Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →To free storage without losing progress, choose Archive Software or Delete Software—not Delete Save Data. On Nintendo Switch, save data is separate from the downloaded game, updates and DLC. Removing the software leaves your save in place, so you can continue after reinstalling the game if it is still available to redownload.
What happens to your save when you remove a game?
Save data is stored in the console’s System Memory, separately from software data. Nintendo says that archiving or deleting downloadable software does not affect the game save: “The game save data is unaffected in either option, so you can resume your game progress once the software is redownloaded.” Nintendo’s Data Management FAQ explains the distinction.
This applies whether you play a digital download or a physical game card. The game card is not a backup of your save, and a microSD card cannot store Switch save data.
Archive Software vs. Delete Software
| Action | Downloaded software data | HOME Menu icon | Save data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archive Software | Removed to free storage | Remains | Unaffected |
| Delete Software | Removed to free storage | Removed | Unaffected |
Both actions remove the installed software data; the practical difference is whether the game’s icon stays on the HOME Menu. Neither command deletes the save. Nintendo’s instructions for managing or deleting downloadable software cover these options.
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- 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.
How to remove a game without deleting progress
- Open System Settings. Select the gear icon on the HOME Menu.
- Choose Data Management. Open Manage Software and select the game you want to remove.
- Choose Archive Software or Delete Software. Archive it if you want its HOME Menu icon to remain; delete it if you also want the icon removed.
Menu wording and layout can vary by region and system software version. Before removing a digital game, make sure you can access the Nintendo Account that purchased it; that account is needed to redownload eligible purchases.
How to redownload a deleted or archived digital game
Use the Nintendo Account that bought the game, linked to a user on the console, and open that account’s purchase history or redownload list in Nintendo eShop. Select the game to download it again. The exact interface can vary by region.
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- 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.
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Redownloading is not guaranteed for every title: Nintendo says it may be unavailable if the purchasing account is not linked or if the title is no longer distributed for redownload. Removing installed software does not itself cancel the digital purchase. Nintendo’s purchase-history and redownload guidance describes the account-based process.
When to use Delete Save Data
Use Delete Save Data only when you intentionally want to erase progress, for example, to start fresh. Find it under System Settings → Data Management → Delete Save Data, then choose the relevant game and save. This is separate from removing software, and Nintendo warns that deleted save data cannot be restored. Deleting a save is not a substitute for removing a game installation when your goal is to free software storage.
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 glitchesRank #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.
Where Switch games store software and saves
- Save data: Stored in System Memory. It cannot be moved to a microSD card or saved on the game card.
- Downloadable software, updates and DLC: These are software data and can be stored on a compatible microSD card on supported Switch models. Nintendo Switch 2 has different microSD requirements, so check the guidance for your console model before buying storage.
Nintendo’s data management guidance distinguishes save data from software storage, while its Data Management FAQ explains the software-management options.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Cloud backups: useful, but game-specific
Nintendo Switch Online’s Save Data Cloud backs up supported games, not every game. Check a title’s eShop details or the console’s Save Data Cloud screen before relying on a backup; online play does not by itself mean cloud backup is supported. Nintendo’s Save Data Cloud page lists exceptions and service details. Its list of unsupported titles is time-sensitive and was current as of July 30, 2026.
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- [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
Nintendo’s policy says cloud backups become unavailable when a Nintendo Switch Online membership ends, but become available again if the account rejoins within 180 days. Treat cloud backup as an additional safeguard, not a reason to assume every save can be recovered.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a special case
Animal Crossing: New Horizons does not use the standard Save Data Cloud service. Its separate Save Data Restoration Service requires Nintendo Switch Online and must be set up in the game in advance. Nintendo describes it for recovery after console failure or loss; it is not a service for restoring an island whenever you choose. See Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons Save Data Restoration Service details.
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Quick Recap
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- Compatible with Nintendo Switch (NOT Nintendo Switch 2). Always check your device's max supported capacity.
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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.
