How to Fix Switch Game Card Not Reading: Troubleshoot

If your Switch isn’t reading game cards, start by cleaning the card. Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to wipe the gold contacts on the back of the card—wipe gently in one direction, not circular. Check the card slot for debris: use a dry cotton swab to gently clean the slot, or compressed air to blow out dust. Insert the card firmly into the slot—you should hear a click. If the card still isn’t read, try a different game card to rule out a faulty card. Restart the console by holding the power button for 15 seconds, then try again. Update your system firmware to the latest version, as outdated software can cause card-reading issues. If the slot is damaged (e.g., bent pins), contact Nintendo Support for repair.