Nintendo Support: Data Management FAQ (2024)

FAQs

Will I lose everything if I archive software on switch? ›

Downloadable software can be archived in order to free up space. Once archived, you can redownload the software by selecting the software icon on the HOME Menu. Archiving software will not impact your save data.

Game Progress & Save Data

On Nintendo Switch, game save data is stored on the console's System Memory. This will not change whether downloadable software or software from a game card is being played. Game save data cannot be saved or copied to a microSD card.

Downloadable software can be deleted from the console's system memory or saved to a microSD card in order to free up space. Deleting software data will not impact your save data. Once deleted, software can be redownloaded using the same Nintendo Account with which it was purchased.

What does archiving software do? Archiving will allow you to delete downloaded software in order to free up space while preserving the software icon on the HOME Menu. You can redownload the software by selecting the icon. For more information, click here.

DON'T PRESS DELETE, EVERYTHING WILL BE LOST. I'll explain: Delete= Bye-bye data. Archive= Safely store data to prevent it from actually being deleted, just re-download once you have the urge to play again.

Archived emails will still use storage space. Depending on how much storage space your email service provider gives you, you may want to consider downloading your emails to your local machine or portable drive, or even sending them to a new account, and then deleting the emails.

The Nintendo Switch keeps a tight leash on its data, but not so tight that players can't transfer their screenshots and videos from one console to another. Although you can't swap game saves or move over game libraries using a microSD card, you can at least transfer user data and some photos from one Switch to another.

Using Windows Explorer access the microSD card again. Drag the data from the desktop to the new microSD card, then insert the new microSD card into the Nintendo Switch console. Any software that cannot be read on the system using the new microSD card can simply be redownloaded from the Nintendo eShop.

Nintendo Switch memory cards: FAQ

If you're going to be playing mostly with physical games, and you don't envision yourself buying too many larger titles from the eShop, you should be able to get by on 64GB. However, if you're going all-digital, a 256GB card will see you through around 35 full sized games.

What does deleting old data do on Switch? ›

Deleting all data (Initialize Console)

All data such as user Information, Internet settings, received game news and data stored during console use will be deleted. *The system version of the console will not be reset. *Linked Nintendo Accounts will not be deleted. (They will be unlinked, however.)

Quick Answer: No Mandatory Installations

In most cases, Nintendo Switch games do not require you to go through a full installation process before you dive into the gaming action.

To free up space in the System Memory, go to Systems Settings → Data Management → Delete Save Data. Software data (including downloaded software, software updates, and screenshots) can be stored on the System Memory or on a microSD card. For general information about data management on Nintendo Switch, click here.

Save data (saved game progress and related achievements, etc.) is without exception stored in the system memory. It cannot be moved or saved onto a microSD card.

On Nintendo Switch, game save data is stored on the console's System Memory. This will not change whether downloadable software or software from a game card is being played.

Archiving a record makes the record inactive, while preserving the record and all associated data.

It's better to archive them as archiving deletes everything except your save file. It won't free up as much space as deleting it, but it will download faster than if you deleted it.

Deleted emails are permanently removed from your account and free up storage space. Archived emails are still stored in your account but moved to a different location.

Both choices will simply delete the game software itself from your Switch to free up storage space. That being said, archiving makes it just a little bit easier to go back to a game you've removed should you decide to reinstall and play again.