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Nintendo Switch won’t turn on? The “Dark Switch” problem...
If your Nintendo Switch won’t turn on chances are you are having a bad day. This “Dark Switch” problem has happened to me several times and it is frustrating every time it happens. Some times it just seems as though your beloved Switch may never work again. It is than that the real fear begins to settle in as you realise you may have to shell out another $299 USD to get another. Never fear, every time this “Dark Switch” problem happens to my Switch I am able to get it working once again. This is how I have done it in the past.
1 - Make sure your Switch is plugged into the power source. This is the most important step. If it’s not plugged into the power the process won’t work.
2 - Press and hold the on/off button for 15 seconds. I used the timer on my phone to be sure the correct amount time was used. This step is called a “hard reset”.
3 - After the 15 seconds of time has passed release the on/off button and a second later press the on/off button again and release.
4 - Your Switch should now light up with the Nintendo title screen and be functioning normally.
This “Hard Reset” process works most times. However there are times where this hasn’t worked for me.
If this “Hard Reset” doesn’t work try removing the controllers from the side of the device. The last time my Switch went dark I found myself having to remove the controllers. It was only after removing the controllers and running through the hard reset process (without controllers attached) that I managed to get my Switch to turn back on.
It must be said that it is always very relieving when the Switch turns back on. Another side note worth stating is that holding the on/off button for 15 seconds is uncomfortable, even more so because it feels as though you are doing nothing to help solve the problem. A third side note and perhaps the more important side note of them all is that after the Switch turned on I noticed that the right hand controller was completely drained of power, so perhaps this was the problem? Could it be that the cause of the “Dark Switch” problem was a flat controller? Who knows for sure? Hopefully Nintendo resolves this issue with future editions of the Switch or preferably with a downloadable update available to everyone. Nintendo’s devices have a history of being the most sturdy machines on the market but all of them are also known for having their own unique glitches.
It is also good to note that sometimes when this “Dark Switch” problem happens you may have to repeat the “Hard Reset” process multiple times to get it to work.
When in doubt, it is helpful to remember these simple rules. The first rule you need to follow is to make sure the Switch is connected to the power! I have forgotten to do this myself at times. If the “Hard Reset” still doesn’t work try removing the controllers and repeating the “Hard Reset” process. If it still doesn’t work make sure the power cord is functional, you can test this by using it on another Switch device or another device that is compatible with the USB C connector. If you don’t own another USB C device perhaps ask a friend if you can borrow theirs so you can test it.
After having said all of the above my Switch has always turned back on. Sometimes it takes a while but eventually it works.
Thanks and I hope this helps!
1 - Make sure your Switch is plugged into the power source. This is the most important step. If it’s not plugged into the power the process won’t work.
2 - Press and hold the on/off button for 15 seconds. I used the timer on my phone to be sure the correct amount time was used. This step is called a “hard reset”.
3 - After the 15 seconds of time has passed release the on/off button and a second later press the on/off button again and release.
4 - Your Switch should now light up with the Nintendo title screen and be functioning normally.
This “Hard Reset” process works most times. However there are times where this hasn’t worked for me.
If this “Hard Reset” doesn’t work try removing the controllers from the side of the device. The last time my Switch went dark I found myself having to remove the controllers. It was only after removing the controllers and running through the hard reset process (without controllers attached) that I managed to get my Switch to turn back on.
It must be said that it is always very relieving when the Switch turns back on. Another side note worth stating is that holding the on/off button for 15 seconds is uncomfortable, even more so because it feels as though you are doing nothing to help solve the problem. A third side note and perhaps the more important side note of them all is that after the Switch turned on I noticed that the right hand controller was completely drained of power, so perhaps this was the problem? Could it be that the cause of the “Dark Switch” problem was a flat controller? Who knows for sure? Hopefully Nintendo resolves this issue with future editions of the Switch or preferably with a downloadable update available to everyone. Nintendo’s devices have a history of being the most sturdy machines on the market but all of them are also known for having their own unique glitches.
It is also good to note that sometimes when this “Dark Switch” problem happens you may have to repeat the “Hard Reset” process multiple times to get it to work.
When in doubt, it is helpful to remember these simple rules. The first rule you need to follow is to make sure the Switch is connected to the power! I have forgotten to do this myself at times. If the “Hard Reset” still doesn’t work try removing the controllers and repeating the “Hard Reset” process. If it still doesn’t work make sure the power cord is functional, you can test this by using it on another Switch device or another device that is compatible with the USB C connector. If you don’t own another USB C device perhaps ask a friend if you can borrow theirs so you can test it.
After having said all of the above my Switch has always turned back on. Sometimes it takes a while but eventually it works.
Thanks and I hope this helps!