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Deleting downloaded game software on Nintendo Switch 2 does not delete its save data. The save stays in the console’s System Memory, so you can redownload the game later and continue with the same user. 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 directly.
What happens to your save when you delete a game?
Nintendo treats downloaded software and save data separately. Deleting the software frees space, but the save remains in System Memory. Redownload the game and you can resume your progress. This applies whether you played using a download or a game card: saves are stored on the console, not on the game card or microSD Express card. Nintendo’s Switch 2 Data Management FAQ explains the distinction.
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| 1 |
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Samsung microSD Express Card – 256GB for Nintendo Switch™ 2 | $59.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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SANDISK 512GB microSD Express Card | $129.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Minecraft - Nintendo Switch | $29.83 | Buy on Amazon |
Nintendo’s Switch 2 FAQ describes deleting downloaded software; it does not establish that every menu’s “Archive” label has identical behavior. The documented assurance is that deleting the software leaves save data unaffected.
Delete software without losing progress
- From the HOME Menu, open System Settings.
- Select Data Management to review and manage storage.
- Delete the downloaded software you no longer need. Keep the user account associated with the save.
- When you want to play again, redownload the software. The save remains on the console.
Deleting the user account is not the same as deleting software: Nintendo says this removes that account’s associated save data permanently, and the saves cannot be restored. See the Data Management FAQ.
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- 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 option if needed
| Option | Best for | Requirements | What happens to the save | Main caution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delete software and redownload | Freeing space while keeping the same console and user | Access to redownload the software | 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; the game must support cloud saves | Downloading replaces the console’s save for that game | Overwritten data cannot be recovered. |
| Transfer save to a nearby console | Moving an individual save to another console | Both consoles need internet access and a user linked to the same Nintendo Account; membership is not required | Removed from the source console after transfer | An existing save on the target can be permanently overwritten. |
| microSD Express card | Adding room for software data and media | A compatible card | Does not move or back up saves | Game saves cannot be saved or copied to the card. |
Download a Save Data Cloud backup
Cloud saves are available only for titles that support Save Data Cloud, and they require a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Check which copy is newer before downloading: the downloaded cloud copy replaces the console’s existing save for that game, and overwritten data cannot be recovered. Nintendo’s instructions are in How to Download Save Data Cloud Backups on Nintendo Switch 2.
- On the HOME Menu, highlight the game’s icon and press + or −.
- Select Save Data Cloud, then select the user.
- Select Download Save Data and confirm only after checking which save should be kept.
You can also open System Settings > Data Management > Save Data Cloud, select the user and game, then choose Download Save Data.
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- 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].
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Transfer a save to a nearby console
A nearby-console transfer does not require Nintendo Switch Online. Both consoles must have internet access, be near each other, and have the same Nintendo Account linked to a user on each console. The transfer moves the save from the original system; it is not a copy that leaves both consoles with the save. Nintendo’s steps are in How to Transfer Your Save Data To a Nearby Console.
- On both consoles, open System Settings > Data Management > Transfer Your Save Data.
- Follow the prompts to select the sending and receiving consoles and the relevant user and game save.
- Before confirming an overwrite, check the target console’s save. Replacing it can permanently remove the target’s existing progress.
For moving accounts and digital games as well as saves between Switch 2 consoles, consult Nintendo’s separate guide: Transferring Digital Games and Nintendo Accounts Between Nintendo Switch 2 Consoles.
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- Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures
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- Play on the go in handheld or tabletop modes
- Includes Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, Campfire Tales Skin Pack; Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
What microSD Express can and cannot do
Nintendo says microSD Express cards can store software data, updates, downloadable content, screenshots, and video captures. They cannot store or back up game saves. A card can help make room for software or media, but it is not a way to protect progress. Nintendo’s Data Management FAQ lists the supported data types.
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