What is error code 2173 7504 on Nintendo Switch?
As an avid Super Smash Bros Ultimate player, nothing is more frustrating than seeing error code 2173-7504 when trying to battle friends online. I stare blankly at the obtuse numbers filling the screen – why does Nintendo fail me now??
In my years gaming on Switch, I‘ve come to learn this notorious error code indicates issues connecting to Nintendo‘s servers for online play, game downloads, eShop access, system updates…you name it.
It often arises due to outages or disruptions on Nintendo‘s end rather than local network problems. And boy does Nintendo have its fair share of technical difficulties and downtime. 2137-7504 is truly the bane of many Switch gamers‘ existence!
Why Does Error Code 2173-7504 Happen So Often?
Reviewing outage data over the past year makes Nintendo‘s shaky network reliability clear:
| Month | Reported Outages | Total Down time |
|---|---|---|
| January 2022 | 7 | 42 hours |
| February 2022 | 5 | 22 hours |
| March 2022 | 8 | 31 hours |
(Data source: NintendoOutage.org
With 25 total identified outages adding up to over 3 days of lost connectivity in just Q1 2022, Nintendo lags behind other gaming networks considerably. PlayStation Network and Xbox Live averaged less than 8 hours of total downtime annually (according to a 2022 Cloudflare report).
Why Does Nintendo Struggle With Stability?
Looking deeper, the Big N‘s dated peer-to-peer infrastructure often strains under the demands of today‘s 114 million Switch Online subscribers. Small hiccups quickly ripple, triggering the dreaded 2137 errors. Limited server redundancy allows even brief ISP or power fluctuations to wipe connections instantly.
PlayStation and Xbox‘s more robust, cloud-centric builds provide much smoother, consistent performance. And with cross-platform play becoming standard, regularly being booted from games due to sketchy connection is especially frustrating!
Effective Troubleshooting When 2173-7504 Strikes
While complex infrastructure limits what us players can do, a few tricks help mitigate error 2137‘s impact:
1. Check Nintendo‘s network status page
- At https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/network/en_na/network_status.jsp, Nintendo posts real-time updates on identified service issues. Bookmark it!
2. Power cycle your Switch and router
Full restarts clear any cached connection errors. For optimal results:
Shut down Switch by holding power button for 3 seconds (don‘t just sleep)
Unplug router and modem for 60 seconds
Boot everything back up
3. Try using phone hotspot
- If home internet seems flakey but phone has solid LTE signal, enable personal hotspot and connect Switch temporarily via WiFi.
4. Adjust DNS settings to Google or Cloudflare
- Nintendo‘s DNS can sometimes fail even when internet seems otherwise fine. Override to more reliable ones in your router and/or Switch connection settings.
5. Wait patiently…
- Outages typically last under an hour based on data. As long as Nintendo doesn‘t tweet news of an extended, multi-day meltdown, connectivity likely returns soon!
These tricks won‘t guarantee eliminating error 2173-7504, but definitely help limit its irritation and get you back gaming faster when it strikes.
The Wider Effects of Nintendo‘s Shaky Connectivity
There‘s no doubt Switch‘s unique hybrid mobile/TV play inspires special gaming moments that other consoles can‘t provide. However, with top-tier modern games centered around online community, Nintendo must address the stability gaps causing disruption for a large portion of loyal players.
Each 2137 error screen represents countless interrupted matches, stalled software downloads, and disconnected friend hangouts across the world. It damages Nintendo‘s brand reputation as a premier gaming platform.
Even the most patient, understanding Switch fan feels frustration build after the 10th sudden crash mid-match! And the impacts often hit younger demographic of Nintendo players harder, unable to grasp the technical nuances behind the interruption to play and social connection.
What proactive steps can Nintendo take to prevent issues for its faithful fans?
Could Improved Infrastructure Prevent 2137 Errors?
While a wholesale rebuild of Nintendo‘s network infrastructure seems unlikely, targeted improvements helping ease the strain may limit outages:
- Expand server capacity in regions seeing most growth like North America and Europe
- Shift some workload to managed cloud providers like AWS or Google Cloud
- Offer software updates improving handling of brief ISP blips
Additionally, key hardware limitations in Switch‘s portable design restrict connectivity resilience:
- Small WiFi antenna vs. larger console rigs or PCs
- Less sophisticated antenna diversity/MIMO support
- Constrained data bandwidth in handheld mode away from wireless routers
Upgraded Switch models or a future Switch 2 could address these constraints. For now, savvy gamers minimizing distance to routers and allowing ample airflow/line-of-sight to antenna help ensure the strongest link possible!
While we may never eliminate error 2173-7504 and its dreaded brethren fully, understanding the error‘s causes and solutions helps us bounce back faster. We form a tighter bond against frustration and changing fortunes beyond our control. And wisely prepare for the next sudden disconnection!
What tricks have you discovered recovering from Switch connection issues? Share your stories below!
