Nintendo Switch Error Code 2137-8002 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error 2137-8002 on the Nintendo Switch is a system error that typically occurs when a game or application crashes unexpectedly. The Switch detected a software fault and stopped the current program to prevent further problems. This is usually a temporary issue fixed by restarting, but repeated occurrences may indicate corrupted game data.

Affected Models

Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch Lite
Nintendo Switch OLED

Common Causes

The game or application encountered a software bug or exception and crashed
The game data is corrupted and needs to be redownloaded
The system software (firmware) has a bug that is triggering crashes in certain games
The microSD card is failing and causing read errors when loading game data
The Switch is overheating and shutting down games as a thermal protection measure

How to Fix It

Restart the Nintendo Switch. Hold the Power button for 3 seconds and select Power Options > Restart. Then try running the game again.

A single crash followed by successful restart is usually just a one-off software glitch.
Update the game. From the Home screen, highlight the game, press the + button, and select Software Update > Via the Internet. Games with known crash bugs are often patched by the developer.

Outdated game versions may have stability bugs that have been fixed in later patches.
Delete and redownload the game. Go to System Settings > Data Management > Manage Software, select the game, and choose Delete Software. Then redownload it from the eShop.

Corrupted game data is a common cause of repeated 2137-8002 errors in a specific game. Redownloading replaces all corrupted files.
Update the Switch system software. Go to System Settings > System > System Update. Install any available firmware updates.

Nintendo releases system software updates to fix stability issues that can cause crashes across multiple games.
Check for overheating. Make sure the Switch's ventilation slots are not blocked. In handheld mode, hold the Switch with your hands away from the small vents on the bottom edge.

A Switch that is very warm to the touch before crashing may be overheating. Allow it to cool down before playing again.

When to Call a Professional

Error 2137-8002 is generally a software issue that does not require hardware repair. If the error only happens in one game, the game data is the problem. If it happens in all games, a system software issue or hardware problem needs investigation. Contact Nintendo Support if the error persists after trying all fixes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 2137-8002 only happen with certain games?

It can happen with any game, but if it only happens with one specific game, that game's data is likely corrupted. Delete and redownload that game. If the error happens across all games or in the Home menu itself, a system-level issue is more likely.

My Switch crashes every time I try to play online. Could that be 2137-8002?

Yes. Online play triggers more complex code paths that can expose bugs in both the game and system software. Update both the game and the Switch system software. If crashes only happen online, the network code in that game version may have a bug fixed in a later patch.

Can a bad microSD card cause 2137-8002?

Yes. If a game is installed on the microSD card and the card has bad sectors or is failing, reading game data will cause crashes. Test by moving the game to system memory (Settings > Data Management) and playing from there. If crashes stop, the microSD card is faulty and should be replaced.