The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Deleting downloaded game software from a Nintendo Switch 2 does not delete that game’s save data. Nintendo stores saves in the console’s System Memory, so you can redownload the software later and continue with the same user. If you want a backup or need to move progress to another console, use Save Data Cloud for a supported game or transfer the save directly.
What happens to your save when you delete a game?
Deleting downloaded software frees space without removing its save data. The save remains in the console’s System Memory, and Nintendo says you can resume your progress after redownloading the software. This is the documented effect of deleting downloaded software; do not assume every menu option labeled “archive” has identical details unless Nintendo documents it for that operation. Nintendo Switch 2 Data Management FAQ
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Game saves are separate from the game software. They are stored in System Memory whether you play from a game card or a download. Nintendo says saves cannot be saved or copied to a microSD Express card, which can store software data and media instead.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Delete downloaded software without losing progress
- From the HOME Menu, open System Settings.
- Select Data Management to review and manage storage.
- Delete the downloaded software you no longer need. Keep the user account associated with the save.
- When you want to play again, redownload the software. The save remains on the console.
Deleting the associated user account is different: Nintendo says that removes the account’s save data permanently, and the saves cannot be restored. Nintendo Switch 2 Data Management FAQ
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Choose a way to protect or move progress
| Option | Best for | Requirements | What happens to the save? | Main caution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delete software and redownload later | Freeing space on the same console | Access to redownload the software | It stays on the console | Do not delete the user account associated with it. |
| Save Data Cloud | Backing up or restoring a supported game | Nintendo Switch Online membership; the game must support cloud saves | Downloading replaces the console save for that game | Overwritten save data cannot be recovered. |
| Transfer save to a nearby console | Moving an individual save to another console | Both consoles, internet access, and the same Nintendo Account linked to a user on each console; no Nintendo Switch Online membership required | The save is removed from the source console after transfer | An existing save on the target may be overwritten. |
| microSD Express card | Storing software data and media to free internal space | A compatible card | It does not store or back up saves | Save data cannot be copied to the card. |
Download a Save Data Cloud backup
Cloud saves require Nintendo Switch Online and are available only for supported titles. You can start from either of these menu paths:
- On the HOME Menu, highlight the game, press + or −, choose Save Data Cloud, select the user, then choose Download Save Data.
- Open System Settings > Data Management > Save Data Cloud, select the user and game, then choose Download Save Data.
Before downloading, check which copy is newer. The cloud download replaces the existing save on the console, and Nintendo warns that overwritten data cannot be recovered. Nintendo: How to Download Save Data Cloud Backups on Nintendo Switch 2
Rank #2
- NEXT GEN GAMING: Works with Nintendo Switch 2.
- READY FOR TOMORROW. Ready for future products with a PCIe-NVMe interface; performs at UHS-I speeds with microSD UHS-I and UHS-II devices.
- EXPONENTIALLY FASTER PERFORMANCE. Up to 4.4 times faster transfer speeds than our fastest microSD UHS-I cards [9]. Transfer a 2-hour HD movie in less than 3.5 seconds [1]; save up to 2.8 minutes transferring 60 minutes of 4K UHD video [4] shot at 30 fps when paired with the SanDisk PRO-READER SD Express Dual Card (sold separately) [9]
- DURABILITY YOU CAN COUNT ON: Cards are waterproof, temperature-proof, humidity-proof, drop-proof, shock-proof, magnetic-proof, x-ray proof, and wear-out proof [5].
- HEAT MANAGEMENT REIMAGINED. SanDisk ThermAdapt helps keep devices from overheating with a specially designed enclosure and controller that uses dynamic adaptive thermal management.
Transfer a save to another nearby console
A nearby-console transfer does not require Nintendo Switch Online. Both consoles need internet access, must be close to each other, and must have users linked to the same Nintendo Account. Start at System Settings > Data Management > Transfer Your Save Data and follow the on-screen directions. Nintendo: How to Transfer Your Save Data To a Nearby Console
After a successful transfer, the save is removed from the original console. If the target console already has a save for that game, choosing to overwrite it can permanently replace the target’s existing data. Nintendo: Transferring Digital Games and Nintendo Accounts Between Nintendo Switch 2 Consoles
Rank #3
- TRANSFER SPEEDS UP TO 800 MB/S: With sequential read speeds up to 800 MB/s, get into your game up to 4× faster than our standard microSD cards (UHS I)¹.
- DYNAMIC THERMAL GUARD: Keeps its cool even when the action heats up. Dynamic Thermal Guard helps reduce overheating for fast, smooth gameplay.
- ALL YOUR GAMES ON ONE TINY CARD: Store all your games and downloadable content (DLCs) with up to 512GB of reliable storage. No deleting. No compromises.
- 6-PROOF PROTECTION WITH 3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY: Built to last, made for peace of mind. Anything can happen when you’re gaming on the go. With 6 types of protection²⁻⁹, the P9 Express can handle it all—helping maintain your game progress.
- NEXT-GEN AND BACKWARD COMPATIBLE: Your microSD Express card is compatible with Nintendo Switch 2¹⁰ and microSD UHS-I¹¹ devices, including tablets, drones, cameras and more.
What a microSD Express card can—and cannot—do
A microSD Express card can hold software data, updates, downloadable content, screenshots, and video captures. It cannot hold game save data, so moving software to a card is not a save backup. Nintendo Switch 2 Data Management FAQ
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Read/Write up to 800/650 MB/s, Ultra Fast Gaming Response
- SD 7.1 — Small Card, Giant Leap
- Includes microSD to SD Adapter
- 5-year limited warranty
Rank #4
- Nintendo Switch 2 Micro SD Card; SanDisk
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.
