Deleting downloaded game software on Nintendo Switch 2 does not delete your progress: the save stays in the console’s System Memory, and you can resume after redownloading the game. If you want a backup or need to move progress to another console, use Save Data Cloud for a supported game or transfer the save. Don’t delete the user account tied to the save.
What happens to your progress when you remove a game?
Nintendo treats downloaded software and game save data separately. Deleting the software frees space, while the save remains on the console. Redownload the game later and you can continue using that save, provided you use the user account associated with it. Nintendo’s Switch 2 Data Management FAQ describes the save as unaffected by deleting downloaded software.
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On Switch 2, saves are stored in System Memory whether you play from a game card or a download. They are not stored on the game card or microSD Express card, and Nintendo says they cannot be saved or copied to a microSD Express card. Deleting the associated user account is different from deleting software: it deletes that account’s saves permanently, and they cannot be restored.
Delete downloaded software and keep the save
- From the HOME Menu, open System Settings.
- Select Data Management to review and manage storage.
- Delete the downloaded software you no longer need. Leave the relevant user account and save data in place.
- When you want to play again, redownload the software. The save remains on the console.
Nintendo’s Switch 2 guidance documents the effect of deleting downloaded software; it does not establish that every menu option labelled “archive” works identically. The important distinction is that removing software is not the same as deleting save data or the user account.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Choose a backup or transfer method if you need one
| Option | Best for | Requirements | What happens to the save | Main caution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delete software and redownload | Freeing space while keeping the same console | Access to the software to redownload it | Stays on the console | Do not delete the associated user account. |
| Save Data Cloud | Backing up or restoring a supported game | Nintendo Switch Online membership; title must support the feature | Downloading a backup replaces the console’s save for that game | Overwritten data cannot be recovered. |
| Transfer to a nearby console | Moving an individual save to another console | Both consoles, internet access, nearby placement, and the same Nintendo Account linked to a user on each | Removed from the source console after transfer | An existing save on the target may be overwritten. |
| microSD Express card | Adding space for software data and media | Compatible card | Does not move or back up saves | Game save data cannot be copied to the card. |
Download a Save Data Cloud backup
Cloud saves require a Nintendo Switch Online membership, and not every game supports Save Data Cloud. Nintendo’s Switch 2 cloud-save instructions offer two menu routes:
- From the HOME Menu, highlight the game’s icon and press + or −.
- Select Save Data Cloud, then select the user.
- Select Download Save Data.
Alternatively, open System Settings > Data Management > Save Data Cloud, select the user and game, then choose Download Save Data. Before downloading, check which copy is newer. The download replaces the existing console save for that game, and Nintendo warns that overwritten data cannot be recovered.
Rank #2
- NEXT GEN GAMING: Works with Nintendo Switch 2.
- READY FOR TOMORROW. Ready for future products with a PCIe-NVMe interface; performs at UHS-I speeds with microSD UHS-I and UHS-II devices.
- EXPONENTIALLY FASTER PERFORMANCE. Up to 4.4 times faster transfer speeds than our fastest microSD UHS-I cards [9]. Transfer a 2-hour HD movie in less than 3.5 seconds [1]; save up to 2.8 minutes transferring 60 minutes of 4K UHD video [4] shot at 30 fps when paired with the SanDisk PRO-READER SD Express Dual Card (sold separately) [9]
- DURABILITY YOU CAN COUNT ON: Cards are waterproof, temperature-proof, humidity-proof, drop-proof, shock-proof, magnetic-proof, x-ray proof, and wear-out proof [5].
- HEAT MANAGEMENT REIMAGINED. SanDisk ThermAdapt helps keep devices from overheating with a specially designed enclosure and controller that uses dynamic adaptive thermal management.
Transfer a save to a nearby console
A nearby-console transfer does not require Nintendo Switch Online. Both consoles need internet access, must be near each other, and must have users linked to the same Nintendo Account. Nintendo’s save-transfer instructions begin at System Settings > Data Management > Transfer Your Save Data.
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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteTransfer moves the save: once complete, it is removed from the source console. If the target console already has a save for that game, choosing to overwrite it can permanently replace that data. Review the target’s existing save before confirming. Nintendo also provides guidance for transferring digital games and Nintendo Accounts between Switch 2 consoles.
Rank #3
- TRANSFER SPEEDS UP TO 800 MB/S: With sequential read speeds up to 800 MB/s, get into your game up to 4× faster than our standard microSD cards (UHS I)¹.
- DYNAMIC THERMAL GUARD: Keeps its cool even when the action heats up. Dynamic Thermal Guard helps reduce overheating for fast, smooth gameplay.
- ALL YOUR GAMES ON ONE TINY CARD: Store all your games and downloadable content (DLCs) with up to 512GB of reliable storage. No deleting. No compromises.
- 6-PROOF PROTECTION WITH 3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY: Built to last, made for peace of mind. Anything can happen when you’re gaming on the go. With 6 types of protection²⁻⁹, the P9 Express can handle it all—helping maintain your game progress.
- NEXT-GEN AND BACKWARD COMPATIBLE: Your microSD Express card is compatible with Nintendo Switch 2¹⁰ and microSD UHS-I¹¹ devices, including tablets, drones, cameras and more.
What a microSD Express card can—and cannot—do
Nintendo lists software data, updates, downloadable content, screenshots, and video captures as compatible microSD Express storage uses. The card can help free internal space for those items, but it is not a save-data backup: game saves remain in System Memory and cannot be copied to the card. Nintendo’s Data Management FAQ states that Switch 2 has 256 GB of storage, with a portion reserved for system use; storage needs may change as games and system software change.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Read/Write up to 800/650 MB/s, Ultra Fast Gaming Response
- SD 7.1 — Small Card, Giant Leap
- Includes microSD to SD Adapter
- 5-year limited warranty
Rank #4
- Nintendo Switch 2 Micro SD Card; SanDisk
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