Nintendo Switch, a video game console is used worldwide because of the excellence it provides the users. Besides its amazing features such as its use as a hybrid console (it can be used as a home console and a portable device at the same time), it also causes some errors just like any other device.
Nintendo Switch’s black screen of death is a common error reported by users. The switch shows a black screen when turned on or it will not wake up from sleep mode. Sometimes the Nintendo switch may not even turn on at all.
Do you also face a Nintendo black screen of death issue? If yes, then you need not worry at all! This post shares several workarounds that will help you fix this error within a few minutes.
Why Does The Nintendo Black Screen Of Death Occur?
Before proceeding with the fixes, it’s important to dig deep to find the actual cause of the error. Knowing the root of the problem enables you to fix it more efficiently. Check out the list below to find out why your Nintendo Switch shows a black screen error.
Due to Screen Damage
Any damage caused to the screen may result in a black screen error on your Nintendo
Switch. In this scenario, you’ll still be able to hear the audio on your device whereas the screen has turned black, blocking all visuals.
Battery Depletion
Usually, the Nintendo Switch shows a black screen of death when the battery is drained out. Your device keeps using the battery even when it’s in sleep mode. So if you see a battery icon before the screen blacks out, then recharge your console to function properly.
AC Adapter Malfunctioning
The adapter fails to transfer the energy supply to the device if the adapter is broken or the wires are damaged. Hence, the console doesn’t get an electric supply and shows a black screen of death due to the low battery supply.
Damaged Dock
The dock displays the Nintendo Switch games on television. A damaged dock may lead to a black screen error on the console device. Inspect the Nintendo Switch dock thoroughly for any technical issues.
Non-functional Power Socket
If all other components are functioning properly then look for the power socket problems. Sometimes, the socket wires are damaged and do not carry an electric charge. In this scenario, your battery doesn’t get the necessary power supply and the console shows a black screen of death.
Temporary Glitch
Although Nintendo Switch has efficient and outstanding software, still it shows minor software glitches just like any other device. Sometimes, these software glitches are the culprit behind the Nintendo Switch’s black screen of death.
9 Easy Ways To Fix Nintendo Switch Black Screen Error
Fixing the Nintendo Switch’s black screen doesn’t require rocket science. You only need a guidebook at hand before starting the process. This article provides you with the most efficient and proven methods to fix the black screen error.
1. Soft Reset
A soft reset removes any software glitches while restoring the device to the factory settings. However, the process does not delete any information stored on your console device. The process of soft reset goes like this;
- Firstly, turn off your console device by pressing and holding the power button for approximately 15 seconds.
- When the device is turned off, press and hold the power button and both the volume buttons at a time. Release the buttons when a recovery menu appears.
- Once you open the menu, select Restore factory settings without deleting save data.
- Now follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
2. Hard Reset
Hard resetting leads the device to reboot its system. Sometimes it’s just enough for our console to turn ON smoothly and the screen operates normally. There is no need to be concerned about data loss, as this process does not delete your stored data.
- You have to press and hold the start button for 15 seconds approximately until the system reboots.
- Now, turn the console ON to see whether the error has been removed or not.
3. Update Nintendo Switch
Every console has its safe mode named recovery mode that helps your system to update. Many users report that updating their console has fixed the issue for them. Here is how to do this.
- Press and hold the power and volume up and down buttons at the same time.
- Hold for a few seconds until you see the second Nintendo Switch logo.
- Click on the System option under the System Settings.
- After that, select System Update.
- Finally, download and install the updates for your device.
When the Nintendo Switch restarts automatically after the update, check if the black screen error has been removed or not.
4. Initialize The Switch
This could also be the case that the data saved in your Nintendo Switch might be corrupted and hence, causing the screen to blackout. Now the problem is that you don’t know which file exactly causes the trouble. So, the only option to get rid of corrupted data is initializing your console. It’s not a complex method to apply. The following steps lead you to the initialization.
- First of all, press and hold the power button and both volumes up and down buttons to start the process.
- Wait for 5 to 10 seconds until a menu appears on your screen.
- Once you are here, scroll down to select Initialize Nintendo Switch.
- Now you have to wait for a while until the process completes and the console restarts automatically. (It takes time to clear all the data and restore the software.)
- In the end, set up your Nintendo account again and download your favourite games.
5. Recharge The Nintendo Switch
The screen might have turned black just because there is not enough power to support the operation of the device. Simply recharge the console to see if it works.
- Plugin the Nintendo Switch into the power socket via cable.
- Let the device charge for about 10 to 20 minutes.
- Now, try turning ON the device to see if it works properly.
6. Check The Power Cord
It happens in most cases that the cable, through which the console is connected to the adapter for the power supply, is damaged. As the wires are wrapped by rubber covering, you can not see if there is any damage to the wires. Try using a different cord to see whether it supplies electricity to the console or not.
7. Reset The Adapter
Other than the cord, your AC adapter may be the culprit. Don’t forget to check for its proper functioning. So how would you check your adapter’s functioning? Here is the easy way.
- Plug out the adapter from the power socket.
- Wait for about 30 seconds.
- Now re-plug in the adapter and try to charge your Nintendo Switch. Hopefully, it will start working by now.
8. Change The Adapter
If you find out that it’s the adapter causing the issue, you should use a different one. Unplug the adapter and plug in another one to see if it works. Even if you are not sure about your adapter is the culprit, you can try using a different one for confirmation.
9. Contact Nintendo Support Service
Tried all the methods but am still stuck with the black screen error. In this case, we would suggest you approach the Nintendo Switch support service to find a solution for your console dysfunction. May it be a hardware issue or a software glitch, Nintendo Store will get you out of the trouble foreshore.
Wrapping Up
It is heartbreaking when you see your console screen blackout and you are no longer able to enjoy your favourite games. That’s why, we came up with a number of different solutions, hoping any of them would work for you and help you get rid of the black screen error.
Try resetting the console or looking for hardware issues to detect the problem and solve it. If nothing helps, go to the Nintendo store for assistance. They will inspect your console thoroughly to detect where the issue occurs. I believe this article turns out to be helpful for you.
