Explanation
What this error means
Nintendo documents 2168-0002 across two situations: software that closed unexpectedly while playing, and failures during a system transfer between consoles. For crashes it’s the Switch’s “the software was closed because an error occurred” case; for transfers, Nintendo specifically notes that including Album (screenshot) data can cause the failure.
Official reference: Nintendo support page for 2168-0002
Diagnosis
Most likely causes
| Cause | How likely | Fixable at home? |
|---|---|---|
| The game/software hit a bug and closed | Very likely | Yes — restart and update |
| System transfer choked on Album data | Likely | Yes — retry without Albums |
| Corrupted game data or microSD trouble | Possible | Yes — redownload / check card |
| A console fault that needs service | Rare | No — Nintendo service |
Repair
How to fix it
Ordered easiest-first. Try the next step only if the error comes back.
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Restart the console
Hold POWER for at least three seconds > Power Options > Restart. If the console is frozen, hold POWER for twelve seconds to force shutdown, then power on.
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Install the latest system update
System Settings > System > System Update. Nintendo’s documented fix path for this code when it appears outside transfers.
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Update or redownload the crashing game
On the HOME menu, press + on the game > Software Update > Via the Internet. If it keeps crashing, archive and redownload it — saves are kept.
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For system transfers: retry without Album data
Cancel the stuck transfer (on the source console, hold the Left Stick plus both + and − for ~3 seconds), restart it, and choose “Do not transfer Albums” — Nintendo notes Album data causes this failure. Copy screenshots to a microSD or PC instead.
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Rule out the microSD card
If crashes cluster on games stored on the card, power off, reseat the card, and try the game from system memory. A flaky card mimics console faults convincingly.
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:
- One specific game crashes for many players right after its latest patch — developer’s bug, wait for the fix.
- The transfer fails repeatedly at the same point with Albums included — a documented quirk, not your mistake.
- Crashes continue across many games even after a system update and redownloads.
Questions
FAQ
Will I lose saves if I archive or redownload a game?
No. Archiving and redownloading touch only the game data; saves live in system memory and stay put. Deleting save data is a separate, deliberate menu action.
How do I move screenshots if I skip Album transfer?
Copy them to a microSD card (Album > select > Copy) or send them to a phone/PC via the Album’s sharing options before retiring the old console.
Is 2168-0002 the same as the “software was closed” message?
They overlap — when the code appears mid-game, Nintendo routes you to the same troubleshooting as that message: restart, system update, software update, then service if it persists.