How to Delete Games on Switch: Recover Storage and Optimize Performance
Wondering how to delete games on Switch? This guide offers a straightforward, step-by-step process for removing games and content, effectively freeing up valuable storage space on your Nintendo Switch.
Understanding the Importance of Managing Switch Storage
The Nintendo Switch, while a marvel of hybrid gaming, can quickly run into storage limitations. The base model Switch and Switch Lite come with only 32GB of internal storage (some of which is used by the system software), and even the newer OLED model only offers 64GB. This can be limiting, especially with the increasing popularity of digital game downloads and the growing size of game files. Understanding how to delete games on Switch effectively is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and enjoying a vast library of games without constant storage anxiety.
Benefits of Deleting Games
Regularly managing your Nintendo Switch’s storage offers several key benefits:
- Freeing up storage space: The most obvious benefit is the ability to download and install new games without needing to purchase an expensive microSD card immediately.
- Improving system performance: While not always directly noticeable, excessive storage usage can sometimes impact system performance, particularly during loading times.
- Organization and clarity: Removing games you no longer play helps declutter your home screen and game library, making it easier to find the games you actually want to play.
- Managing save data: Deleting games provides an opportunity to manage your save data, either keeping it for future use or deleting it entirely to start fresh.
The Step-by-Step Process of Deleting Games
How to delete games on Switch? The process is quite straightforward:
- From the HOME Menu, select System Settings. This is the gear-shaped icon at the bottom of the screen.
- Scroll down and select Data Management. This section handles all things related to storage.
- Select Manage Software. This will display a list of all games currently installed on your system, whether on the internal storage or a microSD card.
- Choose the game you want to delete. Tap on the title of the game you wish to remove.
- Select Delete Software. This will remove the game and its associated files from your system. A confirmation prompt will appear.
- Confirm your selection by selecting Delete. This final step permanently removes the game from your Switch.
It’s important to note that this process only deletes the game files themselves. Your save data is typically kept separate, allowing you to redownload the game later and continue your progress (provided cloud saves are enabled for Nintendo Switch Online members).
Archiving Games vs. Deleting Games: What’s the Difference?
The Nintendo Switch offers two options for freeing up storage: deleting and archiving. Understanding the difference is key:
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Deleting Software: As described above, this completely removes the game and its program files from your Switch. You will need to redownload the entire game to play it again.
-
Archiving Software: This removes the game from your HOME Menu but keeps the save data and an icon representing the game. When you select the archived game, you’ll be prompted to redownload it. This is a good option if you plan to play the game again relatively soon and don’t want to lose your progress or easily find the game on the eShop.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Deleting Save Data Unintentionally: Be extra careful when managing your save data, as deleting save data is permanent. Double-check which options you’re selecting.
- Assuming Deleting Software Deletes Save Data: As mentioned, deleting the software does not automatically delete the save data. You must manage save data separately.
- Forgetting to Back Up Save Data: If you’re a Nintendo Switch Online member, ensure you have cloud saves enabled. This will automatically back up your save data to Nintendo’s servers, preventing loss in case of data corruption or system failure.
- Deleting Digital Purchases: Deleting a game does not remove your right to redownload it if you purchased it digitally. It will still be available for download from the Nintendo eShop using the account it was originally purchased on.
Using a MicroSD Card
If you frequently download digital games, investing in a microSD card is highly recommended.
| Feature | Internal Storage | MicroSD Card |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 32GB/64GB | Up to 2TB |
| Permanence | Permanent | Removable |
| Speed | Varies | Depends on card class |
| Cost | N/A | Varies |
To move games to a microSD card:
- Ensure the microSD card is properly inserted into your Switch.
- Go to System Settings > Data Management > Move Data Between System / microSD Card.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to move games and other data to the microSD card.
Managing Save Data
Managing save data is a crucial part of overall storage management.
- Go to System Settings > Data Management > Save Data/Screenshots and Videos.
- You can choose to:
- Delete Save Data: Permanently remove save data for a specific game. Be absolutely sure before doing this!
- Back Up Save Data to the Cloud: If you are a Nintendo Switch Online member, you can automatically back up your save data.
- Move Save Data Between Console and microSD Card Some games save data will only be on the console itself and cannot be moved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will deleting a game remove it from my account?
No, deleting a game from your Nintendo Switch will not remove it from your Nintendo account. If you purchased the game digitally, you can redownload it at any time from the Nintendo eShop using the account you originally purchased it with.
Does deleting a game also delete the save data?
Deleting a game does not automatically delete the save data. Save data is stored separately. You can manage save data in the Data Management section of the System Settings.
How do I delete save data for a game?
To delete save data, go to System Settings > Data Management > Save Data/Screenshots and Videos > Delete Save Data. Choose the game whose save data you want to delete, and confirm your selection. Be cautious, as this action is irreversible.
Can I delete games from my Nintendo Switch app on my phone?
No, you cannot delete games from your Nintendo Switch using the Nintendo Switch Online app on your phone. Game deletion must be done directly on the Nintendo Switch console itself.
What happens if I redownload a game I deleted?
If you redownload a game that you deleted, and you have cloud saves enabled (and the game supports cloud saves), your previous save data will be restored. If you didn’t have cloud saves enabled, you’ll start the game from the beginning.
Is there a way to delete multiple games at once?
Unfortunately, the Nintendo Switch does not offer a feature to delete multiple games simultaneously. You must delete each game individually following the steps outlined above.
What’s the difference between “Archive” and “Delete” in the Data Management menu?
Archiving a game removes it from your HOME Menu but keeps the icon and save data. Deleting a game completely removes the game files from your system, but usually keeps save data.
Does a microSD card improve game performance?
The impact of a microSD card on game performance depends on the speed of the card. A faster microSD card can potentially improve loading times compared to the Switch’s internal storage, but it may not drastically increase frame rates.
What happens if I delete a game from a physical game cartridge?
Deleting the software of a physical game from your Nintendo Switch only deletes the game files that were installed on the system, such as updates or DLC. It does not affect the physical game cartridge itself. You can still play the game by inserting the cartridge.
How do I know if a game supports cloud saves?
Not all Nintendo Switch games support cloud saves. To check if a game supports cloud saves, go to System Settings > Data Management > Save Data Cloud and see if the game is listed.
Can I move games from the internal storage to a microSD card after I’ve already started playing them?
Yes, you can move games from the internal storage to a microSD card even after you’ve started playing them. This process will move the game files and associated data (excluding save data, which is typically stored separately) to the microSD card.
What happens to DLC if I delete a game?
If you delete a game, the DLC associated with that game will also be deleted. However, you can redownload the DLC from the Nintendo eShop at any time, as it is tied to your Nintendo account.