Fix Nintendo Switch Error: The Software Was Closed Because An Error Occurred

The Nintendo Switch is a video gaming console developed by Nintendo and released in 2017. It’s a hybrid console that can be used as both a home console & a portable device. It transforms the home console to a handheld that offers you to play your favorite games anytime, anywhere. If you also face the same issue, check the steps to fix the Nintendo Switch Error: The Software Was Closed Because An Error Occurred.

The standard edition has a dock connector for the TV casting and a removable Joy-Con controller. However, some Switch users may experience a force close while playing any game. But some users have started reporting that the game crashes automatically during the gameplay, and the system throws an error message something like “The Software Was Closed Because An Error Occurred.” So, if you’re one of them and want to know more about it or fix it, then check this troubleshooting guide.

Fix Nintendo Switch Error: The Software Was Closed Because An Error Occurred

According to plenty of affected Switch users, they have tried multiple steps to fix this error like rebooting Nintendo Switch, Power cycling, checking for the corrupted data, reinstalling Nintendo firmware, moving the game to an SD card, reinstalling SD card, performing a factory reset, and more. However, none of these methods or tricks are useful for most users.

Meanwhile, some users have reported that the game mainly crashes or this error message appears only when using the primary Nintendo account. We’ve shared some more possible workarounds below that you should try.

1. Restart Switch

• Press and hold the Power button for a few seconds to turn off the Switch.
• The Power menu will appear > Select Power Off.
• Wait for a few seconds until the switch is turned off completely.
• Hold the Power button again for a couple of seconds to turn on the switch.

2. Check the Software Update

• Connect your Nintendo Switch to the internet first.
• Head over to the Home menu > Select System Settings.
• Choose System > Select System Update.
• Now, wait for a few seconds to check for the available update.
• If there is a new update available, download the update.
• Similarly, you can head over to the Home menu > Select the particular game icon you want to check whether any update is available.
• Next, press the Add (+) button or Minus (-) button from the Switch > Select Software Update.

3. Reinsert the Game Card

If you’re experiencing issues with the gameplay or even launching the game on Nintendo Switch, try removing and reinserting the game card properly. Ensure that you’re not playing any of the games at that time. Head over to the Home menu and switch off the console before pulling out the game card. Once done, please wait a few seconds and try reinserting it. Now, restart your Switch and try running the game again.

4. Check Corrupted Game Data

• Head over to the Home menu on Switch > Select System Settings.
• Scroll down to the left side and choose Data Management.
• Select Software from the right side.
• Choose the specific game software and select Check for Corrupt Data.

5. Remove and Reinstall Game

• Jump to the Home menu > Select System Settings.
• Scroll down and select Data Management.
• Choose Software > Select the particular game and delete it.
• Now, restart the Nintendo Switch once.
• Finally, please search for the deleted game and reinstall it again.
• Try running the game and check for the issue.

6. Perform Factory Reset

• Go to the System Settings menu under Games and Apps.
• Select System > Go to Formatting under the System menu.
• Select it > Search for Initialize Console & choose it.
• Then you will need to confirm the factory reset by choosing Next.
• Wait for a few seconds or minutes in order to delete the system data and restore it to default.
• Restart the Switch and log into the Nintendo account.
• Connect to the internet.
• Download the game and try running it.

7. Use a Secondary Account/Profile

Sometimes it can be possible that due to some technical or server-related, or even account-related issues, Nintendo Switch users can find it difficult to launch or play the game due to the force crashes. It also can be possible that the game crashes because some of your friends are online, according to some of the affected users. So, creating a secondary Nintendo account or a secondary profile and running the game using it is better. That means neither you need to worry about account issues nor get friends online issues.

That’s it, guys. We hope that you’ve found this troubleshooting guide helpful. Feel free to ask in the comment below for further queries.