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“Hard reset” can mean three different things on a Nintendo Switch: force it to shut down, initialize it while keeping save data, or erase its console memory. If the console is frozen, start with a forced shutdown. If you want to troubleshoot while keeping the console, use Maintenance Mode’s keep-data option. Use full initialization before giving the console away or selling it. These instructions cover Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED; Switch 2 has a separate Recovery Mode procedure.
Choose the reset that fits the problem
| Action | When to use it | Effect on data |
|---|---|---|
| Forced shutdown | The console is unresponsive or frozen. | Shuts the console down; it is not a factory reset. |
| Initialize without deleting save data | You want to troubleshoot a Switch, Switch Lite, or Switch OLED while retaining console save data and user information. | Keeps save data, screenshots, and user information; software saved on microSD becomes unusable. |
| Full initialization | You are transferring the console to someone else or want to erase its console memory. | Deletes data in console memory, including save data, screenshots, and user information. |
Nintendo’s frozen-console troubleshooting, keep-data initialization instructions, and initialization data-loss explanation describe these as distinct actions.
Force a frozen Switch to shut down
If the console still responds, hold POWER for at least three seconds, select Power Options, then choose Turn Off. If it does not respond, hold POWER for twelve seconds to force it to shut down. This does not initialize the console or erase its data.
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Initialize a Switch without deleting save data
This procedure applies to Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED. The console must be fully powered off, not in sleep mode.
#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
- Turn the console off. If it is unresponsive, hold POWER for twelve seconds to force it off.
- With the console off, press and hold volume up (+) and volume down (-), then press POWER. Keep holding both volume buttons until Maintenance Mode appears.
- Select Initialize Console Without Deleting Save Data. Enter the Parental Control PIN if prompted.
- Read the confirmation screen, select Next, then confirm Initialize Console Without Deleting Save Data.
Nintendo says this option keeps save data, screenshots, and user information. Software saved on a microSD card becomes unusable, but Nintendo says it can be downloaded again with the Nintendo Account that purchased it. This option is for troubleshooting while retaining the console, not for preparing it for a new owner.
What full initialization deletes—and what it does not
Full initialization deletes data in the console’s memory, including software, save data, screenshots, and user information. Nintendo Accounts linked to the console are unlinked from it; the accounts themselves are not deleted.
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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
- Software on the microSD card becomes unusable, except screenshots. The card’s data is not deleted.
- Eligible purchased software and DLC can be downloaded again using the linked Nintendo Account.
- Save Data Cloud recovery is possible only if a backup exists. Nintendo says cloud backup applies to games that support the feature and requires an active Nintendo Switch Online membership; it does not cover every game automatically.
For the full initialization procedure, follow Nintendo’s instructions on what is lost after initializing a Nintendo Switch. If you are selling or giving away the console, Nintendo recommends full initialization rather than the keep-data option.
Switch 2 uses Recovery Mode, not Maintenance Mode
Do not follow the Switch-family Maintenance Mode menu instructions on a Switch 2. Nintendo’s separate Switch 2 guidance calls the feature Recovery Mode and names its keep-data option Restore Settings (Keep User Data). The procedure begins with the console powered off: hold volume up and volume down while pressing POWER, and continue holding both volume buttons until Recovery Mode appears. A Parental Control PIN may be requested.
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)
When to contact Nintendo for service
If freezing continues to the point that it affects gameplay after troubleshooting, Nintendo advises sending the console in for service. See its frozen-console troubleshooting guidance for the official escalation. Service costs and turnaround times depend on region and are not established by that guidance.
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
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