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If a Nintendo Switch 2 update will not download because storage is low, use System Settings > Data Management > Quick Delete to remove software you do not need installed right now. The software can be downloaded again later, and deleting it does not delete its save data. Avoid the separate Delete Save Data option unless you intend to erase your progress.
Remove software without deleting your game progress
- From the HOME Menu, open System Settings > Data Management > Quick Delete.
- Select software you no longer need installed. Check the title before confirming so you do not remove a game you want to keep on the console.
- Confirm the deletion, then try the update again.
Nintendo says deleted software can be downloaded again, and its save data is unaffected: “The game save data is unaffected, so you can resume your game progress once the software is redownloaded.” Nintendo’s Switch 2 Data Management FAQ explains the storage options.
On Switch 2, update data and downloadable content (DLC) cannot be deleted separately from their software. To remove those associated files, delete the software through Data Management; reinstalling the software later may require downloading its updates and DLC again. Nintendo’s deletion guide describes this limitation.
Choose what to clear
Software you can redownload
Removing a game you are not playing is usually the most straightforward way to make room while preserving its save data. You will need to download the software again before playing it later, so consider whether you will have a reliable internet connection and enough time for that download.
#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.
Screenshots and videos
Captures can also take up storage. If you want to keep any, first upload them to the Nintendo Switch app or transfer them to a computer, then delete the copies from the console. Check that the copy or upload is complete before removing the console version. Nintendo’s Data Management FAQ outlines these options.
Save data
Do not use System Settings > Data Management > Delete Save Data as a routine way to free space. Save data is stored in the console’s internal system memory, cannot be moved to a microSD Express card, and Nintendo warns that deleted save data cannot be recovered. Nintendo’s save-data help page explains the deletion risk.
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.
Why an update may still need more room
Update downloads require sufficient free space in system memory or on a compatible microSD card, but the required amount depends on the game and update. Nintendo’s Japanese support page for Super Mario Bros. Wonder version 1.2.1, dated 2026-04-16, says sufficient free space is required; it does not establish a universal amount for Switch 2 updates. If the update still fails, free additional space and try again rather than relying on a general storage estimate. Nintendo’s update-support page for Super Mario Bros. Wonder is the cited example.
Nintendo lists 256 GB of storage for Switch 2, with a portion reserved for system use, so the full stated capacity is not available for games and captures. Nintendo also says no individual game currently requires extra storage just to play; that does not guarantee that a particular update will fit in the space remaining on your console. See Nintendo’s Switch 2 Data Management FAQ.
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.
Expand storage with a microSD Express card
If you want to keep more downloaded software installed, a microSD Express card can store downloaded software, updates, DLC, and screenshots on Switch 2. Nintendo documents microSD Express as the expansion-card format for this console. Check a card’s compatibility, capacity, current price, and warranty before buying; no particular brand or model is established here. The console’s internal save data cannot be moved to the card.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Move data from a full card to a larger one
Nintendo’s documented migration method uses a computer to copy the full Nintendo folder from the original card to the new one. Follow Nintendo’s microSD Express card transfer instructions and keep these constraints in mind:
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
- Copy the entire Nintendo folder, not just selected game folders.
- Do not combine data from multiple cards onto one card; Nintendo says this data cannot be consolidated that way.
- Keep the original card until the copy is finished.
Which option makes sense?
| Option | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Delete software and redownload it later | Making room without buying storage, when you have titles you do not need installed now | You must download the software again before playing it |
| Add a microSD Express card | Keeping a larger downloaded library on hand | Requires purchasing a compatible card; capacity and price vary |
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