“Clear” can mean three different things on a Nintendo Switch: remove cached website data, troubleshoot while keeping saves, or erase the console before handing it to someone else. Choose the matching option below—full initialization deletes local saves, so it is not the right choice just to clear browser-related data.
These steps apply to Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, and Nintendo Switch – OLED Model. Menu labels can vary by region or software version; the paths below reflect Nintendo of America’s English-language instructions checked October 7, 2026.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Nintendo Switch 2 System | $499.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy-Con - Handheld Gaming Console | $332.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Red Joy-Con (Renewed) | $195.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Nintendo Switch Lite - Turquoise | $228.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Nintendo Switch – Neon Red and Neon Blue Joy-Con (Renewed) | $200.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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Choose the right kind of reset
| Your goal | Choose | What it changes |
|---|---|---|
| Remove saved website credentials or history for one user | Reset Cache | Clears cached IDs, passwords, cookies, history, and related website data for the selected user. Downloaded games and game saves remain. |
| Troubleshoot a console but keep using it | Initialize Console Without Deleting Save Data | Retains save data, screenshots, and user information; software on a microSD card becomes unusable. |
| Sell, give away, or dispose of the console | Transfer anything you need, then Initialize Console | Erases local software, saves, screenshots and videos, users, settings, and account links. It does not erase the microSD card. |
| Remove learned keyboard suggestions | Use the separate keyboard-reset option in Formatting Options | Resets keyboard prediction data for the selected user. |
Clear cached website data only
Use this when you want to remove saved website credentials, cookies, or history without deleting games or saves. Nintendo’s Reset Cache instructions specify that this is done for a selected user.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors- From the HOME Menu, open System Settings.
- Select System, then Formatting Options.
- Select Reset Cache.
- Choose the user whose cached data you want to clear, then confirm.
This does not clear every user’s cached data at once; repeat the process for another user if needed.
#1 Best Overall
- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
Troubleshoot while keeping save data
Choose Initialize Console Without Deleting Save Data when troubleshooting a console you intend to keep. Nintendo says this retains save data, screenshots, and user information, but software saved on a microSD card becomes unusable. Nintendo’s save-preserving initialization procedure requires Maintenance Mode.
- Turn the console fully off; sleep mode is not sufficient.
- Hold Volume Up (+) and Volume Down (−), then press POWER once.
- Keep holding both volume buttons until Maintenance Mode appears.
- Select Initialize Console Without Deleting Save Data and follow the on-screen instructions. If Parental Controls are set, you may be asked for the PIN.
This option is not a handoff procedure: retained user information and saves are not appropriate to leave on a console you no longer control. If the console continues freezing after troubleshooting, Nintendo’s freeze and lock-up guidance directs users to request service when the listed troubleshooting does not resolve the problem.
Rank #2
- 6.2” LCD screen
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
- Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario & friends
Erase the console before selling, giving it away, or disposing of it
Transfer needed users and save data to another system and verify the data there before initializing the old console. Nintendo’s user and save data transfer instructions describe the transfer process, but not every game uses the same method. For example, Animal Crossing: New Horizons has a dedicated transfer process. Save Data Cloud also does not cover every game; check the support status for each save you care about before erasing the console.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →- Complete and verify the transfers or backups you need.
- Remove the microSD card and keep it. Console initialization does not erase its contents, but software data stored on the card becomes unusable.
- On the console, open System Settings > System > Formatting Options > Initialize Console, then follow the prompts.
Full initialization deletes software data, save data, screenshots and videos, user information, settings, and account links stored on the system. Nintendo’s explanation of what initialization removes distinguishes this local data from your Nintendo Account: the account itself, its purchase history, and its balance are not deleted. After linking the account again, eligible purchased software can generally be downloaded again. That does not restore local save data.
Rank #3
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- 6.2” LCD screen.
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
If screenshots or videos on the microSD card matter to you, preserve them separately before handing the card or console to someone else. Nintendo’s transfer and disposal guidance also recommends transferring needed data before disposal and removing the card.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check save coverage before you reset
A cloud backup is useful only for games that support it, and a routine user transfer is not a universal substitute. Nintendo’s Save Data Cloud support information describes the service and its game-specific limits. Check each important game’s current transfer or backup options before choosing full initialization; once a local save is erased, relinking the account or redownloading a game does not bring that save back.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- One player can use a Joy-Con in each hand
- Two players can each take one
- Multiple Joy-Con can be employed by numerous people for a variety of gameplay options (additional Joy-Con sold separately)
- Slip a set of Joy-Con into a Joy-Con grip accessory, mirroring a more traditional controller. Or, select an optional Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
Rank #4
- Compact, lightweight handheld system
- Available in a range of fun colors
- Online and local wireless multiplayer
- Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario & friends
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.
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