What should I do if my Nintendo Switch says ‘corrupted data was found’?

I totally understand the frustration you’re feeling. When my console threw this error, I first tried a quick restart. Holding the power button for about five seconds and selecting ‘Restart’ from the menu often clears up minor software hiccups. If that doesn’t work, ensure your system is updated by navigating to ‘System Settings’, then ‘System’, then ‘System Update’. If your game data seems corrupted, go to ‘Data Management’ and delete and redownload the software. Losing progress can be nerve-wracking, so always back up your saves in the cloud if you have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.

Facing corrupted data can definitely stir up some worries, but here’s how I addressed it. Initially, I restarted my Switch by holding down the power button for around fourteen seconds. Next, I conducted a ‘Check for Corrupted Data’ by going to ‘Data Management’ within the ‘System Settings’. This utility often finds and fixes minor issues automatically. If the problem persisted, I would make sure my game and system updates are up to date. For a more thorough fix, removing the game completely and redownloading it ensures that any problematic data is scrubbed out. In dire situations, remember that Nintendo’s customer support is quite helpful and responsive when reached.

Here’s how I sorted it out when my Switch showed corrupted data: I began by turning off the console completely, waiting about ten minutes before restarting it. Sometimes, a fresh boot can clear temporary issues. Checking the game cartridge is also a crucial step if you’re using a physical copy; cleaning it gently with a soft cloth and checking for visible damage. In the case of digital downloads, heading to ‘Manage Software’, deleting the affected game, and redownloading from the eShop resolved the issue for me. If those steps don’t work, clearing the console cache through ‘System Settings’ and ‘Formatting Options’ might do the trick.

When I encountered this issue, I took a multi-step approach. First, I held the power button to turn off the Switch and left it off for a few minutes. Upon turning it back on, I went directly to ‘System Settings’, then ‘Data Management’, and selected ‘Check for Corrupted Data’. Once the scan was finished, I checked to ensure that everything was up to date, both software and firmware. If still facing issues, I proceeded to delete and reinstall the problematic game. At one point, I thought my microSD card might be a factor, so I removed it, tested the console without it, and formatted it separately to eliminate it as the cause.