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How to Download and Manage Games on Nintendo Switch

By Freedom251 Team · · 3 min read

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Download a digital game from Nintendo eShop using the Nintendo Account that bought it. To free space later, go to System Settings > Data Management > Manage Software and archive or delete the title; Nintendo says either option leaves save data intact. Downloaded games, updates and DLC can be stored on a microSD card, but save data stays in the console’s System Memory.

Download a digital game you purchased

  1. On the Switch, select or link the Nintendo Account used to buy the game. Purchases are tied to that account; access on another console depends on Nintendo’s current console and virtual game card rules. See Nintendo’s purchase and download instructions.
  2. Open Nintendo eShop and select that account’s user profile.
  3. Find the purchased title in eShop and start its download. The exact steps can vary with console eligibility and system software.
  4. Check the HOME Menu for download progress. If the game does not appear, confirm that you selected the account that made the purchase and check the title’s eShop page for its purchase or download option.

If a game was archived, its HOME Menu icon remains available for redownloading. If it was deleted, retrieve it using the purchasing Nintendo Account.

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Archive or delete a game to free space

Both actions remove downloaded software from the console, and Nintendo says both preserve save data. The difference is whether the game’s HOME Menu icon remains.

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Action What is removed HOME Menu icon Save data
Archive Software Downloaded software Remains, so you can select it to redownload Unaffected, according to Nintendo Support
Delete Software Downloaded software and its icon Removed Unaffected, according to Nintendo Support
  1. Open System Settings > Data Management > Manage Software.
  2. Select the game you want to remove.
  3. Choose Archive Software to keep its HOME Menu icon, or Delete Software to remove the icon too. Available labels can differ by system menu version.

To process several games, use System Settings > Data Management > Quick Archive, select the titles, then choose the archive action. Depending on the menu version, a game’s Manage Software screen may also offer Prevent Auto Archiving and Check for Corrupt Data. Nintendo lists these options in its software management guidance.

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Choose microSD storage based on your games

A compatible microSD card can store downloaded software, updates and downloadable content. Save data remains in the Switch’s System Memory and cannot be copied to microSD. Nintendo’s microSD card guidance does not prescribe one capacity for every player: space needs depend on the games and content you plan to keep installed.

  • Before buying a card or downloading a game, check that game’s current eShop listing for its storage requirement.
  • Some physical games require additional downloads; check the package for a notice or ask the publisher about that title’s requirements.
  • Count updates and DLC as well as the base game when estimating how much room your library needs.
  • External USB hard drives are not supported as Switch storage, according to Nintendo’s FAQ.
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Redownload games or move to another Switch

For a purchase you made, use the Nintendo Account associated with it. Nintendo’s transfer guidance covers moving users and save data when both consoles are available. If the original console is unavailable, sign in on the new Switch with the purchasing account and download your digital games; access can still depend on Nintendo’s console and virtual game card rules.

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To retrieve cloud saves on a replacement console, you need an active Nintendo Switch Online membership, and the particular game must support cloud save data. Nintendo’s Nintendo Switch Online FAQ explains the service and its save-data limits.

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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

game storagemicroSDNintendo AccountNintendo eShopNintendo Switch

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