Alex Ruben
How To Switch Language on Nintendo Switch 2 Back to English
Changing the language on a Nintendo Switch 2 might seem like a straightforward thing, but sometimes it’s not so obvious where to find the option, especially if you’re in a hurry or the menus got updated. Maybe you just moved to a new country, or you want to practice a language — whatever the reason, knowing how to switch it quickly can save a lot of frustration. This guide walks through the actual steps, including some tips to avoid common pitfalls. After all, changing the language isn’t just about flipping a switch — it affects your entire interface, which can be helpful or annoying depending on how it’s done. By the end, you’ll know how to make the system display in your preferred language, no fuss.
How to Fix the Language in Nintendo Switch 2: Step-by-step
Accessing the Settings from the Home Screen
First, you gotta get to the Home Screen. This is the main hub where all your icons sit — think of it as the cockpit of your console. On some setups, the main menu can look slightly different if you’ve customized things or if the system recently updated. Once there, find the System Settings icon, it’s usually represented by a gear icon located either in the bottom menu or sometimes right on the main page. If you can’t find it right away, use the Right Stick to scroll or hit +/- to call up the options.
Navigate to the System Menu
In System Settings, scroll down to find the System category. This is usually near the bottom of the list on the left side. Basically, this is where Nintendo throws all the core options like system updates, data management, and language. If your menu looks different, don’t worry — interfaces tend to change with updates, but this section is always somewhere here. Tap or click on System.
Access Language Settings
Once inside the System menu, scroll until you see Language. It’s often labeled plainly, but if it’s not obvious, it might be under a sub-menu like System Language. Tap or select it. On some versions, it might be named just Language or similar. If you can’t find it right away, try using the search feature in newer firmware—some people report it speeds things up. Selecting this opens a list of supported languages.
Select Your Preferred Language
Now, just scroll through the list and pick your desired language — whether it’s English, Spanish, Japanese, or whatever. Remember, the selected language will appear system-wide. Be cautious here — on some machines, selecting a language that’s different from your keyboard setup can make typing things tricky later. On one setup it worked perfectly the first try, on another, I had to repeat the process after restarting a couple of times. Weird, but that’s tech for ya.
Apply Changes and Restart the Console
After choosing your language, the system won’t change immediately — it needs a reboot to apply the new language across all screens. Usually, a prompt appears, asking whether you want to restart now. If not, head to Power Options and pick Restart. Just a heads-up: sometimes, the language switch might not look perfect until the restart, especially if you’re switching between completely different languages. Expect some menus to reload and refresh — it’s normal.
Other Tips & Common Issues
Pro tip: if the language doesn’t change properly or the menu still shows parts in the old language, try doing a full power cycle — turn it off, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. Also, ensure your system software is up-to-date; sometimes, old firmware bugs can mess with settings. To check, head back to System Settings > System > System Update. In some cases, language options are limited if you’re on an outdated firmware version or if your console region isn’t supported for certain languages. (Because of course, Nintendo has to make it harder than necessary.)
Another issue could be regional settings conflicting with language options. Sometimes, changing your region in System Settings > Region helps other languages appear. Not always, but worth trying if the list seems limited.
Wrap-up
This isn’t rocket science, but on some systems, it’s a bit more fiddly than it should be. Usually, finding Language in the System Settings and rebooting does the trick. If it still refuses to switch or menus stay stubbornly in one language, double-check system updates, regional settings, and try restarting again. Usually, these little hiccups get sorted after a reboot or two. Hope this helps speed up your language switch — no more accidental navigation in Japanese! (Or whatever language you’re trying to get rid of.)
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my language isn’t listed?
If your preferred language doesn’t show up, your system might not support it, or you need to update your firmware. Check for updates under System Settings > System > System Update. Sometimes, regional restrictions limit options too, so changing the region setting might unlock more choices.
Will changing the language mess up my saved data or game progress?
Nah, it just changes the interface language. Your saved games stay exactly the same. It’s just a new language overlay for menus and accessories.
Is there a faster way to switch languages in future?
On newer firmware versions, the language setting can sometimes be added to quick-access menus or the main dashboard. Also, some people create custom profiles with different regional settings, which can be a little hassle but helps if you switch languages often.
Summary
- Navigate to System Settings
- Select System and then Language
- Choose your preferred language from the list
- Restart to apply the changes