Before selling your Nintendo Switch, move any saves you want to keep, remove the microSD card, then use System Settings → System → Initialization → Initialize Console while connected to the internet. This full reset erases the console’s saves and personal data and unlinks your Nintendo Account, but it does not delete the account or cancel Nintendo Switch Online automatic renewal.
Before resetting: move anything you want to keep
A full initialization is destructive: save data erased from the old console cannot be restored from that console. If you are moving to another Switch, transfer the users and saves first, then verify that the needed data is on the destination console before wiping the one you plan to sell. Nintendo notes that ordinary user transfer does not cover every game’s shared-save data. Animal Crossing: New Horizons, for example, requires its separate island-transfer process. See Nintendo’s console replacement instructions.
Remove the microSD card
Take the microSD card out before handing over the console. Nintendo says software data stored on the card becomes unusable after full initialization, while screenshots and videos saved to the card remain usable. Keep the card, or copy any media you want to retain before the sale. A card reader can help with copying, but it is not needed to reset the Switch.
Choose the right initialization option
Switch offers two relevant choices. For a sale, use the full reset—not the option that preserves save data.
#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
| Option | Intended purpose | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Initialize Console | Sale, transfer, or disposal | Erases internal software data, saves, screenshots and videos, user information, account linkage, settings, and histories. |
| Initialize Console Without Deleting Save Data | Troubleshooting | Retains save data, screenshots and videos, user information, Nintendo Account linkage, and some console registrations. It is not a clean handoff reset. |
Nintendo’s initialization guidance describes these options and their effects.
Run a full reset while online
- Connect the Switch to the internet. Nintendo directs owners whose console has users linked to Nintendo Accounts to initialize it in an internet-connected environment. Online initialization removes virtual-game-card and certain software-pass console registrations; an offline reset may leave some registration state until the console next connects to eShop.
- From the HOME Menu, open System Settings → System → Initialization → Initialize Console.
- Follow the on-screen prompts and confirm the full initialization. Nintendo Support estimates the process may take about five minutes; actual completion time can vary.
If the console is broken or cannot connect, Nintendo advises deregistering the console through the account site and changing the Nintendo Account password when initialization is not possible. See its guidance for giving away or disposing of a Switch.
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
What happens to your Nintendo Account and subscription?
The reset unlinks your Nintendo Account from the console; it does not delete the account. eShop purchase records and balance remain associated with the account, and you can access purchases again by linking the account to another console, subject to Nintendo’s availability rules.
Initialization also does not cancel Nintendo Switch Online automatic renewal. If you want renewal to end, turn it off separately through Nintendo eShop or Nintendo Store account controls before the current subscription renews.
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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
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)
Final handoff check
- Wanted users and saves have been transferred and checked on the destination Switch.
- The microSD card and any media you want to keep are out of the console.
- You used Initialize Console, not the save-data-preserving troubleshooting option.
- The console completed initialization before you hand it over.
- You separately changed automatic renewal settings if you no longer want Nintendo Switch Online to renew.
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