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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →You can copy Nintendo Switch screenshots and video captures to a computer using USB or a microSD card. Game saves are different: a computer is not a supported place to back them up or restore them. Use a nearby-console save transfer or Save Data Cloud for compatible games instead. Downloaded games and updates also are not usable PC files; redownload digital software from the Nintendo eShop when needed.
Choose the right method for the data you want
| Data | Can you copy it to a computer? | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Screenshots and video captures | Yes | Use USB or copy them from the microSD card. |
| Game saves | No usable file-copy method | Transfer between consoles or use Save Data Cloud for supported games. |
| Downloaded games, updates, and DLC | Not as usable PC files | Manage or redownload software through the console and Nintendo eShop. |
| microSD card contents | Yes, as a card-copy operation | Use a card reader to back up or copy the complete card contents when replacing a card. |
| Live gameplay | Not through ordinary USB file transfer | Use a capture card with a compatible docked console if you want to record gameplay on a computer. |
The supported computer-transfer workflows primarily export screenshots and videos. They do not turn the Switch into a general-purpose external drive.
Copy screenshots and videos over USB
Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED
- On the console, open System Settings → Data Management → Manage Screenshots and Videos → Copy to a Computer via USB Connection.
- Connect the console directly to the computer with a USB cable that supports data transfer. A charge-only cable will not work for file transfer.
- Open the computer’s file browser and select the console or its media device. Copy the desired screenshots and videos into a folder on the computer.
- When copying is complete, exit the transfer screen and disconnect the cable.
Nintendo says the computer-side procedure can vary by computer. See Nintendo’s instructions for transferring Switch screenshots and videos over USB.
Nintendo Switch 2
- Open System Settings → Data Management → Manage Screenshots and Videos → Copy to PC over USB.
- Connect a USB data cable directly to the Switch 2 console’s USB-C port and to the computer. Do not connect through the dock; its USB ports do not support this transfer feature.
- Use the computer’s file browser to select and copy the screenshots and videos you want.
- Finish the transfer before disconnecting the cable.
Switch 2 requires a computer operating system with Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) support. Nintendo notes that MTP software installed separately is used at the user’s own risk. The Switch 2 menu wording and connection requirements differ from the original Switch workflow. Details are in Nintendo’s Switch 2 USB transfer instructions.
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If the computer does not detect the console
- Exit the transfer screen and try a known data-capable cable; charging alone does not confirm that a cable supports data.
- Connect the console directly to the computer rather than through a hub or dock.
- Try another USB port, then restart the console and computer and try again.
- For Switch 2, check that the computer supports MTP.
- If USB still does not work, use the microSD-card method below.
Copy media using a microSD card
- Turn the console completely off before removing the card.
- Insert the microSD card into the computer’s built-in reader or a compatible card reader.
- Open the card in File Explorer, Finder, or the computer’s file manager. Switch screenshots and videos are stored under
Nintendo/Album/. - Copy the album folder, or the relevant media folders, to a folder on the computer. Copy rather than move, and leave the original card unchanged until you have checked the copied files.
- Safely eject the card from the computer before removing it, then return it to the console.
The album contains nested folders, including year/month and title-identification folders. Preserve the folder structure on the card rather than renaming or rearranging its Nintendo folders. Nintendo’s capture-transfer instructions identify the album location.
If you are copying a card to replace it, copy the complete contents to a temporary computer folder, prepare the new card as Nintendo directs, then copy the full folder structure onto it. Do not erase or alter the original card until the new card and its contents have been checked. Nintendo warns that its card-copy procedure may not work correctly in environments other than Windows, including Mac. Follow Nintendo’s microSD card transfer instructions for the full process.
Rank #2
- This extra long 10FT USB C cable, cord or wire is great whether you are at home or on-the-go on a car traveling with your kids. This USB-C cable can be used to charge your kid's device using a regular smartphone AC adapter or car USB charging port.
- With this USB Type C cable, your gaming device can be up to 10FT away from the power source. This will be able to charge your tablet or electronic device no matter where your child sits in the car.
- This USB Type C charging cable cord is compatible with Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite. This is also compatible with other newly released tablets and smartphones with a USB C charging port.
- This is also compatible with other newly released electronic devices, smartphones, tablets, headphones, earbuds, wireless speakers and more with a USB-C charging port. This is compatible with Samsung Galaxy, ZTE, Moto, LG, Lumia, Sony, Fire HD, One Plus and JBL.
- Product includes: one (1) 10-Ft USB C to USB-A cable, black or white.
Switch 2 uses microSD Express for expanded storage; do not assume an ordinary Switch microSD card is interchangeable. Check Nintendo’s microSD and microSD Express compatibility guidance for the relevant card type.
Move or back up game saves
Searching the card or console for a save file to copy to a PC will not produce a normal, usable backup. Nintendo’s supported options are console-to-console transfer and cloud backup for compatible games.
Rank #3
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Transfer a save to a nearby console
This option does not require Nintendo Switch Online, but both consoles need internet access, must be near each other, and must have the same Nintendo Account linked to the relevant users.
- On the source console, open System Settings → Data Management → Transfer Your Save Data → Send Save Data to Another Console.
- Choose the target system type, user, and game save, then select Next and OK.
- On the target console, open System Settings → Data Management → Transfer Your Save Data → Receive Save Data and confirm the transfer.
This is a move, not a duplicate backup: sending the save deletes it from the source console. If the target already has a save for that game, replacing it cannot be undone. Check Nintendo’s nearby save-transfer instructions before proceeding.
Rank #4
- 🤙USB C to HDMI Adapter Cable with Broad Compatibility: Boreguse USB C to HDMI Adapter Charger Cable for Nintendo Switch Dock Cord and Nintendo Switch Dock Adapter widely compatible with Nintendo Switch NS/OLED Mode, Steam Deck, ★(BUT, This USB C to 4K HDMI Conversion Cable for Nintendo Switch HDMI Adapter CANNOT be used for the Switch Lite, and not for Nintendo DS). Not Compatible with Nintendo switch 2.
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- 🤙Switch Dock HDMI Cable with New Upgraded: This Nintendo Switch USB C to HDMI for Nintendo Switch HDMI Cable with perfect portable MINI design combines HDMI, USB C connector, and 100W charging port in one cable, Completely replaces official Switch Dock and HDMI projection cable,Easy to go.
- 🤙Switch Charging Dock with 100W Charging Port:This Nintendo Switch Charging Dock with intelligent chip certified by PD, it can effectively convert fluctuating voltage into stable voltage. This Nintendo Switch Charger Dock supports 100W PD fast charging,so you can play while charging.
- 🤙You Should Know: ①An additional USB-C charging cable is required. It needs to be plugged into the USB-C port to power the Switch Dock. ②The power source needs to support the power requirements of the Switch, which is typically 39W. For example, the Official Charger has a rated power of 39W, with a rated voltage of 15V and a rated current of 2.6A.★(There is no charger cable or power adapter in the package)★(Note: We recommended to use the original charger)
Back up and restore a compatible game with Save Data Cloud
An active Nintendo Switch Online membership is required, and not every game supports Save Data Cloud. For an eligible game:
- Highlight the game on the HOME Menu and press
+or−. - Select Save Data Cloud and choose the user.
- On the source console, select Back Up Save Data.
- On the target console, open the same menu and select Download Save Data.
Check the game’s cloud-save support before relying on this method. Downloading a backup replaces the target console’s existing save for that game; an overwritten save cannot be recovered. See Nintendo’s guidance for backing up and downloading cloud save data.
Best Value
- Fast Charging Speed: This 39W ac power adapter can provide high-speed charging for switch/switch lite/switch oled. The premium 6.6FT USB-C cable fits all type-C devices. The charger adapter will charge your switch from 0% to 50% in an hour, which provides you greater charging stability and higher efficiency
- Universal Compatibility: This switch charger compatible with most devices that can be charged under 39W via USB-C. Compatible with switch/switch lite/switch oled, switch TV dock, steam deck dock and switch pro controller, supports TV mode
- PD3.0 USB Type C Charger: The Charger for Nintendo Switch support tv dock mode and android phone or other type c charging port device. 2.5 hours charge time for most devices, Auto output suitable power according to charging devices, from 5v2a to 15v2.6a
- Safe Enough and Multi-protection: Built-in multi safeguards and cooling system to protect against overcharging, short circuiting, overheating, spark, intelligently monitoring temperature to safeguard your devices
- What You Get: A 39W AC power adapter for switch and support tv dock mode with 6.6ft AC extension cord.If your charger not work or have other concerns in daily use. Feel free to contact us by your Amazon email
Special case: Animal Crossing: New Horizons
The game uses shared island data, so use its island-transfer process rather than relying only on the standard user or individual save transfer. Nintendo outlines the relevant process in its user and save data transfer guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Transfer games or move to a new card
A computer can serve as temporary storage while copying an entire Switch microSD card to another card, but the result is not a portable PC game library. Software downloaded to a card for one Switch will not become playable on a different Switch just because the card is inserted or copied. Redownload digital software through the Nintendo eShop using the account that owns it; Nintendo explains the card limitation in its microSD transfer guidance.
For a user profile and associated data moving between consoles, use Nintendo’s Switch-to-Switch 2 system transfer when that is the destination, or the appropriate Nintendo Switch user and save transfer process.
When a capture card makes sense
A capture card records live gameplay output from a docked, compatible Switch to a computer. It does not copy existing screenshots, expose save files, or replace USB and microSD transfer. It is relevant for streaming or continuous gameplay recording, not routine file backup. Switch Lite does not use the ordinary docked HDMI workflow assumed by most capture-card setups.
Can you copy files from the computer back to the Switch?
Nintendo documents copying captures from the console to a computer, not a general workflow for importing arbitrary PC images or videos into the Switch album. Treat the computer as a backup destination rather than a file manager for restoring media to the console; manually placing files in Nintendo folders is not an established supported import method.
Quick Recap
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