Explanation
What this error means
Nintendo documents 2137-8006 as appearing when a download can’t be completed. The console lost its grip on the transfer — because the connection dropped, the servers were struggling, or the queued download data needs a nudge. It’s recoverable; downloads resume rather than starting over.
Official reference: Nintendo support page for 2137-8006
Diagnosis
Most likely causes
| Cause | How likely | Fixable at home? |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi dropped mid-download | Very likely | Yes |
| Nintendo download servers under heavy load | Likely | No — retry later |
| Download queue in a stuck state | Possible | Yes — pause/resume |
| Insufficient free space for the full download | Possible | Yes — free up storage |
Repair
How to fix it
Ordered easiest-first. Try the next step only if the error comes back.
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Resume the download
Open the software icon or System Settings > Data Management to resume. Transfers pick up from where they failed.
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Restart the console and retry
Hold POWER three seconds > Power Options > Restart. A fresh network session fixes most one-off download failures.
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Check free space
System Settings > Data Management shows what’s left on system memory and microSD. If the game needs more room, archive something — archiving keeps the icon and save data.
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Stabilize the connection
Move console and router closer, or download in the dock near the router. For large games, a quieter network time (overnight) avoids peak congestion.
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Check Nintendo’s server status, then wait
If support.nintendo.com/networkstatus shows trouble or it’s a huge launch day, the servers are the bottleneck — resume the download later.
Escalation
When it's not your fault
Signs the problem is on Nintendo's side — or in the hardware — rather than anything you can change:
- Status page shows eShop/download maintenance.
- Day-one patch for a blockbuster — everyone’s download is crawling or failing.
- Downloads fail at random percentages on a connection that tests perfectly.
Questions
FAQ
Do I have to start the download from zero?
No. The Switch resumes interrupted downloads from where they broke — restarting the console or pausing and resuming doesn’t throw away progress.
Will deleting and redownloading lose my saves?
No. Save data is stored separately from game data and survives archiving or deleting software. (Just don’t use “Delete Save Data” in settings, which is a different, deliberate action.)
Is the microSD card a suspect?
Occasionally — a failing or very slow card can break large downloads. If failures persist, try downloading to system memory instead; if that works, test or replace the card.