With the release of the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation Vita, handheld gaming earned renewed prominence. One of the primary appeals of the Switch was that players could enjoy a game anywhere. You could sit and play in your leisure hours at home or enjoy a game while traveling.
Handheld games make for fun and convenient gaming experiences. However, handheld game systems suffer technical difficulties like any other console. When these occur, players often have no idea how to fix the issue.
If that describes you, don’t worry! We’ll explore typical problems in the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation Vita, along with their solutions. So, let’s get started!
Dead Pixel Problems in Nintendo Handheld Games
In the past, Nintendo handheld games have experienced issues with dead pixels. By dead pixels, we mean dark patches and spots that appear on a device’s touchscreen because of stuck or dead pixels.
While the Nintendo Switch is the most recent console to suffer from this problem, it’s not the only example. When the Nintendo DS first launched in 2004, a similar issue occurred with its touchscreen.
Unfortunately, there’s not really a way to repair this problem. Dead pixels usually happen because of issues with individual LCD screens.
Instead, your best bet is to return the Switch and purchase a new one. You have the highest chances of returning the Switch if you bought it online. The Consumer Contracts Regulations allow you to return any online purchase within 14 days.
If you bought the Switch in-store, you may have a tough time returning it. Nintendo does not recognize this issue as a defect, so warranties usually won’t recognize the issue in their coverage.
Switch Handheld Game Console Won’t Turn On
This issue can be a little tricky. Sometimes, Switch owners can’t turn their handheld games on. The most common explanation for this is that the battery died.
We’ll assume, though, that you’ve already thought of that and charged the device. If your handheld game console still won’t turn on, it’s possible that the screen froze in a black screen position.
How can you tell if this is the problem? Nintendo suggests taking your Switch into a dark room. If you notice light coming from the black screen, your console has frozen.
What’s the solution? Hold the POWER button down for at least twelve seconds. Doing so will turn off the console.
Once you’ve done so, press the POWER button again to turn it back on. In most situations, this approach can solve the problem.
A similar problem sometimes occurs with the PlayStation Vita. Fortunately, if the Vita has a weak charge, it’s easier to tell. A blinking orange light will show that the Vita needs to charge.
If the screen is turned on but unresponsive, try a similar approach as for the Switch. Hold the power button down for about thirty seconds. Doing so will cause the system to shut down.
From there, give the system a little time to rest. In about an hour, turn it back on and see if the screen operates this time.
Running Out of Storage for Handheld Games
What happens if you download enough game software that you run out of storage? Unfortunately, this is easy to do on the Switch. Nintendo only provided 32GB of storage space, six GB of which run the operating system.
Fortunately, there’s an easy workaround! The console supports microSD cars, which you can insert in the opening beneath the kickstand. This way, you can significantly increase your storage capacity.
Joystick Stops Responding
Joystick issues affect both the Nintendo Switch and the PlayStation Vita. However, they often happen for different reasons.
The PlayStation Vita’s joysticks and buttons may cease to respond because of sweat and grime. Over time, these materials work their way into the buttons, causing them to jam.
Early in the Switch’s production, gamers noticed issues with their left Joy-Con when playing the system in its console form. Often, this happened as a result of a weak connection between the Joy-Con and the console.
If you notice this problem in either system, the solution is usually to let professionals repair or replace the affected part. Find a reputable repair service today if you experience this issue.
Memory Card Issues
The PlayStation Vita still uses a memory card system like many consoles before it. Sometimes, using a memory card comes with a set of difficulties.
A Vita system may have a hard time locating your memory card. Usually, this means that the card got bumped out of place. If your system can’t find the memory card, check to make sure it’s installed correctly.
If the card is in the right place and the system still won’t pick it up, turn off the system. Then, remove the memory card and inspect it closely.
Do you notice any debris in the contact pins? If so, this could be the cause of your connection problems. Gently wipe the debris off of the card.
Next, turn the Vita back on. When you do, you should see a message that says there is no memory card installed. With the system on, re-insert the card.
Make sure you hear a clicking noise when you put the card back in. This sound indicates that the card went in all the way.
Sometimes, a similar problem happens for Nintendo Switch games. Since these games operate like SD cards, their contact pins could also get dirty. If your Switch doesn’t recognize your game card, wipe it down thoroughly and try again.
Bring Your Device to Us
The solutions in this article can fix many issues found in handheld game systems. But, several other problems could affect your consoles that we haven’t covered here.
If you can’t play your handheld games the way you’d like, bring your system to us! We have expertise in all sorts of technology, ranging from iPhones to handheld retro game console systems. Call us today to receive an estimate!
