How to Format a microSD Card

Description:

Instructions for formatting a microSD card on the Nintendo Switch console.

Additional Information:

For information about supported microSD cards for Nintendo Switch, click here.

Important:

• A system update may be required in order to format a microSD card on Nintendo Switch.

• Once formatted, the information on the microSD card cannot be recovered. If screenshots or videos are stored on the microSD card, be sure to first back up the information on a computer.

• If downloadable software was saved to the microSD card, it can be redownloaded using the same Nintendo Account it was originally purchased with.

Complete These Steps:

1. From the HOME Menu, select “System Settings”.

2. Scroll down the options on the left and select “System”.

3. Scroll down the options on the right-hand side and select “Formatting Options”.

   • If prompted, enter your Parental Controls PIN.

4. Select “Format microSD Card”, then “Continue”.

   Important: The following message will be displayed: “Formatting will delete all data on the microSD card. It is recommended that you back up all screenshots, videos and other important data to a computer before formatting.”

5. To continue, select “Continue”. The console will then restart.