What Happens When You Delete a Nintendo Switch User? The Complete Guide
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Deleting a user account from your Nintendo Switch console is a significant action that carries several consequences. In short, deleting a user account will erase all save data associated with that account that is stored on the console. This means your progress in games, unlocked items, and custom settings tied to that user will be permanently lost. However, purchased games are linked to your Nintendo Account and can be redownloaded. Let’s delve into the specifics of what happens and address common concerns surrounding this process.
Understanding the Ramifications of User Deletion
When you decide to remove a user account from your Nintendo Switch, it’s crucial to understand precisely what you’re signing up for. The most important thing to keep in mind is the irreversible loss of save data. This data is not stored on the game cartridge itself, but on the console’s internal memory or a microSD card configured for save data storage, and is specifically tied to that user account.
- Save Data Deletion: All progress, achievements, unlocked content, and personalized settings specific to that user in all games will be deleted. This applies to both physical and digital games.
- Nintendo Account Remains Intact: If the user account is linked to a Nintendo Account, the Nintendo Account itself will NOT be deleted. You can still use the same Nintendo Account on another Switch or other Nintendo services.
- Digital Game Redownload: Digital games purchased through the Nintendo eShop are tied to your Nintendo Account, not the user account on the console. Therefore, you can redownload these games on any Switch where you log in with that Nintendo Account.
- Physical Games Unaffected: Physical game cartridges are unaffected by user deletion. Anyone can play them on the Switch, but any new save data created will be tied to the active user account.
- Possible Reactivation Window: Nintendo offers a 30-day window in which you can reactivate a deleted child account. Once this period passes, the account is permanently gone.
How to Remove a User from Your Nintendo Switch
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to delete a user account on your Nintendo Switch:
- From the HOME Menu, select System Settings.
- Scroll down and select Users.
- Choose the user account you want to delete.
- Scroll down and select Delete User.
- Read the warning carefully, acknowledging the loss of save data.
- Select Delete again to confirm.
Important Considerations Before Deleting:
- Back Up Save Data (If Possible): While you cannot directly back up save data to an external drive for most games, some games support cloud saves through Nintendo Switch Online. If you have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, check if your game supports cloud saves and ensure it’s enabled before deleting the user.
- Consider Transferring Save Data: Nintendo allows you to transfer save data from one user to another on the same console. If you want to preserve the save data, create a new user and transfer the data before deleting the old user. However, this only works for some titles.
- Unlink Nintendo Account (Optional): If you want to unlink the Nintendo Account from the user account before deleting, you can do so in the User Settings. Note that once a Nintendo Account is linked to a user account, this link cannot be undone without deleting the user account.
FAQs: Common Questions About Deleting Nintendo Switch Users
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide further clarity on deleting users from your Nintendo Switch:
Will deleting a user on my Switch delete my Nintendo Account?
No. Deleting a user account on your Switch will not delete your Nintendo Account. Your Nintendo Account exists separately and can be used on other devices or consoles.
Can I recover a deleted user on Nintendo Switch?
You can reactivate a child account within 30 days of deletion, following specific steps through the parent’s Nintendo Account. However, if it is not a child account, you cannot reactivate the user. Once the 30-day time frame has passed, the account is permanently deleted and cannot be restored.
Will deleting a user on my Switch delete my downloaded games?
No, deleting a user account will not delete the downloaded games. Your purchased games are tied to your Nintendo Account. You can redownload them on any Switch console where you are logged in with your Nintendo Account.
Can I transfer save data to another user before deleting?
Yes, you can transfer save data to another user on the same console for some games. Check if the game supports save data transfer in the System Settings. It is not possible to transfer save data to a different Nintendo account.
What happens if I delete a user who has a Nintendo Switch Online subscription?
The Nintendo Switch Online subscription is linked to the Nintendo Account, not the user on the console. Deleting the user account on the console will not cancel the subscription. You need to manage the subscription through the Nintendo Account settings.
Will deleting a user free up storage space on my Switch?
Yes, deleting a user account will free up storage space by removing the associated save data. However, the amount of space freed will depend on the size of the save data for the games played by that user.
What’s the difference between archiving and deleting a game?
Archiving a game removes the game data from the console but keeps the game icon on the HOME Menu. You can easily redownload the game by selecting the icon. Deleting a game completely removes the game data from the console. You can only redownload it from the eShop using the account that originally purchased it.
What happens to screenshots and videos saved by a deleted user?
Screenshots and videos are stored on the console’s internal memory or microSD card and are associated with the user account that captured them. Deleting the user will also delete these screenshots and videos. Make sure to back them up if you want to keep them.
Can I delete a user without deleting their Nintendo Account?
Yes, you can delete the user on the Nintendo Switch without deleting their Nintendo Account. The Nintendo Account remains active and can be used on other devices or consoles.
What happens if I delete a user who has purchased DLC for a game?
The DLC is linked to the Nintendo Account that purchased it. As long as you redownload the game with the same account, the DLC will still be available.
Can I merge two user accounts on my Nintendo Switch?
No, Nintendo does not offer a way to merge two user accounts on a Nintendo Switch. The best you can do is transfer save data (if supported by the game) from one user to another before deleting one of the accounts.
What happens when I delete a friend on Nintendo Switch?
If you delete a friend, you will also be deleted from that user’s friend list. Blocked users cannot send you friend requests, and it will be harder to encounter them in online play.
What is the difference between removing a friend and blocking on Nintendo Switch?
If you don’t want someone to see your profile, add you as a friend, or send you a message, you can block their profile. If you unfriend someone’s profile, you’ll also be removed from that profile’s friends list.
How to add previously deleted switch users back onto your switch?
It is possible to reactivate a child account within 30 days of deletion. Please follow these steps: Sign in to the parent or guardian’s Nintendo Account that manages the child account. Select “Family Group”, then select the child account that was deleted.
How do I recover a deleted user in my Microsoft 365?
You must have admin permissions in Microsoft 365 to do this. In the admin center, go to the Users > Deleted users page. On the Deleted users page, select the user that you want to restore, and then select Restore user. On the Restore page, follow the instructions to set the password and select Restore.
Final Thoughts
Deleting a user account on your Nintendo Switch should not be taken lightly. Always ensure you have considered the ramifications, especially the loss of save data. Back up important data where possible and transfer data if needed. By understanding the implications and taking necessary precautions, you can confidently manage user accounts on your Nintendo Switch.
Interested in learning more about gaming and education? Visit the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to discover resources and research on the intersection of games and learning.