Disco Elysium Crashing on Switch: Troubleshooting and Solutions

Disco Elysium, the critically acclaimed RPG, has found a new home on the Nintendo Switch. However, some players have encountered frustrating crashes that interrupt their investigations in Revachol. This article delves into the common causes of these crashes and provides comprehensive troubleshooting steps to get you back on track.

Understanding the Problem

Before diving into solutions, it’s crucial to understand why Disco Elysium might be crashing on your Nintendo Switch. Several factors could be at play, ranging from software glitches to hardware limitations.

  • Software Bugs: As with any complex game, Disco Elysium may contain bugs that lead to crashes under certain conditions.
  • Memory Leaks: The game might not be efficiently managing memory, leading to instability and crashes over extended play sessions.
  • Overheating: The Nintendo Switch can overheat if it’s being pushed too hard or if its ventilation is blocked.
  • Corrupted Game Data: Damaged or incomplete game files can cause the game to crash.
  • SD Card Issues: Problems with your SD card, such as corruption or slow read/write speeds, can also lead to crashes.
  • Outdated System Software: An outdated Nintendo Switch system software can sometimes cause compatibility issues with games.

Troubleshooting Steps

Here are several troubleshooting steps you can take to address Disco Elysium crashes on your Nintendo Switch:

1. Restart Your Nintendo Switch

This is the simplest and often most effective solution. A restart clears the system’s memory and closes any background processes that might be interfering with the game.

  • How to restart: Hold down the power button on your Nintendo Switch until the power options appear. Select “Restart.” If the system is frozen, hold down the power button for approximately 12 seconds to force a hard reset.

2. Ensure Adequate Ventilation

Overheating can cause crashes. Make sure your Nintendo Switch has proper ventilation.

  • Check for obstructions: Ensure that the vents on the back and bottom of the console are not blocked by anything. Do not place the Switch on soft surfaces like blankets or pillows.
  • Play in a cool environment: Avoid playing in hot or humid environments.

3. Check for Game Updates

Developers often release patches to fix bugs and improve performance. Make sure you have the latest version of Disco Elysium installed.

  • How to update: From the Nintendo Switch home menu, highlight the Disco Elysium icon, press the + button, and select “Software Update” then “Via the Internet.”

4. Update Your Nintendo Switch System Software

Keeping your system software up-to-date ensures compatibility with the latest games and fixes potential issues.

  • How to update: Go to System Settings > System > System Update.

5. Manage Save Data

Sometimes, corrupted save data can cause crashes. Consider deleting and restarting, or managing save files.

  • Cloud Saves: If you have Nintendo Switch Online, your save data is backed up in the cloud. Delete the local save data and download the cloud save. Go to System Settings > Data Management > Save Data Cloud.
  • Deleting Save Data: Go to System Settings > Data Management > Delete Save Data. Select Disco Elysium and delete the save data. Warning: This will erase your progress!

6. Reinstall the Game

If none of the above steps work, try reinstalling Disco Elysium. This will ensure that you have a clean, uncorrupted installation of the game.

  • How to reinstall: From the Nintendo Switch home menu, highlight the Disco Elysium icon, press the + button, and select “Delete Software.” Then, re-download the game from the Nintendo eShop.

7. Check Your SD Card (If Applicable)

If you’re using an SD card to store Disco Elysium, it could be the source of the problem.

  • Try a different SD card: If possible, try using a different SD card to see if the crashes persist. Use a reputable brand and ensure it meets the minimum speed requirements for the Nintendo Switch.
  • Format the SD card: Back up any important data on your SD card and then format it using the Nintendo Switch’s built-in formatting tool. Go to System Settings > System > Formatting Options > Format SD Card.

8. Archive and Redownload

Archiving the software removes the game data while keeping the save data (if Cloud Save is enabled). Redownloading the game can resolve corrupted files.

  • How to Archive: Highlight the game icon, press the + button, then select Manage Software > Archive Software.

9. Contact Support

If you’ve tried all of the above solutions and are still experiencing crashes, it’s time to contact the game’s support team or Nintendo Support.

  • Gather information: Before contacting support, gather as much information as possible about the crashes, such as when they occur, what you were doing in the game, and any error messages you received.

Conclusion

Disco Elysium’s crashes on the Nintendo Switch can be frustrating, but by systematically troubleshooting the issue, you can often find a solution. By following the steps outlined above, you can minimize the chances of crashes and fully enjoy the rich and engaging world of Revachol.