Clearing Space: How to Delete Games on Nintendo Switch

If you’re a proud owner of a Nintendo Switch, you know how important it is to manage your storage effectively. With a limited amount of space on your console, it’s crucial to clear out old games and make room for new ones. In this guide, we’ll show you how to delete games on your Nintendo Switch, freeing up storage and keeping your console organized.

Key Takeaways:

• Deleting games on Nintendo Switch is easy and convenient, allowing you to free up storage for new games.
• You have two options when deleting games: archiving and completely deleting.
• Archiving a game removes it from your system but keeps the icon for easy reinstallation later.
• Completely deleting a game removes the icon but allows you to redownload it for free from the eShop.
• Both options preserve your save data, so you don’t lose your progress.

Archiving Games on Nintendo Switch

When your Nintendo Switch is running out of storage space, archiving games is a convenient option to free up room without losing your precious game data. Archiving removes the game from your system but keeps the game icon on your home menu, allowing for easy reinstallation in the future. To archive a game, follow these simple steps:

1. Highlight the game you want to remove from your Nintendo Switch’s home menu.
2. Press the plus or minus button on your controller.
3. Navigate to the “Data Management” option that appears on the menu.
4. Select “Archive Software” from the Data Management menu.
5. Confirm the action, and the game will be removed from your system, but the icon will remain on your home menu.

By archiving games on your Nintendo Switch, you can store them externally while preserving your game data. When you want to play the archived game again, simply click on the icon and follow the prompts to redownload it. This way, you can enjoy a clutter-free gaming experience without permanently deleting your favorite games.

Advantages of Archiving Games

Archiving games on your Nintendo Switch offers several benefits:

• Frees up storage space: Archiving games allows you to remove them from your system’s internal storage, creating space for new games.
• Preserves game data: Your save data remains intact even after archiving a game, ensuring you don’t lose progress or achievements.
• Convenient reinstallation: Archiving keeps the game icon on your home menu, making it easy to reinstall and play the game whenever you want.

Deleting Games on Nintendo Switch

If you prefer to completely remove a game from your Nintendo Switch, you have the option to delete it. This allows you to reclaim valuable storage space without the game taking up any more room on your console. Deleting games is a more permanent solution compared to archiving, as it removes the game icon from your home menu. However, you can still redownload the game for free from the eShop whenever you want to play it again. Here’s how to delete games on your Nintendo Switch:

1. Highlight the game icon on your home menu.
2. Press the plus or minus button on your controller.
3. Navigate to Data Management.
4. Choose the Delete Software option.
5. Confirm the deletion.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Delete Games on Nintendo Switch

1. 1. Step 1: Highlight the game icon

Emphasized text: Locate the game you want to delete on your Nintendo Switch home menu and highlight its icon.

1. 1. Step 2: Press the plus or minus button

Emphasized text: Once the game is highlighted, press the plus (+) or minus (-) button on your controller.

1. 1. Step 3: Navigate to Data Management

Emphasized text: A menu will appear on the screen. Use the controller to navigate to the Data Management option and select it.

1. 1. Step 4: Choose the Delete Software option

Emphasized text: Within the Data Management menu, locate and select the Delete Software option.

1. 1. Step 5: Confirm the deletion

Emphasized text: You will be prompted to confirm the deletion of the game. Confirm the action to delete the game from your Nintendo Switch.

Once you’ve completed these steps, the game icon will be removed from your home menu, and you will have successfully deleted the game from your Nintendo Switch. However, it’s important to note that deleting a game does not delete your save data. You can still redownload the game for free from the eShop and continue your progress where you left off.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Allows you to free up storage space	Requires redownloading the game if you want to play it again
Permanently removes game icon from home menu	–
–	–

Protecting Your Save Data

When it comes to managing your games on the Nintendo Switch, taking care of your save data is crucial. Fortunately, deleting or archiving games does not impact your precious game progress. Your save data is stored separately and can be accessed even if you delete the game from your console. However, to ensure the safety and longevity of your game saves, it’s highly recommended to regularly back up your data.

There are two reliable methods to safeguard your game progress:

1. Save Data Backup to a MicroSD Card: You can manually back up your game saves to a MicroSD card, which serves as external storage for your Nintendo Switch. By periodically transferring your save data to a MicroSD card, you can prevent any unforeseen data loss due to console malfunctions or accidental deletions.
2. Utilize Cloud Save Features: Certain games and a subscription to Nintendo Switch Online offer cloud save functionality. Cloud save allows you to automatically store your game progress in the cloud, providing an additional layer of protection. In the event of a console malfunction, you can easily retrieve your saved data from the cloud and continue your gaming journey without missing a beat.

By adopting a proactive approach to save data protection, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your game progress is safe and secure.

Here’s an organized table outlining the advantages and considerations of each save data backup method:

Save Data Backup Method	Advantages	Considerations
Save Data Backup to MicroSD Card	Manual control over backup frequency. No reliance on internet connectivity. Convenient physical backup.	Requires a MicroSD card with sufficient storage capacity. Needs regular manual backups to keep data up to date. Physical backup can be misplaced or damaged.
Utilize Cloud Save Features	Automated backups without user intervention. Seamless integration with compatible games. Protection against console malfunctions or loss.	Requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Relies on a stable internet connection. Compatibility varies by game.

Remember, preserving your save data acts as an insurance policy for your hard-earned progress. Whether you choose the convenience of a MicroSD card backup or opt for the seamless integration of cloud save functionality, protecting your game saves empowers you to continue your adventures on the Nintendo Switch with confidence.

Managing Storage on Nintendo Switch

When it comes to optimizing storage on your Nintendo Switch, organization is key. By effectively managing your game library and making the most of available storage options, you can maximize the capacity of your console. Here are some tips to help you manage your storage efficiently:

1. Delete Unwanted Games: Regularly review your game collection and delete any games you no longer play or need. This will free up valuable space on your Nintendo Switch.
2. Archive Games: Instead of deleting games completely, consider archiving them. This option allows you to free up storage while still keeping the option to reinstall the game later. Archive Software can be accessed through the Data Management menu.
3. Expand Storage with MicroSD Cards: To increase the storage capacity of your Nintendo Switch, utilize external storage options such as MicroSD cards. These small but powerful cards can significantly expand your available space and are easily inserted into the console.
4. Utilize Cloud Save Features: Take advantage of the cloud save features offered by certain games and Nintendo Switch Online. Offloading your save data to the cloud can help free up storage on your console.
5. Opt for Digital Purchases: Prioritize digital game purchases over physical game cards to avoid the hassle of swapping cartridges. Digital copies of games are stored directly on your console, saving valuable physical storage space.

By following these storage management tips, you can organize your games, optimize storage capacity, and ensure a smooth gaming experience on your Nintendo Switch.

TIP	DESCRIPTION
Delete Unwanted Games	Regularly review and delete games you no longer play or need to free up space.
Archive Games	Instead of deleting games, archive them to free up storage while preserving the option to reinstall later.
Expand Storage with MicroSD Cards	Utilize external storage options like MicroSD cards to increase the storage capacity of your Nintendo Switch.
Utilize Cloud Save Features	Take advantage of cloud save features to offload save data from your console and free up storage.
Opt for Digital Purchases	Prioritize digital game purchases instead of physical game cards to save physical storage space.

Troubleshooting and Additional Information

If you encounter storage issues on your Nintendo Switch, here is some additional information to consider:

1. Troubleshooting Nintendo Switch storage: The Nintendo Switch does not support external hard drives at this time. You can only use MicroSD cards to expand storage.
2. Storage capacity of Nintendo Switch: The base Nintendo Switch console comes with 32GB of storage, while the Nintendo Switch OLED model offers 64GB of storage.
3. Backing up game data: Before deleting games, ensure that your game data has been securely saved, either to a MicroSD card or through cloud save features.
4. Retaining save data: If you sell or lose a physical game card, you can still retain your save data and redownload the game in the future.

Resolving Storage Issues

If you experience storage-related problems on your Nintendo Switch, it’s crucial to know the limitations and available solutions. While external hard drive support is not currently available, you can rely on MicroSD cards to expand your console’s storage capacity. Keep in mind the different storage options offered by the base Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch OLED model.

To safeguard your game data, make sure to back up your saves before deleting any games. This ensures that even if you remove a game from your console, you can still retrieve your progress from a MicroSD card or through cloud save features provided by Nintendo Switch Online.

Lastly, remember that losing or selling a physical game card doesn’t mean losing your save data. You can easily redownload the game in the future and continue your progress without any setbacks.

“By understanding the storage limitations and utilizing available options, Nintendo Switch users can effectively troubleshoot storage issues and continue enjoying their gaming experience.”

The Future of Nintendo Switch Storage

As the gaming industry evolves, it is likely that Nintendo will continue to explore options for expanding storage capacity on the Switch. Nintendo Switch storage upgrades are a hot topic among gamers who want to maximize their gaming library without constantly managing storage space. While there haven’t been any official announcements regarding specific plans, it’s reasonable to expect future developments in expanding storage capacity on Nintendo Switch. Whether through firmware updates, hardware revisions, or new console models, Nintendo is likely to address the growing demand for more storage.

In the meantime, there are effective ways to manage your storage and make the most of your current Nintendo Switch. One key solution is to utilize external storage options like MicroSD cards. These small, portable cards can significantly expand your storage capacity, allowing you to download and store more games without worrying about running out of space. The Nintendo Switch is compatible with a variety of MicroSD cards, offering flexibility and convenience.

Another aspect to consider is the possibility of cloud storage options. The Nintendo Switch Online service already offers cloud save features for select games, allowing you to back up your game progress and free up storage on your console. These cloud saves provide an additional layer of security for your game data, ensuring that even if you need to delete a game from your console, you can easily restore your progress when you reinstall it.

While we await official future developments in Nintendo Switch storage, it’s important to stay informed and be prepared for potential upgrades or advancements. Keep an eye out for news from Nintendo and make sure to regularly check for system updates that may include improvements to storage capacity. By staying proactive and leveraging external storage options, you can continue to enjoy a vast library of games on your Nintendo Switch.

“The future of Nintendo Switch storage holds promise for gamers eager to expand their gaming collection. With the potential for Nintendo Switch storage upgrades on the horizon, players can anticipate more storage options and a better gaming experience.”

Pros	Cons
Ability to expand storage capacity with external storage options like MicroSD cards	No official announcements yet regarding specific storage upgrades
Nintendo Switch Online offers cloud save features for secure backup and easy restoration of game progress	Reliance on external storage solutions may incur additional costs
Opportunity for future firmware updates or hardware revisions to address growing demand for more storage	Current storage limitations may require regular management of game library

Conclusion

Clearing space on your Nintendo Switch is crucial for maintaining an organized and efficient gaming experience. Whether you choose to archive or delete games, you can effectively free up storage without losing your valuable save data. By following the steps outlined in this guide and proactively managing your storage, you can ensure a clutter-free environment and have ample room for new gaming adventures on your Nintendo Switch.

Remember to regularly evaluate and remove games that you no longer play or need. Archiving games provides a convenient way to temporarily remove them from your console while preserving the option to reinstall them in the future. On the other hand, deleting games offers a more permanent solution for clearing space. Whichever method you choose, your save data will remain intact, keeping your hard-earned progress safe.

For optimal storage management, consider utilizing external storage options such as MicroSD cards to expand your storage capacity. Additionally, take advantage of cloud save features offered by certain games and Nintendo Switch Online to securely back up your valuable save data. By implementing these strategies, you can maximize your storage capacity and enjoy a seamless gaming experience on your Nintendo Switch.

FAQ

How do I delete games on Nintendo Switch?

To delete games on Nintendo Switch, highlight the game icon on your home menu, press the plus or minus button, navigate to Data Management, and choose the Delete Software option. Confirm the deletion, and the game icon will be removed from your home menu. You can still redownload the game for free from the eShop.

Can I reinstall a deleted game on Nintendo Switch?

Yes, you can reinstall a deleted game on Nintendo Switch. When you delete a game, it is still tied to your Nintendo account, allowing you to redownload it for free from the eShop.

What is the difference between archiving and deleting a game on Nintendo Switch?

Archiving a game removes the game data from your system but keeps the icon on your home menu for easy reinstallation in the future. Deleting a game removes the icon from your home menu but allows you to redownload it for free from the eShop.

Will deleting a game on Nintendo Switch delete my save data?

No, deleting a game on Nintendo Switch does not delete your save data. Your save data is stored separately and will not be affected when you delete a game. However, it is still recommended to regularly back up your save data for added security.

Can I delete a game but keep my save data on Nintendo Switch?

Yes, you can delete a game but keep your save data on Nintendo Switch. When you re-download the game in the future, your save data will still be available for you to continue where you left off.

How do I archive a game on Nintendo Switch?

To archive a game on Nintendo Switch, highlight the game you want to remove and press the plus or minus button on your controller. In the menu that appears, navigate to Data Management and select Archive Software. Confirm the action, and the game will be removed from your system, but the icon will remain on your home menu for easy reinstallation later.

How can I protect my save data on Nintendo Switch?

To protect your save data on Nintendo Switch, regularly back up your save data. You can save your game data to a MicroSD card or utilize cloud save features offered by certain games and Nintendo Switch Online.

What are some tips for managing storage on Nintendo Switch?

To effectively manage storage on Nintendo Switch, consider these tips:
– Regularly review and delete games you no longer play or need.
– Archive games to free up space while keeping the option to reinstall them later.
– Utilize external storage options like MicroSD cards to expand your storage capacity.
– Take advantage of cloud save features to offload save data from your console.
– Prioritize digital purchases over physical game cards to avoid swapping cartridges.

Does the Nintendo Switch support external hard drives for storage?

No, the Nintendo Switch does not currently support external hard drives. You can only use MicroSD cards to expand your storage capacity.

How much storage does the Nintendo Switch have?

The base Nintendo Switch console comes with 32GB of storage, while the Nintendo Switch OLED model offers 64GB of storage.

What happens if I sell or lose a physical game card for Nintendo Switch?

If you sell or lose a physical game card for Nintendo Switch, you can still retain your save data and redownload the game in the future.

What is the future of storage on Nintendo Switch?

As the gaming industry evolves, it is likely that Nintendo will continue to explore options for expanding storage capacity on the Switch. Keep an eye out for future updates, firmware upgrades, or potential hardware revisions that may offer increased storage options.