What to do if your Nintendo Switch suddenly won't turn on
Is your Nintendo Switch not turning on? Don't freak out. It might just need a reset.
In the week since we got Nintendo's new console here at Mashable, I've come across a handful of instances where the Switch just wouldn't turn on. Didn't matter if it was in tablet mode or TV mode -- press the power button, no response.
The fix turned out to be easy: it needed a hard reset. The process is very simple, and similar to what you'd do to reset other electronics.
Press and hold the power button for 15 seconds, then release
Press the power button normally once
That's all it takes. I've run into this with our Switch twice now, and I spoke with two colleagues who both had the same issue as well. The reset fixed it in all cases.
Both times this happened with Mashable's Switch it seemed to get stuck in sleep mode -- which is the console's default "not in use" state. I tried to turn it on after stepping away but got no response. If the same happens to you, try this fix.
Like any game console or tablet, the Switch is just a highly specialized computer. Knowing how to perform a reset when the system starts acting funky is always a helpful first step.
Here's Nintendo's Switch support page if you're still having problems.
Topics Gaming Nintendo Nintendo Switch
Adam Rosenberg is a Senior Games Reporter for Mashable, where he plays all the games. Every single one. From AAA blockbusters to indie darlings to mobile favorites and browser-based oddities, he consumes as much as he can, whenever he can.Adam brings more than a decade of experience working in the space to the Mashable Games team. He previously headed up all games coverage at Digital Trends, and prior to that was a long-time, full-time freelancer, writing for a diverse lineup of outlets that includes Rolling Stone, MTV, G4, Joystiq, IGN, Official Xbox Magazine, EGM, 1UP, UGO and others.Born and raised in the beautiful suburbs of New York, Adam has spent his life in and around the city. He's a New York University graduate with a double major in Journalism and Cinema Studios. He's also a certified audio engineer. Currently, Adam resides in Crown Heights with his dog and his partner's two cats. He's a lover of fine food, adorable animals, video games, all things geeky and shiny gadgets.
