Recommended Free Tools
Archiving and deleting both remove a game’s downloaded software from your Nintendo Switch to free storage. The difference is the HOME Menu icon: archiving keeps it, so you can reinstall the game by selecting it, while deleting removes the software and the icon together. Neither action touches your save data.
What each action does
Both actions target the downloaded software, meaning the game files stored on the console or microSD card. What changes is the shortcut left behind on the HOME Menu.
| Point | Archive Software | Delete Software |
|---|---|---|
| Downloaded software removed from storage | Yes | Yes |
| HOME Menu icon kept | Yes | No |
| Where to find the action | System Settings > Data Management > Manage Software > Archive Software, or the title’s HOME Menu Options menu | System Settings > Data Management > Manage Software > Delete Software |
| Bulk option | Quick Archive in Data Management | Not stated for bulk use in Nintendo’s guidance |
Archiving suits a title you may want to reinstall later while keeping its shortcut in place. Deleting suits a title you want fully removed from the HOME Menu.
What stays the same: your save data
Nintendo states that save data is unaffected by either action. Its Data Management FAQ says: “The game save data is unaffected in either option, so you can resume your game progress once the software is redownloaded.” (Nintendo Support, Data Management FAQ, https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/22289)
#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.
Save data is held in the console’s System Memory, not on a microSD card, so removing a card has no effect on it.
Reinstalling after each action
After archiving
The game’s HOME Menu icon remains. Select it to redownload the software.
Rank #2
- Compatible with Nintendo-Switch (NOT Nintendo-Switch 2)
- Expand your storage in a flash: ideal for Android smartphones and tablets, Chromebooks, and Windows laptops.
- Increase your TV show, movie, and Full HD video[4] recording collections dramatically with up to a massive 1.5TB[1].
- Transfer files fast with up to 150MB/s[2] read speeds and SanDisk MobileMate USB micro 3.0 microSD card reader[6].
- Load apps faster with A1-rated performance[3].
After deleting
The icon is gone. Nintendo says purchased software can be downloaded again using the same Nintendo Account that was used to buy it, so sign in with that account before attempting the redownload.
How to archive or delete a single title
- Open System Settings from the HOME Menu.
- Select Data Management.
- Select Manage Software.
- Select the title you want to remove from storage.
- Choose Archive Software to keep the icon, or Delete Software to remove the software and the icon.
- Read the confirmation prompt on screen before confirming.
Nintendo also documents archiving from the title’s HOME Menu Options menu, in addition to the Data Management path above. Menu labels can change with system software version, so follow the prompts displayed on your console if the wording differs from the steps above. (Nintendo Support, https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/22382/p/989/c/235)
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.
Archiving several titles at once
Go to System Settings > Data Management > Quick Archive, select the titles you want to archive, and confirm. Nintendo’s guidance describes Quick Archive for archiving; it does not describe an equivalent bulk delete, so delete titles one at a time.
Save data is a separate setting
Deleting software does not delete save data. Nintendo lists save-data deletion separately in Data Management, and it is easy to select the wrong option. Read the title of each confirmation screen before continuing. (Nintendo Support, https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/28149/)
Rank #4
- Optimized for Gaming Speed: Specially tuned for gaming devices, TeknoStone Gaming Series cards deliver up to 100MB/s read speed with UHS-I interface. A2-rated performance ensures faster app launch, smoother in-game loading, and reduced lag on handheld consoles and mobile platforms.
- Compatible with Top Devices: Perfectly compatible with Nintendo Switch (Not 2), Steam Deck, ROG Ally, Android phones, tablets, and even retro game emulators. Includes a full-size SD adapter for seamless use with laptops, handheld consoles, and compatible card readers.
- Smooth 4K/HD Recording & Playback: Supports stable 4K UHD and 1080P Full HD recording and playback, ideal for gameplay footage, game stream content capture, or immersive in-game video rendering.
- Battle-Tested Durability: Engineered for long sessions and intense environments. Waterproof, shockproof, temperature-resistant, X-ray safe — designed to withstand accidental drops, outdoor use, and frequent device swapping.
- Actual Capacity: Storage may be smaller than the labeled capacity because manufacturers use the decimal system (1 GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes) , operating systems display storage using the binary system (1 GiB = 1,073,741,824 bytes). This is a normal industry practice and does not affect performance.
Initializing the console is a broader action that deletes save data held in System Memory. Do not use it as a way to clear one game. (Nintendo initialization guidance, https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/22399)
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choosing between them
- Archive if you want to free storage and keep the HOME Menu icon for a simple redownload.
- Delete if you want the title removed from the HOME Menu as well as from storage, and you have the purchasing Nintendo Account available for a future redownload.
- Neither if your goal is to erase progress. Manage save data separately.
Storage and microSD
Nintendo says a microSD card can hold downloaded software, updates, and DLC. It cannot hold save data, which stays in System Memory. A card is optional: archiving and deleting work without one. Nintendo’s guidance does not recommend a particular card capacity, so choose based on how much downloadable software you keep.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteQuick Recap
Best Value
- Compatible with Nintendo-Switch (NOT Nintendo-Switch 2)
- The official licensed microSD card for Nintendo Switch Systems
- Add games fast with write speeds up to 90MB/s (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending upon host device interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB = 1,000,000 bytes.)
- Start playing fast with read speeds up to 100MB/s (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending upon host device interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB = 1,000,000 bytes.)
- Store an entire game collection, plus screenshots and videos, with up to 64GB of additional memory (1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage less)
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.
