Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesBefore selling or giving away a Nintendo Switch, transfer any users or saves you want to keep, remove any microSD card you are keeping, then run a full initialization while the console is online if possible. Do not use the reset option that preserves save data: Nintendo says that option is for a console you plan to keep.
1. Transfer anything you want to keep
Resetting deletes save data and user information from the console. If you are moving to another Switch, complete the transfer before initializing the console you are selling.
Move a user and their associated data
Nintendo’s user and save transfer instructions move a user profile and associated save data to another console. The transfer removes that user, their associated saves, and purchased software from the source console. Save data cannot be merged between users, so check which profile holds each save before starting.
Move one save or a game-specific shared save
Nintendo’s nearby-console save transfer is a move, not a copy: the source save is deleted after it is sent. Follow the individual save transfer instructions if that is the option you need.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match#1 Best Overall
- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
Some shared saves require a separate game-specific process and are not handled by the ordinary user transfer. Nintendo specifically identifies Animal Crossing: New Horizons in its transfer guidance. Check the game’s transfer procedure before resetting if you have shared or game-specific data to move.
2. Remove the microSD card and other items you are keeping
Take out any microSD card you intend to retain. Full initialization does not erase data on the card, but software stored on it becomes unusable after the console is reset; screenshots are an exception. The card may still contain data, so do not treat resetting the Switch as a way to wipe the card. See Nintendo’s explanation of what initialization removes.
Rank #2
- 6.2” LCD screen
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
- Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario & friends
3. Choose full initialization, not the save-preserving option
| Reset option | When it is for | Effect relevant to a sale |
|---|---|---|
| Full initialization | Selling or giving the console to someone else | Removes user information and save data from the console. |
| Initialization that preserves save data | Keeping the console | Leaves save data on the system, so it is not the appropriate choice for a handoff. |
Nintendo explicitly says the save-preserving method should only be used when you plan to keep the system. For a sale or giveaway, use full initialization.
4. Initialize the Switch
- Connect the console to the internet if possible. Nintendo recommends this so it can attempt to unlink accounts during initialization.
- On the console, open System Settings > System > Formatting Options > Initialize Console. These are the menu labels in Nintendo’s Americas instructions for Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, and OLED models.
- Enter the Parental Controls PIN if prompted, review the on-screen warnings, and confirm. Nintendo warns that deleted data cannot be recovered.
- Wait for initialization to finish. Nintendo estimates approximately five minutes on system menu version 10.0.0 or higher; actual time may vary.
Full initialization restores factory settings and deletes system-memory software, save data, screenshots, and user information. Nintendo Accounts themselves are not deleted; they are unlinked from the console. If initialization is performed offline, Nintendo says the console may remain registered as the account’s primary console. See Nintendo’s full initialization steps and data-loss explanation.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- Play your way with the Nintendo Switch gaming system. Whether you’re at home or on the go, solo or with friends, the Nintendo Switch system is designed to fit your life. Dock your Nintendo Switch to enjoy HD gaming on your TV. Heading out? Just undock your console and keep playing in handheld mode
- This model includes battery life of approximately 4.5 - 9 hours.
- The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (games sold separately)
- Model number HAC 001( 01)
5. Check subscriptions separately
Initializing the console is not the same as cancelling a subscription or stopping billing. Nintendo Japan’s disposal guidance says Nintendo Switch Online auto-renewal must be stopped separately. Check your region’s Nintendo Account billing or subscription settings for the applicable steps; the Japan-specific instructions should not be assumed to apply elsewhere.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- One player can use a Joy-Con in each hand
- Two players can each take one
- Multiple Joy-Con can be employed by numerous people for a variety of gameplay options (additional Joy-Con sold separately)
- Slip a set of Joy-Con into a Joy-Con grip accessory, mirroring a more traditional controller. Or, select an optional Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- 6.2” LCD screen.
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
Before handing it over
- Any users and saves you wanted on another console have been transferred.
- Any game with a separate shared-save transfer process has been handled.
- The microSD card and any other items you are keeping have been removed.
- The console has completed full initialization rather than the save-preserving reset.
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.
