How To Free Up Space On Your Nintendo Switch: A Comprehensive Guide
Running out of space on your Nintendo Switch can be a real buzzkill, especially when you’re itching to download that hot new indie title or a massive AAA adventure. Fortunately, you’ve got options! The primary ways to free up space are to delete software you no longer play, archive games, and invest in a microSD card to expand your storage. Let’s dive deep into each of these solutions and explore some additional tips and tricks to keep your Switch running smoothly.
Understanding Your Switch Storage
Before we start clearing things out, let’s understand what’s consuming your precious storage. The Nintendo Switch comes with 32GB of internal storage, but after the operating system and other essential files take their share, you’re left with roughly 25.9GB for your games, updates, and screenshots. That can disappear quickly, especially if you’re a digital-download devotee.
Option 1: Deleting Software
This is the most straightforward method. Got a game you haven’t touched in months? Time to bid it farewell (at least for now).
- How to Delete Software:
- From the HOME Menu, select System Settings.
- Scroll down to Data Management and select it.
- Choose Manage Software.
- Select the software you want to delete.
- Select Delete Software.
Important Note: When you delete software, the game itself is removed from your system, but your save data remains intact, unless you specifically choose to delete it. This means if you re-download the game later, you can pick up right where you left off.
Option 2: Archiving Software
Archiving is a clever compromise. It removes the game data from your Switch, freeing up storage space, but keeps the game icon on your HOME Menu. This serves as a handy reminder that you own the game and allows you to quickly re-download it when you’re ready to play again.
- How to Archive Software:
- From the HOME Menu, select System Settings.
- Scroll down to Data Management and select it.
- Choose Manage Software.
- Select the software you want to archive.
- Select Archive Software.
Archiving is perfect for games you plan to revisit eventually but don’t need installed at this moment.
Option 3: Investing in a MicroSD Card
This is the best long-term solution for expanding your Switch’s storage capacity. MicroSD cards are relatively inexpensive and can dramatically increase the number of games you can have installed at any given time.
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Choosing the Right MicroSD Card:
- Type: Only microSD cards are compatible with the Nintendo Switch. SD cards and miniSD cards won’t fit.
- Capacity: The Switch supports microSDHC and microSDXC cards up to 2TB.
- Speed: Look for a card with a UHS-I (Ultra High Speed Phase I) rating for optimal performance. Aim for a U3 speed class.
- Brand: SanDisk and Samsung are reliable brands, and the SanDisk microSDXC is a good option, even officially blessed by Nintendo.
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Installing a MicroSD Card:
- Power off your Switch.
- Flip up the kickstand on the back of the console.
- Locate the microSD card slot beneath the kickstand.
- Insert the microSD card into the slot until it clicks into place.
- Power on your Switch.
Once the microSD card is installed, you can choose to download new games directly to it. You can also move existing software from your System Memory to the microSD card.
Managing Screenshots and Videos
Screenshots and videos can quickly eat up storage space. Regularly reviewing and deleting or transferring these files can free up a surprising amount of space.
- How to Manage Screenshots and Videos:
- From the HOME Menu, select System Settings.
- Scroll down to Data Management and select it.
- Choose Manage Screenshots and Videos.
- You can then delete individual screenshots and videos or copy them to a microSD card.
Consider transferring screenshots and videos to a computer or cloud storage service for safekeeping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does deleting a game on Switch delete my save data?
No, deleting a game typically does not delete your save data. Save data is stored separately on the console’s internal memory. However, you have the option to delete save data as well, so be cautious.
2. Can I transfer my save data to a microSD card?
Unfortunately, game save data cannot be transferred to a microSD card. It is permanently stored on the Switch’s internal memory.
3. Why does my Switch only show 25 GB of storage?
The Nintendo Switch comes with 32GB of internal storage, but the operating system and other system files occupy about 6.1GB, leaving approximately 25.9GB available for user data.
4. How much free space should I leave on my Switch?
There’s no hard and fast rule, but it’s generally a good idea to keep at least 1-2GB of free space to ensure smooth operation. A lack of free space can sometimes cause performance issues.
5. Can I use any SD card for my Switch?
No, only microSD cards are compatible with the Nintendo Switch. SD cards and miniSD cards will not fit in the slot.
6. Is 128GB enough for my Switch?
128GB is a good starting point for many users, especially if you plan to download a moderate number of games. However, if you download large AAA games or plan to have a vast library, a larger capacity card (256GB or higher) might be a better choice.
7. Is 1TB of storage overkill for a Switch?
While 1TB might seem like overkill, it’s not unreasonable if you plan to download a very large number of games. With an average game size of around 6.7GB, a 1TB card can hold approximately 150 games.
8. Does archiving a game delete my save data?
No, archiving a game does not delete your save data. It only removes the game files from your system. The game icon remains on the HOME Menu, and your save data is preserved.
9. How do I completely wipe my Nintendo Switch?
To completely wipe your Nintendo Switch, you can perform a factory reset. This will erase all data, including games, save data, and personal information.
- How to Perform a Factory Reset:
- Select System Settings from the HOME Menu.
- Scroll down to System and select it.
- Scroll to the bottom and select Formatting Options.
- Select Restore Factory Settings.
Warning: This action is irreversible, so be absolutely sure you want to proceed before performing a factory reset.
10. What is the maximum memory card size for the Nintendo Switch?
The Nintendo Switch officially supports microSDHC and microSDXC cards up to 2TB.
11. Is 64GB enough for my Switch if I buy physical games?
If you primarily buy physical games, 64GB might be sufficient, as you won’t need to install the full game files. However, many games still require updates and patches, so having some extra storage is still recommended.
12. How many games can a 128GB microSD card hold?
A 128GB microSD card can hold approximately 15-18 Nintendo Switch games, depending on the size of each game. Smaller indie titles will take up less space, while larger AAA games will take up more.
13. Can I get a refund for a game I accidentally purchased on the Nintendo eShop?
Nintendo generally does not offer refunds for mistaken purchases on the eShop. They advise users to carefully review game descriptions and screenshots before making a purchase.
14. What type of SD card should I buy for my Switch?
Look for a microSDXC card with a UHS-I (Ultra High Speed Phase I) rating and a U3 speed class for optimal performance. Brands like SanDisk and Samsung are generally reliable.
15. Does uninstalling a game leave behind any residual files?
Yes, even after uninstalling a game, some residual files may remain on your device, taking up storage space. It’s always a good practice to periodically check for and delete any unnecessary files.
Conclusion
Freeing up space on your Nintendo Switch doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By understanding your storage options, managing your software effectively, and investing in a microSD card, you can keep your Switch running smoothly and ensure you have plenty of room for all your favorite games. Now, go forth and conquer your digital backlog without the dreaded “storage full” message!
Remember, the world of gaming is ever-evolving, and understanding the educational potential within games is becoming increasingly important. To learn more about the intersection of games and education, explore the resources available at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.