Quick Answer

What Is the Graphics Glitch in Pok’mon Let’s Go Eevee?

The most commonly reported graphics glitches include texture flickering during zone transitions, where the screen briefly flashes with incorrect or missing textures before snapping back to normal. Character model distortion is another frequent complaint, where NPC or Pok’mon models appear stretched, flattened, or missing body parts entirely. Some players have reported invisible walls and missing environmental geometry, particularly in complex areas like Viridian Forest and the Seafoam Islands cave system. Screen tearing during battles is also common, where the image appears split horizontally with the top and bottom halves misaligned.

Key Takeaways

• Graphics glitches in Let’s Go Eevee are most often caused by corrupted save data or outdated firmware.
• Cleaning the game cartridge contacts with isopropyl alcohol resolves the issue for many physical copy users.
• Deleting and redownloading the game data fixes most software-related glitches without losing save files.
• Overheating can cause temporary GPU glitches—ensure proper ventilation and take breaks during long sessions.
• Rebuilding the database in Safe Mode can fix file system corruption without deleting any data.
• If glitches persist after all software fixes, the console may need hardware repair or replacement.
• Initializing the console cache is a safe first step that does not delete save data or installed games.
• Certain areas like Viridian Forest and Seafoam Islands are more prone to glitches due to complex geometry.

Common Misconceptions

Misconception #3: The glitch is caused by a virus or malware. The Nintendo Switch operating system is a closed, sandboxed environment. There is no known malware that affects Switch games or causes graphics glitches. The issue is almost always caused by data corruption, firmware incompatibility, or hardware problems.

Fix 1: Restart the Nintendo Switch and Clear Cache

Pro Tip: Resetting the cache does NOT delete your save data, screenshots, or installed games. It only clears temporary system files that the Switch uses to speed up loading times. These files are regenerated automatically as you use the console.

Fix 2: Clean the Game Cartridge Contacts

1. Power off the Nintendo Switch completely. Do not just put it to sleep—hold the Power button and select Power Options > Turn Off.
2. Remove the Pok’mon Let’s Go Eevee cartridge from the slot by gently pulling it straight out.
3. Inspect the gold contacts on the back of the cartridge under good lighting. Look for visible dirt, dust, or a dull/oxidized appearance.
4. Use a dry, lint-free microfiber cloth to gently wipe the contacts from top to bottom in a single direction. Do not rub back and forth, as this can grind dirt into the contacts.
5. For stubborn grime or oxidation, lightly dampen a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol (90% concentration or higher). Gently clean the contacts with the damp swab.
6. Allow the cartridge to dry completely for at least 2 minutes before reinserting. Isopropyl alcohol evaporates quickly and will not damage the electronics.
7. While the cartridge is drying, use a can of compressed air to blow dust out of the Switch’s cartridge slot.
8. Reinsert the cartridge firmly into the Switch until you feel it click into place. Power on the console and test the game.

Pro Tip: Never use water, household cleaners, or abrasive materials on cartridge contacts. Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) is the only recommended cleaning agent. Lower concentrations contain too much water and can leave residue or cause corrosion.

Fix 3: Update System Firmware and Game Software

Pro Tip: Ensure your Switch has at least 2GB of free storage before attempting updates. Insufficient storage can cause incomplete updates that lead to further glitches. If you are low on space, archive unused games from System Settings > Data Management > Manage Software.

Fix 4: Delete and Redownload Game Data

1. Navigate to System Settings > Data Management > Manage Software.
2. Select Pok’mon Let’s Go Eevee from the list of installed software.
3. Choose Delete Software. Confirm that you want to delete the game data. Your save files will NOT be deleted.
4. If you have a physical cartridge, simply reinsert it into the Switch. The console will recognize the cartridge and begin downloading any necessary updates.
5. If you have a digital copy, open the Nintendo eShop and navigate to your account icon in the top-right corner.
6. Select Redownload from the menu. Find Pok’mon Let’s Go Eevee in your purchase history and select it.
7. Wait for the download to complete fully before launching the game. Do not put the console to sleep during the download.
8. Launch the game and verify the graphics glitch is resolved. Your save data should load automatically.

Pro Tip: If you have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, your save data may already be backed up to the cloud. You can verify this by going to System Settings > Data Management > Save Data Cloud Backup. This provides an extra layer of protection in case anything goes wrong during the redownload process.

Fix 5: Check for Overheating and Improve Ventilation

1. Feel the back of the Switch during gameplay. If it is uncomfortably hot to the touch (above 40°C / 104°F), overheating is likely contributing to the glitch.
2. Ensure the air vents on the top and bottom of the console are not blocked by your hands, a table surface, or other objects.
3. Avoid playing while the Switch is docked in an enclosed entertainment center with no airflow around the console.
4. Remove any third-party case or skin that may be trapping heat during extended gaming sessions.
5. Consider using a small USB cooling fan or a stand with built-in ventilation if you frequently play for more than 2 hours at a time.
6. Take a 10-15 minute break every hour to allow the console to cool down naturally.
7. If overheating persists despite these measures, the internal thermal paste may have degraded. Contact Nintendo Support for repair options.

Pro Tip: The Switch’s GPU operates at lower clock speeds in handheld mode (307 MHz) compared to docked mode (768 MHz). If glitches only occur in docked mode, the issue is more likely thermal or related to the HDMI output than a software problem. Try playing in handheld mode to confirm.

Fix 6: Rebuild the Database (Safe Mode)

1. Power off the Nintendo Switch completely. Hold the Power button and select Power Options > Turn Off.
2. Hold down the Volume Up (+) and Volume Down (-) buttons simultaneously. Do not release them.
3. While holding both volume buttons, press the Power button once to turn the console on.
4. Continue holding the volume buttons until the Maintenance Mode menu appears on the screen.
5. Select Rebuild Database from the menu options using the touch screen or controller.
6. Wait for the process to complete. This can take anywhere from 30 seconds to several minutes depending on how much data is stored on your console.
7. The Switch will restart automatically when the rebuild is complete. There is no confirmation message—it simply reboots to the home screen.
8. Launch Pok’mon Let’s Go Eevee and test if the graphics glitch is resolved.

Pro Tip: Rebuilding the database can also improve overall system performance, reduce loading times across all games, and fix other minor issues like slow menu navigation or delayed icon loading. It is a good maintenance step to perform every few months.

Fix 7: Initialize the Console (Last Resort)

Before initializing, it is critical to back up your save data. If you have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, your save data may already be backed up to the cloud. Go to System Settings > Data Management > Save Data Cloud Backup to check. Note that some games do not support cloud saves, and Pok’mon Let’s Go Eevee is one of them—Nintendo does not allow cloud backups for mainline Pok’mon games to prevent cloning and cheating. This means you will lose your save data if you initialize without a backup.

1. If possible, transfer your save data to another Nintendo Switch using the Transfer Your Save Data feature in System Settings > Data Management.
2. Navigate to System Settings > System > Formatting Options > Initialize Console.
3. Read the warning message carefully. This process cannot be undone.
4. Select Initialize and follow the on-screen prompts. The console will erase all data and restart.
5. After initialization, go through the initial setup process: select language, connect to Wi-Fi, sign into your Nintendo account.
6. Redownload Pok’mon Let’s Go Eevee from the eShop (digital) or reinsert the cartridge (physical).
7. If you were able to transfer your save data, use the Transfer feature on the new setup to restore it.
8. Launch the game and verify the graphics glitch is resolved. You will need to start a new game if no backup was available.

Pro Tip: Because Pok’mon Let’s Go Eevee does not support cloud saves, initializing the console will permanently delete your save data. Consider contacting Nintendo Support for alternative solutions before taking this step. They may be able to repair the console without requiring a full initialization.

Deep Dive Tips

Check Your SD Card Health and Speed

If you are running the game from a microSD card, a failing, counterfeit, or slow microSD card can cause data corruption that manifests as graphics glitches. The Switch requires a UHS-I compatible microSD card with a minimum read speed of 60MB/s for optimal performance. Cards that do not meet this specification may cause texture pop-in, model loading failures, and other visual artifacts.

Disable Auto-Sleep During Gameplay

Test in Both Handheld and Docked Mode

Check for Physical Damage to the Cartridge Slot

If you are using a physical cartridge and the glitch persists after cleaning, inspect the Switch’s cartridge slot for bent pins, debris, or signs of wear. Use a can of compressed air to blow out any dust, and visually inspect the slot with a flashlight. If you see bent pins or other physical damage, do not attempt to repair it yourself—contact Nintendo Support for professional repair.

Monitor Glitch Patterns for Diagnostic Clues

Error Code Reference Table

While Pok’mon Let’s Go Eevee does not display traditional error codes like PC games, the Nintendo Switch system may display error codes related to game crashes, data corruption, or hardware issues. Here are the most relevant codes and their meanings:

Error Code	Meaning	Recommended Solution
2002-0001	General software error	Restart the console and redownload the game data.
2005-0003	SD card read error	Remove and reinsert the SD card, or replace with a compatible card.
2164-0002	Corrupted save data detected	Delete and redownload the game; restore save from backup if available.
2110-1100	Game card read error	Clean the cartridge contacts or try a different game card.
2811-5001	eShop download error	Check internet connection and redownload the game.
2002-0006	System memory error	Initialize the console as a last resort after backing up data.
2124-4517	Incompatible SD card	Replace with a UHS-I compatible microSD card (60MB/s+).
2002-4364	System update required	Download and install the latest system firmware update.

Gameplay Screenshots