Nintendo Switch power · Settings guide
How to turn off a Nintendo Switch
Sources checked · how we check
Sleep Mode and turning off aren't the same on a Switch. To shut it down completely, open Power Options by holding the POWER button.
01 · Before you start
Check these first
- Sleep Mode saves power and lets you resume where you left off; turning off shuts the system down completely.
Source: Nintendo: how to power off the Nintendo Switch console
02 · Change the setting
Step by step, by device
Turn it off
Hold POWER 3 seconds → Power Options → Turn Off
- Press and hold the POWER button for at least three seconds.
- Select Power Options, then Turn Off.
Source: Nintendo: how to power off the Nintendo Switch console
If it's frozen
Hold POWER at least 12 seconds
- Remove any game cards and microSD cards.
- Press and hold the POWER button for at least twelve seconds to force the system to shut down.
- Press POWER once to turn it back on, and make sure it has the latest system update.
Source: Nintendo: unable to power off the console or the POWER button does not respond
If the setting doesn't change
If the Switch still won't power off after holding POWER for twelve seconds, Nintendo says the system needs service and recommends sending the AC adapter with it for testing.
Source: Nintendo: unable to power off the console or the POWER button does not respond
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Sleep Mode and turning off?
Nintendo says Sleep Mode reduces power use and lets you resume where you left off; turning off shuts the system down completely. Hold POWER for at least three seconds and choose Power Options → Turn Off.
How do I turn off a frozen Nintendo Switch?
Hold the POWER button for at least twelve seconds to force it to shut down.