How to Fix “The Game Card Could Not be Read” Error on Nintendo Switch?

5 Easy Ways to Fix Nintendo Switch Game Card Error

You may encounter the Game Card error on Nintendo Switch if the firmware of the Nintendo Switch is outdated. Moreover, the corrupt cache of the Nintendo Switch may also cause the issue at hand. The issue arises when a user encounters the following error during a game or when the Switch is b brought out of sleep (either in the dock or out of it):

The game card could not be read. Please remove it and reinsert it.

If this message appears repeatedly, please check the following page on your smart device or PC.

support.nintendo.com/switch/gamecarderror

Nintendo Switch Game Card Error
Nintendo Switch Game Card Error Fix

You can fix the Nintendo game switch card error by updating the firmware or clearing the cache of the Nintendo Switch as discussed below:

Update Firmware of Your Nintendo Switch to the Latest Build

Your Nintendo switch may show the game card issue if the firmware of your switch is outdated and updating the firmware of your Nintendo Switch to the latest build may solve the problem.

  1. Open System Settings on the Home screen of your Nintendo switch and steer to the System tab.
    Open System Settings of Nintendo Switch
  2. Now select System Update and let the update install (if an update is available).
    Run the System Update in the System Tab of the Nintendo Switch
  3. Once updated, check if the Switch is clear of the game card error.

Reset the Cache of the Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch might show the game card error if the switch’s cache is corrupt and clearing the cache of the Nintendo Switch may solve the problem.

  1. Launch the System Settings of Nintendo Switch and head to its System tab.
  2. Then open the Formatting Options and select Reset Cache.
    Open Formatting Options of Nintendo Switch
  3. Now choose the user profile for which you want to clear the cache and click Reset.
    Reset Cache of Nintendo Switch
  4. Once the cache is reset, click OK and check if it is clear of the game card issue.
    Confirm to Reset the Cache of the User Profile on the Nintendo Switch

Clean and Reinsert the Game Card

The game card issue of the Nintendo gaming console could be the result of a temporary malfunction of the Switch and reinserting the card may solve the problem.

  1. Remove the Game card from the Switch and insert back the card to check if the issue is resolved.
    Reinsert the Game Card in Nintendo Switch
  2. If not, then check if slowly reinserting the card with a slight angle solves the issue.
  3. If not, remove the card from the Switch and clean the card’s connections with rubbing alcohol.
  4. Then blow the air from a compressed can to the card slot of the switch.
  5. Now slowly reinsert the game card and check if the game card issue is resolved.
  6. If that did not work, then remove the problematic game card from the slot and insert another game card in the Switch.
  7. Then check if the newly inserted card is working fine.
  8. If so, then insert back the problematic game card and check if it is operating fine.

Unplug Headphones from the Nintendo Switch

If the headphones of Nintendo Switch are short-circuiting the auxiliary port (next to the game card reader), then unplugging the headphone may solve the problem.

  1. Remove the Game Card from the Switch and unplug your headphones from the switch.
    Unplug Headphone from the Nintendo Switch
  2. Now press the Volume Down button till the switch sound is off.
    Press the Volume Down Button of Nintendo Switch to Turn Off Its Sound
  3. Then insert the Game Card into the Switch and check if the Game Card issue is resolved.

Restart the Nintendo Switch

If the Nintendo Switch is showing the game card error even after reinserting the card a couple of times, then restarting the Nintendo Switch (as it will reinitialize different hardware components of the switch) may solve the problem.

  1. Press the Power button of the Nintendo Switch and when the Power menu is shown on the screen, open Power Options.
    Open Power Options of Nintendo Switch
  2. Then select Restart and once the Switch is powered on, check if it is clear of the Game Card issue.
    Restart the Nintendo Switch
  3. If not, then remove the Game Card from the Switch and Turn off (not sleep) the Switch. If the Switch is connected to a charger, then remove the Switch from the charger.
  4. Now reinsert the Game Card and power on the Switch to check if it is clear of the Game Card error.

If the issue persists, then either your Game Card is faulty (especially if it does not work with another Switch or PC) or the slot of the Nintendo Switch is malfunctioning (especially, if other Game Cards are also not working with the Switch).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kevin Arrows


Kevin Arrows is a highly experienced and knowledgeable technology specialist with over a decade of industry experience. He holds a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification and has a deep passion for staying up-to-date on the latest tech developments. Kevin has written extensively on a wide range of tech-related topics, showcasing his expertise and knowledge in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. His contributions to the tech field have been widely recognized and respected by his peers, and he is highly regarded for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.