- Gaming and consoles
- Nintendo Switch
2164-0020
Nintendo 2164-0020 on Nintendo Switch: software will not start
Risk level
Low
Usually safe to check without specialist tools.
Urgency
Low
Quick answer
The console showed 2164-0020 while starting software. Nintendo asks you to delete the software from the console, remove the game card, reinsert it and start the software; it will then prompt you to redownload updates.
Safety first
Stop and check this first
- Deleting the software is not the same as deleting its save data. Do not choose the option to delete save data: you would lose your progress in that game.
Safe checks you can perform
- Delete the software from the console
- Reinsert the game card and start the software
- Redownload the updates it asks for
Leave these tasks to a qualified professional
- Do not attempt this professional task: Nintendo Customer Support
- Do not attempt this professional task: Case details for Nintendo
What a technician must be able to justify
Technician visit
These are the steps they must carry out and show you. Tick them as they work: if steps are skipped, do not accept a part swap.
These are not instructions for opening or handling the equipment yourself. They are the checks that should support a technical conclusion.
Nintendo Customer Support
What they doIf the issue persists after deleting the software, reinserting the card and updating, Nintendo asks you to contact its Customer Support.
They must show youwhat they checked with the game card and the console.
In writingThe case number, the date and the solution or repair offered.
Case details for Nintendo
What they doState the game, whether the error came before or after redownloading the updates and whether it repeats with the card reinserted.
They must show youwhere their diagnosis matches what you did.
In writingWhat was agreed, with the date and case number.
Before accepting a part or repair
Nothing has been shown yet. Do not accept a part swap based on the code alone.
Follow these steps
Note: Follow the documented order. An error code identifies the affected system, but it does not prove by itself which part has failed.
Delete the software from the console
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- Delete the software showing the error from the console, without deleting its save data.
- Result that matters:
- That the software no longer appears on the HOME Menu.
- If it is deleted:
- go on to reinsert the game card.
- If the console will not let you delete it:
- note it for Customer Support.
- Evidence to keep:
- The software name and the version it had installed.
Evidence: Nintendo Switch error code 2164-0020 (Nintendo UK Support)
Reinsert the game card and start the software
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- Remove the game card from the console, reinsert it and start the software.
- Result that matters:
- Whether the software starts without 2164-0020.
- If it starts:
- the fault was in the data you deleted.
- If the code appears again:
- contact Nintendo's Customer Support.
- Evidence to keep:
- A photo of the code if it returns.
Evidence: Nintendo Switch error code 2164-0020 (Nintendo UK Support)
Redownload the updates it asks for
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- When the console prompts you after starting the software, redownload the available updates.
- Result that matters:
- Whether the software still starts with the updates installed.
- If it starts:
- the problem is solved.
- If the error returns after updating:
- contact Nintendo's Customer Support and say at which step it came back.
- Evidence to keep:
- The software version after updating.
Evidence: Nintendo Switch error code 2164-0020 (Nintendo UK Support)
Still not solved
If the error persists, stop here. See what the technician must do and show you.
Where this code applies
A code is meaningful only inside the right product and version context.
Primary scope
- System
- Gaming and consoles
- Brand
- Nintendo
- Product type
- Nintendo Switch
Known code variants
- código de error 2164-0020 Switch
- error 2164-0020 game card
- error 2164-0020 Nintendo Switch
- error 2164-0020 tarjeta de juego
- Nintendo error 2164-0020
- Nintendo Switch 2164-0020
- Switch 2 2164-0020
- Switch error code 2164-0020
What it means
Nintendo documents 2164-0020 while starting software on Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch and gives a short procedure centred on the game card: delete the software from the console, reinsert the card, start it and redownload the updates it asks for. If the issue persists, it refers you to its Customer Support. The page does not explain what the code detects and does not attribute it to a fault in the card or the console's card reader.
Warnings and stop conditions
- Mediumeditorial warning
Deleting the software is not the same as deleting its save data. Do not choose the option to delete save data: you would lose your progress in that game.
Evidence: Nintendo Switch error code 2164-0020 (Nintendo UK Support)
Symptoms and causes
Probable causes · in order
- Software data installed on the consolePossible
Nintendo asks you to delete the software; if it starts after reinserting the card, the problem was in that data.
Evidence: Nintendo Switch error code 2164-0020 (Nintendo UK Support)
- Software updatesPossible
When started, the console asks to redownload them; if the error returns right after installing them, note it for support.
Evidence: Nintendo Switch error code 2164-0020 (Nintendo UK Support)
- Case the steps do not solvePossible
If the code persists after deleting the software and reinserting the card, Nintendo refers you to its Customer Support.
Evidence: Nintendo Switch error code 2164-0020 (Nintendo UK Support)
Virtual technician
Does 2164-0020 still appear after these checks?
Answer a few questions to narrow down the likely cause and the safest next action. Guidance only - it never replaces a professional.
Sources and technical references
- 1
Nintendo Switch error code 2164-0020 (Nintendo UK Support)
Nintendo UK Support · 2026 · official_doc
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