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This product is an electronic device that can be damaged by mistreatment. Carrying cases and additional protective materials may be purchased separately and help prevent damage.
Please carefully read this Operations Manual before setting up or playing with your Nintendo Switch system. If you have additional questions, please visit support.nintendo.com. Built-in instructions are also available through the Nintendo Switch Home Screen and System Settings ().
This Operations Manual is designed for first-time users of Nintendo Switch, and is intended to assist players with initial console setup and gameplay. Advanced user manuals can be found at support.nintendo.com.
To use this manual, follow the below table of contents. Entries are itemized by number, and can be searched by clicking on an entry, or by using your browser's document search function (ctrl+f) to search for the associated information (eg: ctrl+f: "5.6" will take the user to the entry "Playing in Tabletop Mode").
We know you're eager to start playing the latest Nintendo games as soon as possible, but before you do, please review the information in this operations manual. You'll learn best practices for setting up your Nintendo Switch console to ensure the best possible gaming experience.
This manual contains basic information on
You'll also find some troubleshooting tips, frequently asked questions, and glossary terms in case you get stuck. This manual was intended to help first-time users set up their consoles, so more advanced users can find additional information at support.nintendo.com.
For now, let's get started setting up your Nintendo Switch, or in the words of Mario, "Let's-a go!"
Your Nintendo Switch package should contain the following components. Components should be packaged in safety material to prevent damage during shipping. Please read this section before unpacking your Nintendo Switch.
ATTENTION
If any of the following is missing, please contact your retailer.
Console Tablet
Packaging should contain:
Console Dock
Packaging should contain:
2 Joy-Con™ Controllers
Packaging should contain:
HDMI Cable
Packaging should contain:
USB-C Power Cord
Packaging should contain:
Nintendo Switch is comprised of several key components, each of which has been designed to provide players with the best possible gaming experience, as well as meet industry standards for safety, environmental consideration, and durability. Please refer to the following charts to review those specifications. Please read this section before setting up your Nintendo Switch.
Console Tablet
Size (In) |
|
Weight (Oz) |
|
Display |
|
Processor |
|
Storage |
|
Wireless |
|
Video Output |
|
Audio Output |
|
Buttons |
|
Ports |
|
Slots |
|
Sensor |
|
Battery |
|
Power Consumption |
|
Console Dock
Size (In) | 6.8L x 4.1W x 2.12D |
Weight (Oz) | 11.5 |
Output |
|
Joy-Con Controllers
Size (In) | 4.1L x 1.3W x 0.55-1.12D |
Weight (Oz) |
|
Buttons |
|
Wireless |
|
Sensor |
|
Vibration |
|
Battery Life |
|
Accessories
Joy-Con Strap
Size (In) |
|
Weight (Oz) |
|
Joy-Con Grip
Size (In) |
|
Weight (Oz) |
|
Please read this section before setting up the Nintendo Switch console. There are a number of steps required to ensure the console is properly set up for use. It is important that the Nintendo Switch console be properly set up to prevent any potential issues or confusion.
Connect Joy-Cons
ATTENTION
Additional Joy-Cons may be synchronized after setup. Connect Joy-Cons to console and wait a moment for synchronization.
Dock Console
ATTENTION
Ensure Console Tablet screen is facing away from hatch section of dock.
Power On
ATTENTION
Ensure all electronic cables are firmly connected before powering on Nintendo Switch.
Once the Nintendo Switch console has been physically set up, players will need to turn the console on and ensure that everything is working properly. A basic user profile can then be created to use with the console. In addition, there are several optional setup choices that may improve the player experience, including Nintendo Switch Online setup, as well as parental controls. Please read this section to help set up your Nintendo Switch User Accounts.
First Time Setup
Follow instructions on-screen to set:
(Optional) Create Additional User Profiles
Nintendo Switch User Profile creation screen.
(Optional) Connect to WiFi
(Optional) Connect Nintendo Account
To create a Nintendo account, visit http://my.nintendo.com.
(Optional) Sign up for NIntendo Switch Online
(Optional) Activate Parental Controls and Safety
Nintendo Switch offers a variety of ways to play your favourite Nintendo games. Games can be purchased several ways, and the Nintendo Switch console can be set up in several configurations. This section deals with the purchase and installation of Nintendo Switch games as well as the Nintendo
Switch's various modes. Please read this section before attempting to play Nintendo Switch games.
Purchasing Nintendo Switch Game Cards
Nintendo Switch Game Cards can be purchased at any physical or online retailer dealing in video game sales. For best results, it is recommended that you buy only from authorized resellers of Nintendo products.
Nintendo Switch Game Cards must be inserted into the console in order to play.
Nintendo Switch Game Card.
Purchasing Nintendo Switch Digital Games
Nintendo eShop storefront.
Nintendo Switch games can also be purchased digitally through the Nintendo eShop and downloaded to your Nintendo Switch console. A WiFi connection is required to purchase and download games. Games can be downloaded to the Nintendo Switch's internal 32 GB flash drive, or to an optional MicroSD memory card and do not require a physical Game Card to play.
ATTENTION
Parental controls may restrict purchasing access. Ensure parental controls are set to allow purchases, or turned off prior to purchase.
To purchase and download a game:
Inserting Nintendo Switch Game Cards
Playing in Docked Mode
Nintendo Switch can be played while docked and connected to a television. Playing while docked lets the console access more power, and games will run at a slightly higher resolution.
ATTENTION
For health and safety, it is recommended players sit at least six feet from the screen in a well-lit area. Players are recommended to take a 15-minute break for every hour of gameplay.
To play games while the console is docked:
Playing in Handheld Mode
Nintendo Switch in Handheld Mode.
Nintendo Switch can also be played as a handheld device. The console will run on internal battery power in this mode. Battery life ranges from 3-9 hours, based on several factors, including the game being played, backlight level, WiFi connection, and volume.
For health and safety, it is recommended that players play while seated in a well-lit area and avoid unnecessarily transporting the console. Players are recommended to take a 15-minute break for every hour of gameplay.
ATTENTION
Nintendo Switch can be charged while playing in Handheld Mode, but it is recommended that the console be placed in the Tablet Dock for long term charging.
Playing in Tabletop Mode
Nintendo Switch with kickstand extended for Tabletop Mode.
Nintendo Switch can also be played as a tabletop device. The console will run on internal battery power in this mode. Battery life ranges from 3-9 hours, based on several factors, including the game being played, backlight level, WiFi connection, and volume.
For health and safety, it is recommended that players play while seated in a well-lit area and avoid unnecessarily transporting the console. Players are recommended to take a 15 minute break for every hour of gameplay.
Accessing Your Games
Nintendo Switch Home Screen with installed games.
Updating Your Games
Occasionally, Nintendo Switch games will receive software updates and patches over the console's WiFi connection. Users can check for updates manually:
Nintendo Switch game update screen
Playing Online with Nintendo Switch Online
Some Nintendo Switch games allow online play via the Internet. Online play may be accessed via each game's internal menu system. For more specific information, please refer to your game's instruction manual or help menu. Online play may also be restricted via parental controls.
ATTENTION
Online interactions are not moderated by Nintendo and are unrated by the ESRB. Parents should supervise children when playing online.
If this Nintendo Switch console is intended to replace another Nintendo Switch console, or to be used as a secondary console, you may need to transfer or copy your data. There are also several options for backing up user data (such as saved games) in order to prevent data loss. Please read this section prior to transferring any data between Nintendo Switch consoles or storage devices.
Backup Nintendo Switch Save Data
Backup Nintendo Switch Data from Software Menu
ATTENTION
In order to use cloud save data, the user must have a Nintendo Account and subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online.
Transfer Data Between Consoles
User data can be transferred between consoles over a wireless connection. From the first Nintendo Switch console:
ATTENTION
If there are no more user accounts left on the first Nintendo Switch console, a placeholder account will be automatically created.
See the following list of terms and their definitions as they relate to the Nintendo Switch. Please read this section to understand technical terms related to Nintendo Switch.
Term | Definition |
Player | The person using the Nintendo Switch console. |
Home Screen | The main menu screen of the Nintendo Switch. Shows up when the console is turned on. |
Joy-Con | One of two controller components shipped with Nintendo Switch. Can be used as an individual unit, as part of a pair, or secured to the console. |
Console Tablet | The primary component of the Nintendo Switch. Takes the form of a small touchscreen tablet. |
Console Dock | A plastic cradle into which the Console Tablet can be inserted to charge or connect to a television or other display in TV Mode.. |
Mode | One of the different ways to play Nintendo Switch. Includes:
|
Profile | A user account to which the player's information is synchronized and stored. |
Nintendo Switch Online | A service that allows players to use software online, backup information, and access additional content for certain games. |
Nintendo Account | A cross-platform account that allows a player to access additional online features of various Nintendo products and software. |
Update | Additional data added to game data to either fix an issue as well as provide additional content or modify existing software. |
Backup | Data that has been saved in multiple locations is considered "backed up". |
New players may have questions that have not been addressed earlier in the manual. Please read this section of frequently asked questions to find additional answers. If your question is not listed here, please contact us at support.nintendo.com.
Q: Do I need to connect to WiFi to use my Nintendo Switch? | A: No, you do not need to connect to WiFi to use Nintendo Switch, however, some features, such as the Nintendo eShop, are only available while connected to WiFi. |
Do I need a Nintendo Account to play games? | A: No, you do not need a Nintendo Account to play games, however, a Nintendo Account is required to play games online or access the eShop. |
Q: Do I need to update my games in order to play them? | A: No, you can play games without updating to the latest software version, however, online features may be restricted if a game is not updated regularly. |
Q: Do I need to turn the console off to change between modes (TV/Handheld/Tabletop) | A: No, Nintendo Switch transitions seamlessly between all modes of play. Simply remove the Tablet from the Dock or vice versa to change modes of play. |
Q: Can I switch between multiple games at the same time? | A: No, unfortunately, Nintendo Switch does not allow multitasking between applications. |
How many users can play downloaded games? | A: Games the Nintendo eShop can be played by all user accounts on the Nintendo Switch system. Purchases are locked to the system, rather than to a specific account. |
Q: How many games can I install to my Nintendo Switch? | A: The number of games installed depends on the amount of available storage. Nintendo Switch ships with 32 Gigabytes GB of internal storage, which can be expanded up to 2 Terabytes (TB) through MicroSD expansion cards. |
Q: Can I play with Nintendo Switch while it is charging? | A: Yes, you can play Nintendo Switch while the console charges, however, it will take longer for the console to reach its full charge. |
How do I charge my Joy-Cons? | A: Joy-Cons charge while they are connected to the Console Tablet. Separate charging units may be purchased from https://store.nintendo.com. |
Q: How many players does Nintendo Switch support at the same time? | A: Depending on the game, Nintendo Switch can support up to 8 players at the same time. Games that offer local multiplayer functionality will indicate the number of players allowed. |
If you experience any issues during setup of your Nintendo Switch console, please refer to this troubleshooting guide first. If issues persist after troubleshooting, please visit support.nintendo.com. If components are damaged or in need of repair, you may need set up a repair with our support division. Please read this section and perform troubleshooting steps prior to contacting Nintendo Support.
Issue | Solution |
Controllers not synchronizing |
|
Button or stick input is incorrectly registered |
|
Nintendo Switch won't charge |
|
Nintendo Switch won't turn on |
|
Game Card won't register or play |
|
Can't connect to the Internet |
|
Forgot password for Nintendo eShop |
|
Electric Shock Warning
Temperature Risk
Choking Hazard
Explosive Risk
For additional Health and Safety information, visit support.nintendo.com/switch/help or see "Support/Health & Safety" from the Nintendo Switch System Settings () Menu (
).
Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.
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