You can free space used by downloaded games on a Nintendo Switch without deleting their save data: archive the software, or delete it if you also want to remove its HOME Menu icon. Save data stays in the console’s system memory. It cannot be copied to a microSD card, so manage game downloads and captures—not save files—when clearing space.
Check where your Switch is running out of space
Open System Settings > Data Management to see available space in system memory and on an inserted microSD card. Downloaded software and captures can occupy either location, so check both before deciding what to remove. Nintendo explains the storage overview in its Data Management guidance.
Archive a downloaded game to keep its icon
- From the HOME Menu, open System Settings > Data Management > Manage Software.
- Select the game you want to remove from storage and choose Archive Software.
- To archive multiple titles, use Quick Archive where available and select the titles to archive.
Archiving removes the downloaded software data but leaves the game’s HOME Menu icon and save data in place. Select the icon later to redownload the game before playing. Nintendo confirms that archiving does not affect save data in its archive instructions.
Delete a game download if you do not need its icon
Use System Settings > Data Management > Manage Software, select a title, then choose Delete Software. This removes the downloaded software and its HOME Menu icon, but Nintendo says the save data is unaffected. You can download the purchased game again using the Nintendo Account that bought it. See Nintendo’s software archive and deletion instructions and redownloading guidance.
#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 | What happens to the game icon? | What happens to save data? | To play again |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archive software | Stays on the HOME Menu | Unaffected | Redownload the software |
| Delete software | Removed from the HOME Menu | Unaffected | Redownload with the purchasing Nintendo Account |
Delete or move screenshots and videos carefully
Open System Settings > Data Management > Manage Screenshots and Videos. Depending on whether a microSD card is inserted, you can copy captures between system memory and the card or delete selected files. Review the selection before confirming: Nintendo says deleted screenshots and videos cannot be recovered. Follow its capture management instructions.
Use a microSD card for downloads and captures, not saves
A compatible microSD card can expand storage for downloadable software data and screenshots or videos. Nintendo says software data can be moved between system memory and a card, but save data cannot be saved or copied to microSD; some update data also cannot be moved. Data may be stored in a different location after an update or other change. These distinctions are covered in Nintendo’s Data Management FAQ. Nintendo also says external USB hard drives are not currently supported for Switch storage expansion.
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].
Do not use cloud restore as a cleanup step
Save Data Cloud requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership, and downloading a cloud backup replaces the existing local save for that game. If the local save is newer, restoring the backup can overwrite it, and Nintendo says overwritten data cannot be recovered. Check which copy you want before downloading a backup; cloud restore is for recovery, not for freeing storage. See Nintendo’s Save Data Cloud instructions.
Quick Recap
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.
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
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.
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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