How To Fix Nintendo Switch Keeps Lagging| NEW in 2024!

Nintendo Switch is a hybrid console that is uniquely designed as either a home console or a portable device with great quality games. Like most competitors, Nintendo Switch is also not immune to technical issues encountered by other consoles. One common problem some users face is when Nintendo Switch keeps lagging or becoming unresponsive. You don’t need to worry though,as this type of error can normally be fixed in a few minutes by following some troubleshooting steps unless it’s a hardware issue.

Causes why a Nintendo Switch keeps lagging

There are various reasons why a Nintendo Switch malfunctions. It may be caused by glitches or bugs of a game, an internet connection issue, incomplete update of the software, or the hardware itself.

Slow Internet connection.

Lagging issues from your Nintendo Switch can be caused by unstable or slow internet connection. There are a lot of factors affecting your internet performance. It could be a congestion of wifi when there are more devices connected at the same time, certain devices utilizing more bandwidth because of streaming, signal strength of the wifi, or it could be a defective modem.

Bugs or glitches of a game.

A downloaded game in your Nintendo Switch with bugs or glitches can cause the overall performance of a console too. This normally occurs when there are new updates, patches or upgrades being made for a certain game. Issues stemming from updates are eventually fixed by developers.

Corrupted software.

From time to time, your Nintendo Switch may receive software updates that contain additional features or fixes for bugs that were encountered. Sometimes, these updates may contain bugs themselves that the developer may have missed.

How to fix your Nintendo Switch that keeps lagging

Below are the possible solutions that you can do to fix your Nintendo Switch if it’s lagging or getting unresponsive.

  1. Check for slow connection issue.

    When you experience lagging issues on your Nintendo Switch, you need to identify the download and upload speeds of your internet by running a speed test. Take note that the speed requirements for Nintendo Switch should be at least 3 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload. Here’s how to do a speed test on your console:
    -Select System Setting from the Home Screen of your Nintendo Switch.
    -Scroll down and select Internet.
    -Select Test Connection on the right pane to run the speed test. Connection test successful message will appear after the test is completed and the speed results should be found at the bottom of the screen.NAT type 3

  2. Use wired connection.

    When the speeds don’t meet the requirement, try to unplug and replug the power cord of your modem to restart the connection until speed improves. If lagging continues even if the speed results are good, connect your Nintendo Switch directly to the modem using a LAN adapter. This is done to identify if the problem still exists even if connected directly.
    How To Set Up Nintendo Switch Wired Connection (LAN Cable)router 10

  3. Power cycle the Nintendo Switch.

    A soft reset of the Nintendo Switch console can also fix lagging concerns when playing. Here’s how to do it:
    -Press and hold down (for at least 15 seconds) the power button found on the top left of the Nintendo Switch. 
    -Select Power Options.
    -Select Power Off and then the screen will turn dark.
    -Press the power button for a few seconds to turn it back on. The Nintendo logo will then appear. 
    Power button 2

  4. Set Port Forwarding of Nintendo Switch in your router

    Port forwarding can be the best solution for this concern if lagging still exists after the above steps had been performed. This is a technique to keep unwanted traffic off your network.The steps are a little complicated as it requires you to access your router settings and open certain ports for your Nintendo Switch. 

    How To Get NAT Type A On Nintendo Switch | Port Forwarding

    You can also contact your Internet Service provider to set the port forwarding themselves if they are the ones who provide your router.

What if your Nintendo Switch still continues to lag?

If none of the solutions in this guide helped you at all, you can assume that the problem is likely caused by bad hardware. You should consider getting help from Nintendo by calling them so they can help you set up a repair request.

Suggested readings:

Visit our TheDroidGuy Youtube Channel for more troubleshooting videos.

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