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“Clear” can mean three different things on a Nintendo Switch: remove one user’s cached website data, troubleshoot while keeping saves, or erase the console before giving it away. Choose the matching option—full initialization deletes local saves and other data, while a cache reset does not.
Choose the right kind of reset
| Your goal | Use this option | What it changes |
|---|---|---|
| Clear cached website information for one user | Reset Cache | Clears that user’s saved IDs, passwords, cookies, browsing history, and related cached website data. It does not delete games or saves. Nintendo explains Reset Cache. |
| Troubleshoot but keep saves and user information | Initialize Console Without Deleting Save Data | Retains save data, screenshots, and user information, but software stored on a microSD card becomes unusable. Nintendo’s save-preserving initialization instructions. |
| Prepare the console for transfer, sale, or disposal | Initialize Console | Erases data in the console’s memory, including saves, software, screenshots and videos, settings, and user information. The Nintendo Account itself and its purchase history are not deleted. Nintendo lists what initialization removes. |
These instructions apply to Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, and Nintendo Switch – OLED Model. Menu wording can vary by region or software version; the paths below reflect Nintendo’s North American menu labels.
Clear cached website data for one user
- From the HOME Menu, open System Settings.
- Select System, then Formatting Options.
- Select Reset Cache.
- Choose the user whose cached website data you want to remove, then confirm.
This is the narrow option for removing saved website credentials and history. It does not remove that user’s downloaded games or game save data. To clear keyboard prediction data instead, use the separate keyboard reset option in the formatting options.
Troubleshoot while keeping save data
Use this option if you are keeping the console and want to initialize it without deleting save data. It is not a substitute for erasing the system before handing it to someone else.
#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
- Turn the console fully off; sleep mode is not sufficient.
- Hold Volume Up (+) and Volume Down (−), then press POWER once.
- Keep holding both volume buttons until Maintenance Mode appears.
- Select Initialize Console Without Deleting Save Data and follow the on-screen prompts. Enter the Parental Controls PIN if requested.
Nintendo says this option retains save data, screenshots, and user information. However, software data on a microSD card becomes unusable. You can redownload eligible software using the Nintendo Account that purchased it.
Erase the console before transfer or disposal
First move any data you need and verify it is available on the destination console. Then initialize the old console from System Settings > System > Formatting Options > Initialize Console and follow the prompts.
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
Check saves before erasing
- Do not assume initialization transfers or backs up saves: it deletes save data stored in the console’s memory.
- Transfer user and save data to the new console before initialization. Some games require a separate process; Animal Crossing: New Horizons, for example, needs its dedicated transfer procedure rather than an ordinary user transfer. See Nintendo’s user and save data transfer instructions.
- Save Data Cloud does not cover every game. Check whether each important game supports cloud backups and whether its save is available on the destination system. Nintendo’s Save Data Cloud support page describes the service.
Know what initialization affects
Full initialization removes software data, save data, screenshots and videos, user information, settings, and account links stored in the console’s memory. It does not delete the Nintendo Account or its purchase history and balance. After linking the account again, eligible purchased software can generally be downloaded again; that does not restore local saves.
Initialization does not erase the contents of a microSD card, but software data stored on the card becomes unusable on the initialized console. Remove the card before handing the console over, and save any screenshots or videos you want to keep separately. Nintendo’s transfer and disposal guidance also advises preparing needed data before disposal.
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)
If the console still freezes
If the problem continues after troubleshooting, Nintendo directs users with persistent freezes, lockups, or power-off problems to request service. See Nintendo’s freezing and lockup support guidance.
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
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.
