How to Delete Update Data on a Nintendo Switch: A Comprehensive Guide

Want to reclaim some storage space on your Nintendo Switch? Deleting update data is a straightforward process. Simply navigate to System Settings > Data Management > Software > [Select the Game] > Delete Software, then redownload the base game.

Reclaiming Your Nintendo Switch Storage: The Art of Deleting Update Data

The Nintendo Switch, while a marvel of portable gaming, can sometimes feel a bit cramped when it comes to storage. Those massive digital game downloads, combined with constant updates, can quickly fill up even the largest microSD cards. One trick to free up some precious space is to delete update data, but the process isn’t always immediately obvious. Let’s dive into how you can do this efficiently and safely.

Step-by-Step Guide to Deleting Update Data

Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved, making the process as clear as possible:

1. Access System Settings: From the Nintendo Switch home screen, navigate to the System Settings icon, represented by a gear. Tap it to open the system menu.
2. Enter Data Management: Scroll down within the System Settings menu until you find Data Management. This section houses all things related to your Switch’s storage. Select it.
3. Navigate to Software: In the Data Management menu, choose Software. This displays a list of all the games currently installed on your system – both on the console’s internal storage and any inserted microSD card.
4. Select the Target Game: Browse the list and select the game whose update data you wish to delete. This is where you need to be careful; make sure you’re choosing the correct title.
5. Choose “Delete Software”: Once you select the game, you’ll see several options. Select “Delete Software.” Note that this will delete both the base game and all update data.
6. Confirm the Deletion: The Switch will present a confirmation screen. Read the warning carefully; this will delete the entire game from your system. Confirm your choice to proceed.
7. Re-Download the Base Game: After deleting the software, you will need to re-download the base game from the Nintendo eShop if you want to play it again. The re-download will contain the latest version of the game.

Important Considerations Before Deleting

Before you go on a deleting spree, there are a few critical things to keep in mind:

• Save Data is Sacred: The process described above does NOT delete your save data. Your game progress is stored separately, typically on the console’s internal storage. You can also back up your save data to the cloud with a Nintendo Switch Online membership.
• Digital vs. Physical: This process primarily applies to digitally downloaded games. If you own a physical game cartridge, you can simply remove the cartridge to free up space, and any updates installed on your system for that game will be cleared when the cartridge is not present.
• Re-downloading Times: Keep in mind that re-downloading games can take time, depending on your internet connection speed and the size of the game.
• Potential Bugs: While rare, sometimes deleting and re-downloading can resolve minor bugs or glitches in a game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you understand deleting update data even better:

1. What happens to my save data when I delete software?

Your save data remains intact. It’s stored separately from the game software itself. However, it’s always a good idea to back up your save data using Nintendo Switch Online’s cloud save feature.

2. Does deleting software also delete DLC?

Yes, deleting the software also deletes any downloaded DLC (Downloadable Content) for that game. You’ll need to re-download the DLC from the eShop after re-installing the game.

3. Will I be charged again when I re-download a game I’ve already purchased?

No, you will not be charged again. Once you’ve purchased a digital game on your Nintendo Account, it’s linked to your account. You can re-download it as many times as you need to, as long as you’re logged in with the same account.

4. How do I back up my save data to the cloud?

You need a Nintendo Switch Online membership to back up your save data to the cloud. To enable it, go to System Settings > Data Management > Save Data Cloud, and follow the instructions.

5. Can I delete update data for physical games?

Updates for physical games are stored on your system’s memory. When you remove the physical game cartridge the updates are removed.

6. Is there a way to delete update data without deleting the entire game?

Unfortunately, no, there is no direct way to delete only the update data. The Nintendo Switch doesn’t offer a granular option to remove updates separately. You must delete the entire game and re-download it.

7. What’s the difference between archiving and deleting software?

Archiving software removes the game from your home screen but keeps the save data and the game icon. You can easily re-download the game by tapping the icon. Deleting software removes everything except the save data.

8. Will deleting and re-downloading a game fix performance issues?

Sometimes, yes, deleting and re-downloading a game can resolve performance issues caused by corrupted game files or fragmented data. It’s worth a try if you’re experiencing glitches or slowdowns.

9. Where is my save data stored on the Nintendo Switch?

Save data is stored on the console’s internal storage, and also backed up in the cloud, unless your account is a Nintendo Switch Online Account. This means even if you’re using a microSD card for game installations, your save data resides separately.

10. How do I check how much storage space I have left on my Nintendo Switch?

Go to System Settings > Data Management. You’ll see a breakdown of the available storage space on both the console’s internal memory and your microSD card.

11. What if I don’t have a Nintendo Switch Online membership?

Without a Nintendo Switch Online membership, you won’t be able to back up your save data to the cloud. In this case, deleting software carries a slightly higher risk, as you won’t have a backup in case something goes wrong.

12. Can I delete updates for pre-installed games?

Yes, you can delete and re-download pre-installed games just like any other digital download. The process is the same.