The Nintendo Switch is the premier console Nintendo nowadays. This means it is on the expensive side of purchases and it can be quite a hassle when your Nintendo Switch has just a Black Screen, but you can hear commands and music still running.
There are only a few issues that can cause this to happen to your Nintendo Switch, so we’ll help you understand what’s going on and what you can do about it.
The main reasons why your Nintendo Switch might be experiencing a Black Screen is because of the following:
- Problems with the Nintendo Switch Battery
- Your Nintendo Switch can have corrupted data
- High voltage charge
- Mechanical issues with the screen
- Critically low battery
Throughout this article, we discuss these issues in detail and provide some of our recommendations on which ones to particularly be wary of.
Related: The Number 1 Easy Way to Clean Your Nintendo Switch Fan
Nintendo Switch Battery
One of the major reasons why your Nintendo Switch might not be working is that your Switch’s battery has been severely damaged or simply will not charge. Your Switch’s battery is the primary and possibly only power supply that provides the requisite energy to your screen for it to turn on.
When your Nintendo Switch’s battery is damaged then it won’t properly distribute the amount of electricity required for your screen to turn on in the first place. Thus you will be required to fix the Nintendo Switch’s battery to get your screen to function properly again.
Such errors that are based on faulty hardware can be quite challenging to fix by oneself and require either a replacement to the part itself or the need to take your console to a professional to get it fixed.
Your Nintendo Switch could have corrupted data
Corrupted data might be another reason why your Nintendo Switch might not be working properly. This is because there are critical files in the software folders of the Nintendo Switch that dictate how it will display images on the screen.
In the case of the Black Screen, the specific files in the Nintendo Switch that dictate the apparent display of the Switch might be corrupted. This would then require an update to the software of the Switch or to reset it to factory settings, so that any changes or faults in the files themselves can be reverted.
Files being corrupted is one of the most common ways in which seemingly hardware faults can be experienced, even though no damage to the hardware was done recently. This should explain why even if you haven’t had any damage is done to your Nintendo Switch directly, why you might experience Black Screen issues.
High Voltage Charge
All electrical devices are set to run at an optimum voltage level when getting power from the main supply socket. However, if your area has recently experienced surges in electrical output then your device might have consumed an excess of that voltage. This can damage many internal structures of your Nintendo Switch, especially its screen.
The use of a multi-meter or a voltage checker has become increasingly important in this day and age, because electronic systems have become increasingly fragile. The Nintendo Switch charger supports 7.5 watts worth of charging profile. Any input into the device that is higher than its designated range will cause severe damage to its system.
The best method to make sure that this is the problem that you’re facing is to check the output values of your charger through a multi-meter. If the values fall outside of the acceptable range it should be a given that you should discuss repairs with a professional.
Related: How to Clean Your Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Mechanical issues with the Switch screen
Screens such as those attached to the Nintendo Switch are extremely fragile and are susceptible to breakage or harm. One reason for this can be that you’ve recently dropped your Nintendo Switch or that it has faced some form of blunt damage to its screen. In most cases, the screen itself might not crack, however, internal damage might occur.
This damage can severely affect the internal wiring of the Nintendo Switch. In some instances, this can cause the display to be disconnected from the battery supply. This causes the screen to remain black even when the other systems of the Switch are functioning. Hence the Black screen.
Moreover, other forms of damage can also occur to the Nintendo Switch. One of the characteristic features of LCD screens is that they utilize pixels to display their images. These spots on the screen can be harmed over time. This can cause the creation of dead zones on your screen that might cause darkening.
In those particular spots, no image will be formed and if the issue continues to spread, you can experience an instance where your entire screen is dark. Yet all of your systems will seemingly be functioning. This can be quite an issue and requires Nintendo customer support to be contacted immediately.
Related: How to Fix Nintendo Switch Dock Not Working (Simple Solution)
Critically low battery
The final issue that might be causing your Nintendo Switch to have a Black screen is if your Nintendo Switch has a critically low battery. What this means is that the battery has been so completely depleted that the screen functions simply do not have the required power to turn on.
This is quite common as so many of the Nintendo Switches’ systems are taking power. The joy cons are attached to the Nintendo Switch and require a separate input of power. The internal sound system requires additional power. The system processing requires power and of course, the display requires power.
When your system’s overall battery life is completely depleted it does not initiate the screen or begin to give it required energy. This causes it to stay black and does not work.
If this is the issue you are facing then we recommend disconnecting all additional peripherals from your Nintendo Switch and placing it on charge. Wait 15 minutes and then attempt to hard reset your Nintendo Switch. In this instance, it should work out and your screen should come back online.
And those were the 5 reasons that your Nintendo Switch has a black screen. If you’re facing any of the problems that we’ve mentioned in this list then let us know in the comment section.
If you’re facing an issue that we haven’t discussed in this article, please provide details of your issue. We might be able to help you out.
Nonetheless, hope you found this enlightening. Till next time. Ciao!