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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →You can remove a Nintendo Switch game’s downloaded software without deleting its save or progress. Choose Archive Software or Delete Software to free space; use Delete Save Data only if you intend to erase progress. These are separate actions in separate data categories.
Save data and game software are different
Save data records progress. Nintendo Switch stores it in System Memory; it cannot be moved to a microSD card or stored on the game card. This remains true when you play a physical game-card copy.
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Downloaded games, software updates, and downloadable content are software data. They can be removed separately from saves, and eligible digital software can be downloaded again. Nintendo’s Data Management guidance explains the distinction; its Data Management FAQ also covers what happens to progress when software is removed.
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Archive Software or Delete Software?
Both options remove downloaded software data to free storage, and neither deletes the save. The difference is whether the game’s icon remains on the HOME Menu.
#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.
| Action | Software data | HOME Menu icon | Save data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archive Software | Removed | Remains | Unaffected |
| Delete Software | Removed | Removed | Unaffected |
Nintendo’s software management instructions explain these options. In its FAQ, Nintendo states: “The game save data is unaffected in either option, so you can resume your game progress once the software is redownloaded.”
Which should you choose?
- Choose Archive Software if you want to reclaim space but keep the game’s HOME Menu icon as a reminder or shortcut.
- Choose Delete Software if you also want to remove that icon.
“Delete the game” can mean either removing its installation or erasing its progress. For storage cleanup, select one of the software options—not Delete Save Data.
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].
How to redownload a digital game
Removing installed software does not by itself cancel a digital purchase. Redownloading does depend on the Nintendo Account that purchased the game, its link to a user on the console, and whether Nintendo still offers the title for redownload. Nintendo’s purchase-history and redownload guidance describes the account-based process.
- Before removing the installation, make sure you can access the Nintendo Account that bought the title and that it is linked to a user on the Switch.
- Open the eShop using that purchasing account and locate the title in the account’s purchase history or redownload options. Exact interface labels may vary by region and system software version.
- Select the title to download it again. Once the software is installed, launch it to continue from the existing save, provided that save has not been deleted.
Nintendo says redownload is unavailable if the purchasing account is not linked to the console or if the title is no longer distributed for redownload. If you cannot access the purchasing account, resolve that before deleting software you may want to reinstall.
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.
When Delete Save Data is the right choice
Use System Settings → Data Management → Delete Save Data only when you deliberately want to remove progress, such as to start fresh. Deleting save data is not the same as clearing the game installation, and Nintendo warns that deleted save data cannot be restored. The Data Management FAQ covers this distinction.
If the goal is to make room for another download, remove software data instead. Nintendo treats software and save data as separate categories, so erasing progress is not the routine storage-cleanup step.
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
Where Switch data can be stored
- System Memory: holds save data, including saves for games played from a physical game card.
- microSD card: can hold downloadable software data, updates, and DLC, but not save data.
- Game card: provides the physical game software, not a backup of your save.
If you need more room for software, a microSD card may help. Check compatibility for your exact console before buying: Nintendo Switch 2 has different microSD requirements, so a card suitable for a regular Nintendo Switch should not be assumed to suit every console in the family. Nintendo’s storage FAQ and data management page describe the relevant storage categories.
Back up saves before relying on recovery
Nintendo Switch Online’s Save Data Cloud backs up many games, not every game. Eligibility is title-specific; check the game’s eShop details or the console’s Save Data Cloud screen rather than assuming a game is covered. Nintendo’s Save Data Cloud information lists unsupported Nintendo and Pokémon titles as of July 30, 2026. It also notes that online-play support does not necessarily mean a game supports cloud saves.
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.
Nintendo’s stated membership policy is that cloud backups become unavailable when a Nintendo Switch Online membership ends, but become available again if the account rejoins within 180 days. Confirm current service terms if this timing affects your decision.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a separate case
Animal Crossing: New Horizons does not use the standard Save Data Cloud service. Its separate Save Data Restoration Service requires Nintendo Switch Online and setup in the game beforehand. Nintendo describes it for recovery after console failure or loss, not as a restore option players can use whenever they choose. See Nintendo’s restoration service guidance and its cloud backup information.
Quick Recap
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