What to do if you lose a Switch game card?

We recommend purchasing a replacement copy of the game at a retailer. If the game is published by a licensee company, you will need to contact that company for repair/replacement options.

Can you still a Nintendo game if you lose the game card?

@JellySlap No, if you lose a physical game, you'll have to buy it again. If you replace it, it doesn't matter if you buy digital or physical since game save data is stored separately on Switch internal memory.

Can you play a game on the Switch without the game card?

Yes, all physical games must be inserted before you can play them. The only way to play a game without a cartridge inserted is by purchasing the digital edition from the switch store.

Can I get my games back if I lost my Switch?

All digital content you buy is associated with your Nintendo Account, so all you have to do is sign back in to your account. If you go to the eShop and find the option that says 'Redownload Content,' you'll find a list of every game you have purchased and any DLC you have (DLC will be bundled with the game it's for).

Can I get a digital copy of a game I already own Switch?

With the Nintendo Switch you can purchase and download a digital copy of a physical game you own. The physical game does not give you rights to a free digital copy, and never will with Nintendo. For most Switch games a digital copy will be able to use the game save data created by your physical copy.

Nintendo Switch How to transfer/redownload/archive games and DLC

Can you lose digital Switch games?

All games you buy digitally are stored via your Nintendo Account ID, so you can just redownload them as many times as you want when you delete games to free up space, no problem. You can't lose a digital game since it's right there on your system.

What happens if you own a physical and digital Switch game?

The short answer is, nothing bad happens if you insert a cartridge for a game you already own digitally. And nothing bad will happen if you own the game physically, but buy digitally later on. If you have both physical & digital, the switch will play the game from the cart when the cart is inserted.

How do you copy a Nintendo Switch cartridge?

Nope, you cannot download a game off of a cartridge onto the system memory. The thing is, with physical cartridges, the game and license are stored on the cartridge itself, while with digital purchases the license is tied to your user account and stored locally on your console.

Can you transfer physical Switch games to SD card?

Until 2021, you couldn't move data between your Switch and your expanded storage: whichever you chose to install a downloaded game onto, that's where it would stay. Thankfully, Nintendo then updated the Switch's software and you can now move software between locations.

Can you use a different game card on Switch?

Note: Nintendo Switch systems are compatible only with game cards made for these systems. They are not compatible with game cards intended for other systems.

Can you save games on Switch without SD card?

On Nintendo Switch, game save data is stored on the console's System Memory. This will not change whether downloadable software or software from a game card is being played. Game save data cannot be saved or copied to a microSD card.

What happens if you lose a physical copy of a Switch game?

We recommend purchasing a replacement copy of the game at a retailer. If the game is published by a licensee company, you will need to contact that company for repair/replacement options.

Is it possible to download a game from online and put it onto an SD card to put into my Switch?

Transferring game data

On the HOME Menu, select "System Settings" → "Data Management" → "Move Data Between System/microSD Card". *If no microSD card is inserted, this option won't be selectable. To transfer data from the system memory to the microSD card, select "Move to microSD Card".

Can you redownload Switch games on another SD card?

Drag the data from the desktop to the new microSD card, then insert the new microSD card into the Nintendo Switch console. Any software that cannot be read on the system using the new microSD card can simply be redownloaded from the Nintendo eShop.

Are Switch game cards SD cards?

The Nintendo Switch uses non-volatile flash memory technology similar to SD cards that are officially called game cards. These are distinct technologies from volatile game cartridges that are similar to RAM boards. This iteration is smaller and has a larger storage capacity than its previous versions.

Is it possible to copy Switch games?

Luckily, with the Nintendo Switch, that isn't the case as players can transfer a digitally downloaded game from one device to another fairly easily. So, if you sell your Switch or upgrade, you can add the best Nintendo Switch games to your new one.

Can Nintendo games be copied?

Digital game purchases and code redemptions are final, and cannot be transferred to a different Nintendo Account. Please make sure that you are logged into the correct Nintendo Account when purchasing or redeeming a game.

How do I use a SD card as a Switch?

Power off the Nintendo Switch console, then gently swing the stand open to show the microSD card slot. Ensure the microSD card is properly positioned with the label facing away from the console. Insert the microSD card into the slot and gently push down until it clicks into place.

Is it worth buying physical copies of Switch games?

Much of it comes down to personal preference. If you like having shelves lined with your games that you can browse and reminisce, you'll want to go for physical. If you prefer the convenience and speed offered through digital purchases, and don't want game boxes lying around, then you'll want to go digital.

Is it cheaper to buy games digitally or physically?

Both discs and digital games cost about the same, and they provide a gaming experience and interface that is often identical. Yet while physical discs still represent most sales, more and more gamers (and gaming console manufacturers) are moving toward downloadable cloud-based offerings.

Why are physical Switch games more expensive than digital?

Switch cartridges are expensive because they require physical production and freight charges to get to you. Moreover, they contain most of the data you need to run the game, unlike downloadables, where you'll need a separate microSD card.

Are Switch games tied to your account?

Purchases on the Nintendo Switch eShop are tied to the Nintendo Account that made the purchase. You can register one primary console per Nintendo Account. Once you've registered a primary console, your digital purchases can be played by anyone that uses the primary console.

Can you move games to memory card?

From your Home screen, tap the Application screen icon. Find and tap Settings → Apps. Tap the On SD card tab. Select application, then tap Move to SD card.

Is it OK to put games on SD card?

If your Android phone has an SD card slot, you can move apps out of internal storage. Storing apps on an SD card can free up space on your phone for other apps and data.

How do I download games directly to my SD card?