Nintendo Switch console code 2139-0006: meaning and exact next steps

Model-specific

What is true of this model and not of its siblings

Service needed

Nintendo's article points to service.

Serial number

Have it ready for the request.

Why Nintendo points to service

The article for this code gives no steps you can take at home, which suggests the fault sits in the console's hardware or in system data that only a repair can restore. Repeating the action will not change the outcome, and some owners make it worse by factory resetting a console that still holds unsaved data. Stop, note the code and what you were doing, and move to the service request.

Preparing for a repair

Copy anything you value before you send the console: screenshots and videos can be moved to a card or a computer, and saves are protected by cloud backup if you subscribe. Remove the memory card and any game card, keep the dock and cables unless Nintendo asks for them, and write down the serial number from the console's back or the System Settings page.

After the repair

A repaired console returns with its system software restored. Sign in to your Nintendo Account again, download any games that were stored on the console and restore saves from the cloud.

Why not keep trying

Repeated retries on a console that needs service can corrupt data further. After the first restart and a retry, stop and arrange service.

Costs and warranty

Check whether your console is within warranty before requesting service, and keep the receipt.

Before sending it

Charge the console, remove the card and note the serial number. If cloud saves are enabled, they are stored and will be restored after the repair. Photos and videos stored on the console only can be moved to a card first if the console still starts.