezing article says to hold POWER for 20 seconds to force it off, then turn it on again. For the specific unexpected-close error, Nintendo’s separate article says to hold POWER for 12 seconds if the console does not respond. Follow the duration in the article that matches your symptom; these are not one universal button-hold instruction.
2. Update the system software
From the HOME Menu, open System Settings, choose System, then System Update. Nintendo recommends checking for a system update for both general downloaded-software freezing and the unexpected-close error.
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- 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
3. Update the game
On the HOME Menu, highlight Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and press + or −. Choose Software Update, then Via the Internet. Nintendo includes a game-update check in its troubleshooting for freezing and unexpected-close errors.
4. Check the game for corrupt data
Open System Settings > Data Management > Manage Software, select Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, then choose Check for Corrupt Data. If the check identifies a problem, follow the console’s prompts.
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- 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
If you have a digital copy, redownload it to system memory
For the unexpected-close error, Nintendo recommends deleting the software and redownloading it to the console’s system memory. Remove the microSD card before redownloading. You can download the software again using the Nintendo Account that purchased it.
This step concerns the installed game software. Do not choose an option to delete save data; the troubleshooting instruction is to delete and redownload the software.
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- 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)
Check microSD storage only when it applies
If you play a downloaded copy from a microSD card and the problem continues, test whether the game behaves differently when installed in system memory. Nintendo’s guidance for the “Unable to start software” message also lists formatting or replacing a microSD card and downloading directly to system memory. Those are conditional steps for relevant storage or start-up symptoms—not evidence that the card caused a Metroid Prime 4 crash. Check compatibility with your Switch model before buying or replacing a card.
A physical game card does not need to be redownloaded. If the game is a physical copy, you can still try the console restart and update checks, then use the symptom-matched Nintendo guidance for further steps.
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- 6.2” LCD screen.
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
When to contact Nintendo Support
If the unexpected-close error continues after the listed steps, Nintendo advises contacting support: “If the issue persists, please contact us for support.” Include the exact error message or code and describe whether the game froze, closed, or failed to start. For an error other than the unexpected-close message, use the Nintendo support article for that specific message.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does the Switch 2 Edition support article explain crashes?
No. Nintendo’s Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition DLC article addresses access to upgrade-pack features, which are available only on Nintendo Switch 2. It is not a crash diagnosis or a Switch crash fix.
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- One player can use a Joy-Con in each hand
- Two players can each take one
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- 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.
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