Where does Nintendo Switch save game data?

Where is game save data stored? 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.

Is Switch game data saved on SD card?

*Game save data is only stored in the system memory, so it can't be moved to the microSD card.

Is Switch game data saved on the cloud?

The vast majority of Nintendo Switch titles support Save Data Cloud backup for players with a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Online features (such as Nintendo Switch Online app and Save Data Cloud compatibility) are always identified in the Nintendo eShop and in the game's product information on www.nintendo.com.

How do I access my Switch save data on my computer?

Insert the microSD card with the Nintendo Switch data into the microSD card reader/writer. Open Windows Explorer (for PC) and access the microSD card. Highlight the data and drag it to the desktop. If you are moving your content to a new microSD card, be sure to first format the new card per our recommendations.

Will I lose my game progress if I get a new Switch?

Your save data will be deleted on the source console. *Save data is stored on the console you're currently using. In order to play games with your latest save data on multiple systems, you'll need to transfer the save data each time you use a different console.

How to Download Save Data to Nintendo Switch

How do I restore game progress on a Switch?

Previously backed up save data is automatically restored when re-downloading software from the Nintendo eShop. You can also restore save data using the Save-Data Backup option within Data Management.

How do I retrieve game data from a new Switch?

From the HOME Menu, select System Settings, then Data Management and finally Save Data Cloud. Select the desired user, then choose the backup file you wish to download. Select Download Save Data.

Does save data transfer from Switch to Switch?

You can only transfer save data between users linked to the same Nintendo account, but make sure you don't log in to that account on your new Switch until instructed to do so. Otherwise, you might have to log out and then log in again later.

Can you transfer Nintendo Switch data with computer?

Game screenshots and video captures can be transferred from a Nintendo Switch system to a computer using a USB cable that supports data transfer (sold separately).

Is game data saved on Nintendo Account?

Save data is linked to your Nintendo Account, so you can access it by signing in. If you move to a new system, you can pick up right where you left off in your game by downloading your data. Automatic backup is enabled by default. You can change this in the Nintendo Switch system settings.

Is my save data on my Nintendo Account?

Save Data Cloud Backup

Players with a Nintendo Switch Online membership can save game data online for compatible games. Save data is linked to your Nintendo Account, so you can access it from any Nintendo Switch system by signing in and downloading your save data.

How do I download save data from Switch?

From the HOME Menu, select "System Settings" > "Data Management" > "Save Data Cloud". Select the desired user, then choose the backup file you wish to download. Select “Download Save Data”.

Do you lose save data if you delete a game on Switch?

Deleting software data will not impact your save data. Once deleted, software can be redownloaded using the same Nintendo Account with which it was purchased. If a microSD card is inserted, the save location will default to the microSD card when downloading or redownloading software.

Is it better to store games on Switch or SD card?

1. Faster speeds: More expensive SD cards have higher read and write speeds, which can help your games run faster and smoother. 2. Larger capacity: You can store more games, save data, and other data on a larger-capacity SD card.

What is stored on Switch SD card?

Screenshots and captured gameplay videos can be moved from the system memory to a microSD card, and vice versa. You can also transfer downloadable software if the system is updated to Version 10.0. 0 or higher.

Can you have 2 switches with the same account?

You can link your Nintendo Account to multiple Nintendo Switch consoles and play your games on any of them using your Nintendo Account. Only one of the consoles can act as the primary console. On the primary console, any other users can play the games you downloaded with your Nintendo Account.

What happens if you connect your Switch to your computer?

You can quickly transfer videos and photos from your Switch to your PC using the Smart Device transfer function. Once these media are on your smart device, you can sync them to the cloud or otherwise transfer them to your PC the way you'd move any other file on your smartphone to a computer.

What is the USB for on Nintendo Switch?

They can be used to charge Joy-Con Charging Grips or Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers. * For details on charging, see here. * AC adapter and power outlet configurations may vary by country.

Will I lose my Animal Crossing Island if I get a new Switch?

What is transferred to the new console with a full island transfer? When a full island transfer is completed, all island save data, progress, animal neighbours, residents, residents' inventories and homes are transferred to the new console. No Animal Crossing: New Horizons save data will remain on the original console.

Does Nintendo Switch backup game data?

Note: When you become a Nintendo Switch Online member, automatic backup will be enabled for all compatible software. This setting can be adjusted for each game and user. Save data files can also be manually backed up from the game's software menu or from System Settings.

Why didn't my save data transfer to my new Switch?

Ensure both consoles are connected to the internet. Verify that both consoles have the latest system update installed. Verify that the same Nintendo Account is linked to a user on each console. Ensure both consoles are near each other.

Where is game progress saved?

Windows: On Windows, most save games can be found by opening File Explorer and navigating to "%homepath%\AppData\LocalLow".

How do I restore my game backup?

What happens if I redownload a game on Switch?

Games that have been deleted will not have an icon on the HOME Menu, and can only be redownloaded with the Nintendo Account that was originally used to purchase them.

Why can't I download my save data on Switch?

Verify that the Nintendo Account you are using has an active Nintendo Switch Online membership. Check your current subscription plan and expiration. Verify that the software you are using supports this service. You may also find our information on identifying software that supports Save Data backup helpful.