Check Your Game Card
The first step when troubleshooting issues with a Nintendo Switch not reading game cards is to examine the physical game card. Look closely at the gold contacts on the bottom of the card for any signs of dirt, damage, or corrosion that could prevent proper contact. Gently clean the contacts using a cotton swab and a small amount of isopropyl alcohol. Allow contacts to fully dry before reinserting. This can help clean off any debris or oxidation on the pins.
Also check the game card for any scratches, cracks, dents, or other physical damage. If the card is severely damaged, this could be preventing the Switch from properly reading it. A damaged game card may need to be replaced. If the card looks pristine, the issue likely lies elsewhere. But it’s always a good idea to rule out a dirty or damaged game card first when troubleshooting read issues.
Check the Game Card Slot
One of the most common reasons a Nintendo Switch won’t read a game card is because there is some kind of obstruction or debris in the game card slot. Before trying anything else, inspect the game card slot closely to see if there are any obstructions, damage, or dirt/dust that could be interfering with the ability to read game cards.
Use a bright light and magnifying glass if needed to get a really close look at the game card slot. Look for any debris, damaged pins, or foreign objects that may have gotten lodged inside. Even a very small obstruction could prevent the Switch from making a proper connection with game cards.
If you see any dirt, dust, or other debris in the slot, use canned air to try and blow it out. Hold the can upright and spray in short bursts while carefully inserting and removing the nozzle to hit the slot from different angles. The compressed air should help dislodge any loose particles. Be very gentle, and avoid excess force or pressure when inserting the nozzle to prevent any damage to the delicate pins inside the slot.
After thoroughly cleaning out the game card slot, try inserting a game card again to see if the issue is resolved. If the Switch still isn’t reading games, further inspection and cleaning may be required, or there could be an underlying hardware issue. But in many cases, a good cleaning is all that’s needed to get game cards working again.
Source: Nintendo Support
Update the Console Software
One of the most common reasons a Nintendo Switch may fail to read game cards is because the console software needs to be updated. Nintendo regularly releases system updates that fix bugs, improve performance, and add features to the Switch.
To update your Switch software, first make sure your console is connected to the internet via WiFi. Then go to System Settings -> System -> System Update. The Switch will automatically check for and download the latest available system update.
Installing new system updates as they become available is always recommended, as they can resolve software issues preventing game cards from being read properly. Updates fix bugs, improve system stability, and optimize performance – all of which can help with game card reading problems.
For example, the Version 16.0.0 update for the Switch addressed several issues to “improve the user’s experience”. Subsequent updates like 16.1.0 and 17.0.0 likely include additional fixes. Keeping your system fully updated gives you the best chance of resolving any software bugs disrupting communication between the Switch and game cards inserted into the slot.
Try Different Games
If you receive a “game card could not be read” error with one game, try inserting different physical game cards to test if the issue persists. This will help determine if the problem lies with a single faulty game card, or if it is an issue with your Switch being unable to read multiple game cards properly.
Test both first-party Nintendo game cards like Mario Kart 8 and Animal Crossing, as well as any third-party game cards you own. If your Switch gives the reading error with multiple different game cards that are confirmed to be in good working condition, then the issue likely lies with the Switch console itself.
However, if you find that only one particular game card triggers the error, while other game cards can be read, then that one game is likely damaged in some way. A dirty contact, scratch, or other defect could prevent the card from being read. Carefully clean the contacts with isopropyl alcohol and inspect the card for defects. If it remains unreadable while other cards work fine, you may need to replace that faulty game card.
By trying a variety of different game cards, you can rule out a problem with just one card. This helps narrow down whether the root cause lies with the Switch hardware itself, or just with one damaged game.[1]
Check the Game Card Contacts
The contacts on Nintendo Switch game cards need to be clean and free of damage in order for the Switch to be able to read them properly. Over time, dirt, dust, and oils from your fingers can build up on the contacts, preventing a solid connection between the game card and the Switch console.
To clean the contacts, you’ll need a soft brush and some isopropyl alcohol. According to recommendations on Reddit, you can use 70% isopropyl alcohol diluted with water by half (source). Do not pour the alcohol directly onto the game card. Instead, dip the brush into the alcohol and gently brush the contacts. Allow the contacts to fully dry before reinserting the game card.
Be very gentle when cleaning and avoid bending the contacts. Scratching or damaging the contacts can ruin the game card. If the contacts look worn or corroded, the game card may need to be replaced.
Reseat the Game Card
One potential solution is to remove the game card and reinsert it securely into the slot. This ensures a good connection to the contacts on the card that allow it to be read by the Switch console.
To do this, first open the game card slot cover on the top of the console. Gently press down on the game card to release it, then slide it out of the slot. Examine the gold contacts on the bottom of the card and clean them if there is any dust or debris. Then, reinsert the card into the slot and press down firmly until it clicks into place.
Reseating the game card connects it securely to the hardware inside the Switch that reads the information stored on the card. If a loose connection was preventing the console from detecting the game, this should resolve that issue and allow the Switch to read the game data when powered back on.
If the game still doesn’t load after reseating the card, there could be an issue with the game card slot hardware itself. Checking the other troubleshooting steps around card slots, software updates, and trying different game cards can help narrow down where the problem lies.
Try a Different Switch
One way to test whether the issue is with your game card or your Switch console is to try inserting the card into a friend’s Switch. This isolates the variables and pinpoints where the problem lies. If the game card reads successfully on another Switch, then the issue is likely with your console’s card reader. But if the card fails to read on multiple Switch devices, then the card itself is likely defective or damaged in some way.
Before trying your card in a friend’s Switch, first make sure your hands and the contacts on the card are clean and free of debris. Gently insert the card and try launching the game. If it reads fine and you can play on their Switch, then your console is likely the cause. The card reader may need to be cleaned or possibly repaired or replaced. You can contact Nintendo support for troubleshooting tips or repair options. But if the card fails on all Switches tested, you may need to replace the damaged game card.
Contact Nintendo Support
If none of the troubleshooting steps resolve the issue of your Switch not reading game cards, it’s time to contact Nintendo Support for further help.
Nintendo’s support team are specialists who can diagnose any hardware or software issues with your Switch that prevent it from reading game cards. They have access to advanced technical tools and extensive knowledge databases to pinpoint the exact problem.
You can contact them via phone, live online chat, email, or an online support ticket. Be prepared to provide your Switch’s serial number, firmware version, detailed description of the issue, and steps you’ve tried already.
Nintendo’s experts can walk you through any additional troubleshooting steps, or determine if your Switch needs the game card reader replaced or another hardware repair.
According to their website, “If multiple game cards cannot be read, the Nintendo Switch system will need to be repaired.” They can arrange professional repairs if needed.
Speaking to Nintendo provides the best chance of resolving game card reading issues. Their technical support service aims to get your Switch functioning properly again.[1]
Send for Repair
If you’ve tried everything and game cards still won’t read on your Nintendo Switch, sending the console in for repair directly through Nintendo may be your last resort. Nintendo has repair centers that can diagnose hardware issues with the Switch and replace any faulty components like the game card slot.
According to Nintendo’s support article “Repairing Your Nintendo Switch System,” Nintendo can repair physical damage and other hardware issues with an online repair process [1]. This would apply to a faulty game card reader. The repair process involves filling out a repair request on Nintendo’s support site and then mailing in the console.
The Nintendo support article “Set Up a Repair for a Nintendo Product” also outlines the steps to start a repair request and send in your Switch or other Nintendo hardware [2]. While repair costs vary, this should fix any hardware defects that are preventing game cards from being read.
Buy a Replacement Card Slot
If your Switch’s game card slot is damaged or not functioning properly, buying a replacement card slot is an affordable option to repair it yourself. You can find replacement parts like the card slot on sites like iFixit or Nintendo’s online store.
Replacing the card slot does require disassembling the Switch console, which can be tricky. iFixit provides detailed repair guides to walk you through the process if you want to DIY. If you’re not comfortable taking apart your Switch, you may want to seek out a repair shop instead.
Overall, buying a new card slot and swapping it yourself is an affordable fix compared to replacing the entire console. Just make sure you feel capable of disassembling and reassembling the Switch properly without damaging any other components.