Data Management
On this page you'll find details of what data can be saved on Nintendo Switch, how to check how much free space is available, and how to manage your saved data.
What data you can save and where
Different types of data are stored in different locations.
*Game-related data includes data stored for software updates, etc. (but excludes save data).
|
System memory |
microSD card  |
Game card  |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Save data |
|||
|
Game-related data (except save data) |
|||
|
Screenshots and videos *3 |
*1Save data is never stored on game cards, even for games physically supplied on a game card.
*2Data will be stored on a microSD card if inserted. If the microSD card becomes full, data will automatically be stored in the system memory. Data can be transferred manually at a later date.
*3Regardless of how much space is available, there is a limit to the number of files that can be stored.
*4When a microSD card is first inserted, it becomes the default save location. You can subsequently change the save location back to the system memory.
How save data is stored
Save data is handled differently depending on the game. Some titles may save your progress automatically, some may only allow save data to be stored in a fixed location, etc. For more details, see the help for the game in question.
Save data for downloaded games and games supplied on a game card
Downloaded games and games supplied on a game card can share the same save data on your console. So for example, if you borrow a game card from a friend to play on your console, you could download that same game at a later date and continue playing from where you left off.
Note, however, that certain games do not implement save data sharing in this way.
Checking available free space
You can check how much free space is available in the system memory or on your microSD card under "System Settings" → "Data Management" on the HOME Menu.
To increase the amount of space available, you'll need to manage your saved data.
Transferring and managing game data
Transferring game data
You can transfer game-related data between your console's system memory and your microSD card.
*After an update or other change, data may be saved in a different location to the one you set.
*Save data and some software update data cannot be transferred.
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1
On the HOME Menu, select "System Settings" → "Data Management" → "Move Data Between System/microSD Card".
*If no microSD card is inserted, this option won't be selectable.
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2
To transfer data from the system memory to the microSD card, select "Move to microSD Card". To transfer data from the microSD card to the system memory, select "Move to System Memory".
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3
Select the game you want to move from the list and follow the on-screen instructions.
*Game save data is only stored in the system memory, so it can't be moved to the microSD card.
Archiving game data
You can increase the amount of free space available for saving by archiving (deleting) game-related data.
*When archiving data, your save data and the game icon will not be removed. If you want to remove a game icon as well, see here.
*Should you want to play an archived game again, you can redownload it.
How to archive (delete) multiple games at once
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1
On the HOME Menu, select "System Settings" → "Data Management" → "Quick Archive".
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2
Select the games that you want to archive from the list shown, then follow the on-screen instructions.
How to archive (delete) games individually
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1
On the HOME Menu, select the game icon of the game you want to archive, then press the + Button (or the - Button).
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2
On the next screen, select "Manage Software" then "Archive Software".
After you've archived a game, you'll still see the game's icon on the HOME Menu. An archived mark will be shown in front of the game title if you select the game, at which point you can redownload it if you choose.
*You may not be able to redownload games that have been discontinued or are no longer being distributed.
Managing screenshots and videos
You can increase the amount of free space available in a particular save location by deleting screenshots and videos. You can also post them on social media or edit them.
Managing individual screenshots and videos
From "Album" on the HOME Menu, you can perform the following actions.
・Delete
・Post on social media
・Edit (for example adding captions to screenshots and trimming videos)
・Copy between system memory and a microSD card
・Send screenshots and videos to a smartphone
Managing multiple screenshots and videos
From "System Settings" → "Data Management" → "Manage Screenshots and Videos" on the HOME Menu, you can perform the following actions.
・Delete all screenshots and videos
・Copy between system memory and a microSD card
・Copy to a PC via a USB connection
*Connect your Nintendo Switch console to a PC using a USB cable.
Managing save data
As your save data is a valuable record of your progress in games, it's saved to the system memory in order to keep it safe. (It's never stored on the microSD card or game cards.)
If you have old save data from games you no longer play, you can delete it via the HOME Menu by selecting "System Settings" → "Data Management" → "Delete Save Data".
Save data cannot be copied or made use of by another user.
*If you delete a Nintendo Account that's linked to a user, you won't be able to use any of that user's associated save data with another account.
How to use your latest save data on another console
Save data can be transferred from one console to another.
*The user on each console must be linked to the same Nintendo Account.
*With Nintendo Switch Family, you can transfer between each console types.
How to transfer a user and save data to another console
If you'd like to transfer a user complete with their save data to another console, please follow the user transfer guide.
*If you delete a Nintendo Account that's linked to a user, you won't be able to use any of that user's associated save data with another account.
*With Nintendo Switch Family, you can transfer between each console types.
Deleting all data (Initialize Console)
Initializing Console deletes all data on the console and resets your console to the state it was in at initial purchase. 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.)