Quickly Fix Nintendo Switch SD Card Corrupted Data

If you are unable to open or play certain games then your Nintendo Switch SD card has corrupted data. Most of the users face this issue.

At first, you may not be able to identify the problem. Because the games suddenly stop playing. When you click the game, it does not open. It may happen with all games or only with a few.

This situation indicates that your SD card data is corrupted. You can fix it by following this guide.

The data is usually corrupted when the game files fail to save properly or something interrupts the process.

Another reason is that the game data has some missing files. Further, software bugs can also cause corrupted data.

1. Fake or Incompatible SD Card

One of the biggest reasons for corrupted data is a fake SD card. Unfortunately, you have purchased a cheap or fake SD card that’s why the data is corrupted.

Another possibility is that the SD card is not compatible with your Nintendo Switch. So, you will need to replace it with a compatible, good quality, and genuine SD card.

Here is a list of SD cards compatible with Nintendo Switch;

• microSD (up to 2 GB)
• microSDHC (4 GB – 32 GB)
• microSDXC (64 GB and above)

You can get more information about different types of SD cards from here. Confirm that your SD card is original.

Read the specifications and brand name printed on it. If it is fake, you can purchase an original SD card from Amazon.

2. Fix the Corrupted Data

If your SD card is original and compatible, the issue may be in the game files. The Nintendo Switch has an in-built feature to check corrupted data.

You can check and fix it by the following method;

1. Open ‘Settings’ from the Home menu. Scroll down and click the ‘Data Management’ option appearing on the left side.
2. Next, tap the ‘Software’ option showing on the right side. Here you will see both options; ‘System Memory’ and ‘microSD card’.
3. It will show you the list of games, select the game that is not playing. Then, scroll down and click the ‘Check for Corrupted Data’ tab.
4. This will start scanning the data files and requires a few minutes.
5. Once the process is complete, it will show the summary. You will see a popup saying “The software data is not downloaded. It will be downloaded now.”
6. Click the ‘Download’ button to start the process. But, make sure that your Switch is connected to a reliable internet network.

3. Reinsert the SD Card

Sometimes, a simple trick can solve the problem. Maybe your SD card is not inserted or seated properly. Therefore, the data appears corrupted.

1. Turn OFF your Switch completely and disconnect from all devices.
2. Remove the SD card and clean the slot.
3. Insert the SD card again after a few seconds and turn ON your device.
4. If this does not help, remove the SD card. Download the corrupted game directly on your Switch.

4. Format the SD Card

If the issue still persists, the manufacturer recommends formatting the SD card. It will delete all the saved data. But, you can re-download the games again.

Moreover, the subscriptions or purchases will also remain intact after formatting. It is better to backup all the data to your computer. The process is as follows;

1. Remove the SD card from your Switch and insert it into a laptop or Windows computer using a card reader or adapter.
2. Copy or Backup all the important data to your computer and then reinsert the SD card into your Switch.
3. Open the ‘System Settings’ from the Home menu on your Nintendo Switch.
4. Scroll down and tap the ‘System’ option showing on the left.
5. Next, choose the ‘Formatting Options’ from the menu on the right side.
6. Enter the ‘Parental Controls PIN’ if it asks. If you forgot the PIN, click here.
7. Now, choose the ‘Format microSD Card’ option and then click the ‘Continue’ button.
8. Your SD card is now formatted. Download the games again and the issue will be gone.

Related: Fix Nintendo Switch Not Reading SD Card

5. Replace The SD Card

If you are still facing the problem, try this last method to fix the bug. You still have the option of replacing the SD card. Please replace the SD card and download the games directly into your system. You can store these games in your system memory.

Final Words

We have mentioned some basic solutions to fix the corrupted SD card data.

However, the final solution is to format the card and download the games again. The issue will not arise again if your SD card is genuine.

Nevertheless, if the issue is not resolved or keeps on reoccurring then you need to replace the SD card with a new one.

But, we are sure, this guide will help fix your Nintendo Switch SD card’s corrupted data.