You can download Nintendo Switch games from the Nintendo eShop using a Nintendo Account, then install them to system memory or a compatible microSD card. To free space later, archive or delete downloaded software from Data Management. In most cases, deleting a game does not delete its save data, so you can redownload the game and continue where you left off.
How to download games on Nintendo Switch
Digital Nintendo Switch games are downloaded through the Nintendo eShop. You will need an internet connection, a Nintendo Account linked to the user profile on your console, and enough available storage space. The original Nintendo Switch has limited internal storage, so larger games may require a microSD card.
Download a new game from Nintendo eShop
- From the HOME Menu, select Nintendo eShop.
- Choose the user profile connected to the Nintendo Account you want to use.
- Search for the game, browse categories, or open a product page from a code or wish list.
- Select the game and choose the purchase or download option.
- Complete the payment process if required.
- The download begins automatically. A progress icon appears on the HOME Menu.
Keep the console connected to the internet until the download is complete. You can usually start some games before the full download finishes, but features, later areas, or online play may remain unavailable until all game data has been installed.
If you are building a collection around Nintendo hardware, games, and accessories, explore the Nintendo selection on JPFinds for Japanese-market items that may complement your setup.
Download a game you already own
If you previously bought a digital game with your Nintendo Account, you generally do not need to purchase it again. Open Nintendo eShop with the same account, select your profile icon, and look for the redownload area. Choose the title to download it again.
A game license is associated with the Nintendo Account that purchased it. This matters in households with multiple users: a game bought by one account may not appear in another account's redownload list. Make sure you enter the eShop using the account that originally completed the purchase.
Choose where Nintendo Switch games are stored
Nintendo Switch software can be stored in either the console's internal memory or a microSD card. The best location depends on the free space available and whether you expect to keep several large digital titles installed at once.
- System memory: Built-in storage on the console. It is convenient but limited.
- microSD card: Expandable storage for downloaded software, downloadable content, updates, screenshots, and videos, depending on your system settings and data type.
- Game cards: Physical Nintendo Switch game cards contain the base game software. They still may need updates, DLC, and save data storage.
To check available space, go to System Settings, then Data Management. This screen shows how much space is being used in system memory and on the microSD card. It is worth checking before beginning a large download, especially if you have multiple games updating at the same time.
If storage is low, you can archive games you are not actively using, delete software you no longer need, or move supported software between system memory and a microSD card. Avoid removing a microSD card while the system is powered on or while data is being read or written. Doing so can interrupt data access and cause avoidable problems.
How to delete games on Nintendo Switch
There are two main ways to remove a downloaded game from a Nintendo Switch: Archive Software and Delete Software. Both free storage space, but they differ in what remains visible on the HOME Menu.
Archive Software: the safer everyday option
Archiving removes the installed game data while retaining the game icon on the HOME Menu. This is useful when you want to free space without losing track of a title you plan to reinstall later.
- Highlight the game on the HOME Menu.
- Press the + or - Button.
- Select Data Management.
- Select Archive Software.
- Confirm the choice.
After archiving, select the game icon to begin the redownload process. The icon serves as a convenient reminder that the game belongs to the account or is available from the inserted game card.
Delete Software: remove the installed game and icon
Deleting software also removes the installed game data, but the title icon is removed from the HOME Menu. Use this option if you want a cleaner menu or have no reason to keep the shortcut visible.
- Open System Settings from the HOME Menu.
- Select Data Management.
- Select Manage Software.
- Choose the game you want to remove.
- Select Delete Software.
- Confirm your selection.
You can also access deletion options from a game's HOME Menu settings using the + or - Button. The exact labels can vary slightly with system software updates, but the important distinction remains the same: archiving retains the icon; deleting removes it.
Will deleting a Switch game erase save data?
Normally, no. Deleting or archiving downloaded software does not usually erase the save data stored for that game. This is why you can remove a large game to reclaim space, redownload it later, and resume from your existing save file.
However, save data should never be treated as disposable. Before removing anything, understand the difference between game software and save data:
- Software data is the installed game itself, including downloaded content needed to run it.
- Save data is your progress, settings, and in-game records.
- Update data and DLC may need to download again when you reinstall software.
Do not select an option specifically labeled Delete Save Data unless you truly intend to permanently remove progress from the console. Deleting a user profile can also affect that user's local save data. These actions are very different from archiving a game.
Save-data backup availability varies by game and Nintendo Account services. If your title supports cloud backup through your account's applicable membership and settings, confirm that the backup has completed before making major changes to your system. For current account and support information, refer to the official Nintendo website.
How to redownload deleted Nintendo Switch games
A deleted digital game can be downloaded again as long as it remains available to the purchasing Nintendo Account and your console can connect to Nintendo eShop. You may be asked to sign in, verify the account, or choose the preferred storage location.
There are several common ways to redownload:
- From the eShop redownload list: Open Nintendo eShop with the purchasing account, select the profile icon, and find the redownload section.
- From an archived HOME Menu icon: Select the icon and follow the on-screen prompt to download the software again.
- From a game card: Insert the card to launch the base game. Updates or DLC may still need downloading.
If a redownload does not appear, first verify that you are using the correct Nintendo Account. Also check whether the game was purchased by another family member's account, whether the console has sufficient storage, and whether the internet connection is stable. If the game was bought in a different Nintendo eShop region, account-region settings can also affect how it is accessed.
Once the download completes, open the game normally. If the save data is still on the console or available through the appropriate backup method, your progress should be recognized automatically.
Manage storage without deleting games you still play
Good storage management can reduce the need to repeatedly delete and redownload games. Start by looking at the size of installed software in System Settings > Data Management > Manage Software. Sort through titles you have finished, games you only play occasionally, and unusually large downloads.
These habits help keep the console ready for new downloads:
- Archive games you may revisit but are not currently playing.
- Keep frequently played games installed, particularly titles with large updates.
- Check available space before buying or redeeming a download code.
- Use a compatible microSD card if your digital library is growing.
- Let important game updates finish before travelling or switching networks.
- Periodically review screenshots and captured videos if they are using significant storage.
Physical game cards can reduce the amount of base-game data that must remain on internal or microSD storage, although patches and add-on content can still use space. If you are looking for Japanese Nintendo releases or hardware-related items, the JPFinds Nintendo hub is a useful place to browse.
Common download and deletion problems
If a game will not download, pauses unexpectedly, or cannot be removed, work through the basics before attempting more disruptive steps. Confirm that the console has enough free storage, that the microSD card is recognized, and that the Nintendo Account has access to the title.
Not enough space
Archive or delete unused software, move supported software to the other storage location, or use a compatible microSD card. Remember that a download may need room for the game, update files, and installation processes, so having only the exact listed game size available may not always be enough.
Download is slow or stuck
Check your Wi-Fi signal, move closer to the router if possible, and pause then resume the download. Restarting the console and network equipment may help with a temporary connection issue. Avoid repeatedly cancelling a large download unless necessary, since it can require starting over.
Game cannot be played after redownloading
Confirm that you are using the Nintendo Account that owns the digital license. If the title was purchased by another account, that account may need to be present on the console and its console-sharing settings may matter. For a physical game, make sure the correct game card is inserted.
Related guide: for Nintendo-related items beyond digital downloads, browse Nintendo products from Japan.