How to Fix Game Install Issues on a Nintendo Switch

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

This guide will help you to resolve issues installing programs and updates to your Switch system.

2. Restart

1. Hold the Power Button for roughly 3 seconds.
   

1. Select Power Options.
   

1. Choose either Turn Off or Restart.
   

1. 
   
2. If the console was turned off, press the Power Button again to power it back on.

3. Manual Update

1. Select System Settings.
   

1. Select System.
2. Select System Update.
   

1. Allow the update to proceed. The system will reboot when ready.

4. Update Game or App

Your console needs to be connected to the internet.

1. Select the Icon of the game or app you want to update.
2. Press the + or - buttons.
   

1. Select Software Update.
2. Select Via the Internet.
   

5. Check for Corruption

1. Select System Settings.
   

1. Scroll down to Data Management.
2. Select Manage Software.
   

1. Select the software you want to check.
2. Select Check for Corrupt Data.
   

6. Remove Game or App

1. Select System Settings.
   

1. Scroll down to Data Management.
2. Select Manage Software.
   

1. 
   
2. Select the Game you want to delete or archive.
   

1. Choose to delete or archive the game. Deleting removes all data including game saves. Archiving deletes the game but keeps the game saves in case you want to download the game again.
   

7. Purchase and Download Game or App

1. Open the Nintendo eShop.
   

1. Select the Account you want to use.
   

1. Search for or navigate to the game or app you wish to purchase. If you have already purchased the game or app, you can simply redownload it again.
   

1. Select Proceed to Purchase.
   

1. Select Confirm Purchase or Add Funds and Purchase.
   

1. The game will download if you have enough funds.

8. What's next?

9. Remove Game Card

Remove a game card only while on the HOME Menu, or when the console is powered off. If you have suspended a software title, make sure you have closed it before removing its game card.

1. Open the game card slot cover located on the top right side of the Nintendo Switch console.
2. Gently push down on the inserted game card until the card clicks.
   

1. Release the game card and it will partially eject.
2. Slide the game card out of the game card slot and close the cover.

10. Reinsert Game Card

1. Open the game card slot cover located on the top right side of the Nintendo Switch console.
2. Hold the game card so that the label of the game card faces in the same direction as the Nintendo Switch screen.
   

1. Slide the game card into the game card slot until it clicks into place. If the game card seems difficult to insert, remove it and verify that it is facing in the correct direction.
2. Once inserted, the software icon of the inserted game card will be displayed on the HOME Menu.

11. What's next?