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Why is My Nintendo Switch Saying “Not Enough Space” When It Should Have Plenty?

It’s a frustrating scenario for any Nintendo Switch owner: you’re ready to download a new game, update an existing one, or even just save some screenshots, and your console throws up the dreaded “Not enough space” error. This can happen even when you think you have plenty of room. So, why does this occur? The short answer is: available space is often less than you expect due to a few key factors. The primary reason this happens is that the Nintendo Switch’s internal storage isn’t as spacious as you might think, and the operating system takes up a significant portion of it.

Here’s a more comprehensive breakdown:

Limited Internal Storage: The standard Nintendo Switch comes with 32GB of internal storage, but the user-accessible space is only around 25.9GB. The remaining 6.1GB is reserved for the system’s operating system (OS) and other essential files. This leaves you with relatively limited space, especially for larger digital games.
Game File Sizes: Modern games, particularly those with high-quality graphics and complex gameplay, can take up a lot of storage. The average game size hovers around 10GB, meaning that the Switch’s internal storage can hold roughly two to three titles at most.
Software Updates and DLC: Even if you’ve primarily purchased physical copies of games, updates and downloadable content (DLC) are often downloaded digitally and can consume storage space on the console’s internal memory or SD card. These updates, even if small on their own, will quickly take up needed storage.
Save Data and Screenshots/Videos: Game save files and screenshots/videos can add to the total space consumption, though they generally don’t take up as much room as full games. If you’ve captured lots of gameplay footage or have many save files, they will contribute to the ‘not enough space’ error.
MicroSD Card Formatting: You may also have a microSD card installed, but the Switch only supports microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards. Other SD card variations are not compatible with the Switch. If a user tries to install a microSD card that is formatted with an incompatible file system, then the Switch might not be able to use its storage properly. Also, software downloaded to a microSD card on one Switch console will not be playable on a different console.

Essentially, even if you’ve been careful with your downloads, the limited storage capacity combined with the sizes of games and associated data means you can quickly run out of space. This is why expanding storage with a microSD card is almost essential for avid gamers.

Understanding Your Nintendo Switch Storage

Internal Storage Breakdown

The Nintendo Switch has 32 GB of internal storage, but roughly 6.1 GB is used by the system’s OS, leaving approximately 25.9 GB of usable space. This is often the root cause of confusion, as the initial 32 GB figure can be misleading. This space is used for system files and default software.

External Storage with MicroSD Cards

To combat the limitations of internal storage, the Nintendo Switch supports the use of microSD cards. These cards can be used to store downloaded games, software updates, DLC, and even screenshots/videos. The Switch supports microSDHC and microSDXC cards up to 2TB. Many users find a 128GB or 256GB card to be a great starting point, but choosing a higher-capacity card will depend on how you typically purchase your games, if you go digital or physical.

Managing and Freeing Up Storage Space

Options for Managing Storage

There are several methods to free up space on your Nintendo Switch. Here are the main options:

Deleting Games: If you are not playing a particular game, you can delete it from your system. Keep in mind, deleting the software does not erase the save data, so you can always download the game again and resume playing.
Archiving Games: Archiving a game removes the game data from the system but keeps the icon on the home screen. You can easily redownload it later. This method is good for clearing up space without completely erasing access to your game.
Deleting Screenshots/Videos: Screenshots and videos can accumulate quickly. Regularly delete the files you no longer need. This data will take up valuable space on the console.
Managing Save Data: Save data from games can take up space. While these don’t tend to be large, deleting save data from games you no longer play can save some space.
Formatting the Console: This option should be used as a last resort since it erases all data on the system. Formatting the Switch will return it to its factory settings.

Clearing Cache

Clearing the cache of your Nintendo Switch browser is a simple way to reclaim some space. This clears saved IDs, passwords, cookies, history, and other cached website data. It does not impact saved game data or downloaded software.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions and detailed answers to address any lingering confusion about Nintendo Switch storage:

Is 128 GB Enough For My Switch? For casual gamers who primarily play physical games, a 128GB microSD card is often sufficient. However, if you intend to download many digital games or larger AAA titles, consider opting for a larger capacity like 256GB or more.
Can I Use Any SD Card With My Switch? No, only microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards are compatible with the Nintendo Switch. Standard SD cards and miniSD cards won’t fit in the card slot.
Will I Lose My Save Data if I Delete a Game? No, deleting a game does not delete your save data. Your save files are stored separately, and can be accessed once you redownload the game.
What Happens When I Archive a Game? Archiving a game removes the game data but keeps the icon on your home screen. This allows you to redownload the game easily without losing any save data.
Does Removing a microSD Card Delete Data? No, removing the microSD card does not delete save data. Save data is stored on the console’s internal memory, not the SD card.
Is it Safe to Clear Cache on My Switch? Yes, clearing the cache is safe and won’t impact your downloaded games or game save data. It only deletes temporary website data, which can free up small amounts of storage.
How Do I Clean the SD Card Slot on My Switch? Use a soft, dry cloth to gently clean the microSD card slot, similar to how you’d clean eyeglasses. Avoid using abrasive materials or liquids.
How Do I Know How Much Space Games Take Up? Game file sizes are listed on the eShop page before downloading. Digital-only releases may be smaller or larger than physical releases of the same game.
Can I Use My SD Card in Another Switch? No, software downloaded to a microSD card on one Switch is not playable on another console. Do not swap microSD cards between multiple consoles.
Can I Free Up Space Without Deleting Games? Yes, by deleting screenshots, videos, or clearing browser cache. You can also use the archive function to free up game data without fully uninstalling the game.
Why Does My Switch Only Have 25 GB of Storage? The Nintendo Switch comes with 32GB of internal storage, but approximately 6.1GB is reserved for the system’s operating system and other essential files, leaving only 25.9GB available to the user.
Do All Switch Games Take Up the Same Space? No, game file sizes vary significantly. Some indie titles may be smaller than 1GB, while AAA titles can easily exceed 15GB or more. The average is around 10GB per game.
How Much Storage Do I Need for Physical Games? Even if you mostly play physical games, you’ll still need space for updates, DLC, and save data. A smaller microSD card can be useful even for physical-only gamers.
Does the Nintendo Switch OLED Have More Storage? The Nintendo Switch OLED also has 32GB of internal storage, with the same user-available 25.9GB. The OLED model does not have more storage.
What is the Fastest SD Card for the Switch? The fastest microSD cards, such as Kingston Canvas Go Plus SD cards, are rated with better performance specifications and load times. While not necessary, they can improve the user experience.

By understanding these storage nuances and utilizing the provided tips, you should be better equipped to manage your Nintendo Switch’s storage and avoid running into the dreaded “not enough space” error.

Why is my switch saying not enough space but there is?