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You can free up Nintendo Switch storage without deleting your game progress: archive or delete downloaded software. Nintendo stores save data in the console’s system memory, separately from the game download. Archiving keeps the game’s HOME Menu icon; deleting removes it. Both preserve save data.
What happens to save data when you archive or delete a game?
Archiving or deleting downloaded software removes the game files from storage, not the associated save data. Nintendo says that archiving does not affect save data, and deleting software leaves save data unaffected too. You may need to download the game again before you can play it.
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Save data stays in the console’s system memory. It cannot be saved or copied to a microSD card, even if you play using a physical game card. A microSD card can hold downloadable software data, updates, downloadable content and screenshots, but it is not a save-data backup. Nintendo’s Data Management FAQ explains the distinction.
Choose the right way to reclaim space
| Option | What it removes | HOME Menu icon | Before playing again | Save data |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archive software | Downloaded software files | Remains | Redownload the game | Unaffected |
| Delete software | Downloaded software files and its icon | Removed | Redownload using the Nintendo Account that purchased it | Unaffected |
| Delete screenshots or videos | Selected capture files | Not applicable | Deleted captures cannot be recovered | Unaffected |
Archiving is the convenient choice if you want to keep the icon as a reminder or shortcut. Deleting software also preserves progress, but removes that icon. Either option removes downloaded files; neither is a way to remove save data.
#1 Best Overall
- Compatible with Nintendo-Switch (NOT Nintendo-Switch 2)
- Incredible speeds in a microSD card officially licensed for the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo OLED, and Nintendo Switch Lite systems
- Spend less time waiting and more time playing with read speeds up to 100MB/s(1) and write speeds up to 90MB/s(1).
- Instantly add up to 256GB (1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage less.)
- Store your downloaded games, screenshots and video captures in 1 place so you can travel light.
Check storage and archive a downloaded game
- On the HOME Menu, open System Settings > Data Management to view available space in system memory and on an inserted microSD card.
- Choose Manage Software, select the game, then choose Archive Software.
- To archive several titles, use Quick Archive if it is available in Data Management, and select the software you want to archive.
Archiving removes the download while leaving the icon on the HOME Menu. Select that icon later to redownload the game. See Nintendo’s archive instructions.
Delete software if you want its icon removed
- Open System Settings > Data Management > Manage Software.
- Select the game and choose Delete Software.
- When you want to play again, redownload the title using the Nintendo Account that purchased it.
This removes both the downloaded software and its HOME Menu icon, but not the save data. Nintendo also explains how to redownload a game.
Rank #2
- EXPAND YOUR STORAGE. Insert your card to add massive storage up to 1.5TB[1] to your Android smartphones and tablets, digital cameras, and laptops.
- SPACE FOR MORE. With expansive capacities up to 1.5TB[1], capture and store hours of Full HD video[4], movies, music, games, photos, and podcasts.
- MOVE FILES FAST. Use your card with the SANDISK QuickFlow microSD UHS-I Card USB-A Reader[6] to achieve up to 195MB/s[2] read speeds [128GB-1.5TB models] and offload your content fast.
- LOAD APPS IN A SNAP. Rated A1[3], the SANDISK Ultra microSD card is optimized for faster app launch and overall app performance.
- EASY CONTENT MANAGEMENT. Easily back up, organize, and transfer your photos and videos with the SANDISK Memory Zone desktop or Android mobile app[5].
Review screenshots and videos before deleting them
- Open System Settings > Data Management > Manage Screenshots and Videos.
- Depending on whether a microSD card is inserted, copy captures between system memory and the card, or select captures to delete.
- Review your selection before confirming. Nintendo warns that deleted screenshots and videos cannot be recovered.
Moving captures to a microSD card can clear system memory without removing the files, provided the card is inserted and has available space. Nintendo’s screenshot and video instructions cover the menu options.
When a microSD card helps—and what it cannot do
A compatible microSD card can add room for downloaded software data and screenshots. Nintendo says software data can be moved between system memory and a microSD card, but save data and some update data cannot be moved. After an update or another change, data may be stored somewhere different from the location previously selected. Check both storage locations in Data Management if space seems not to have changed as expected.
Rank #3
- Nintendo Switch 2 uses a new standard of expandable memory card called microSD Express (sold separately). This kind of memory card is needed for faster access speeds and to ensure games will run smoothly.
- Please note: Nintendo Switch 2 is only compatible with microSD Express cards. If the microSD cards you have used for Nintendo Switch do not support microSD Express standards, you cannot use them with Nintendo Switch 2.
Nintendo’s support information does not currently support external USB hard drives for Switch game storage. A microSD card is the relevant expandable storage option; it does not expand the system memory used for save data. See Nintendo’s storage FAQ for its guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do not use a cloud restore as a cleanup step
Downloading a Save Data Cloud backup replaces the existing local save for that game. If the local save is newer, the restore can overwrite it, and Nintendo says overwritten data cannot be recovered. Save Data Cloud also requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Only download a backup when you have confirmed that it is the version you want to restore. See Nintendo’s Save Data Cloud instructions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Compatible with Nintendo Switch (NOT Nintendo Switch 2). Always check your device's max supported capacity.
- Reliable Real-World Capacity - Labeled Capacities/Usable Capacities: 64GB/≥58GB; 128GB/≥116GB; 256GB/≥232GB; 512GB/≥465GB; 1TB/≥908GB (Due to OS formatting and binary/decimal calculation differences)
- 4K & Full HD Ready — Optimized for high-bitrate video recording and burst-mode photography. Handles RAW files, time-lapse sequences, and smooth 4K UHD playback without lag or frame drops.
- UHS-I U3 + A2 Certified Speed — Up to 100MB/s read speed (lab-tested); meets Video Speed Class V30 and Application Class A2 for fast app loading, responsive multitasking, and reliable performance on Android devices.
- Built for Adventure — Shock-resistant, IPX6 water-resistant, and rated for extreme temperatures (−10°C to +80°C). Also resistant to X-rays and magnetic fields — ideal for travel, outdoor use, and dashcams.
Rank #4
- [Gaming Series] Especially designed for Gaming Consoles. A1 spec enables high speed data transfer for game professionals
- [Ultra HD] Read/Write up to 100/60 MB/s. UltraHD video displaying/recording
- [Compatibility] Storage for Laptop, Tablet, PC, Smartphones, Camera, e-Reader. Files, Videos, Music [Notice] Compatible with Nintendo Switch 1; not compatible for gaming with Nintendo Switch 2
- [Environment] Waterproof, shockproof, temperature-proof and X-Ray proof
- [Support] Gigastone 5-year limited warranty
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