The Nintendo Switch allows you to store a limited amount of games. You can store up to 32 gigabytes of data and games, so if you fill all that space changes are that you might want to delete some games from your console.

In this article, we will explain how to delete games from your Switch and get some extra storage space.

Note that when you delete a game it doesn’t mean you lose access to it. You purchased the game and you have the right to download it again via the Nintendo eShop. So, removing those games won’t be a big issue even if you plan on using them at some point in the future.

When you delete a Game from the Switch, the game’s saved data will also stay untouched unless you choose to also remove it by navigating o the “save data” option from the Settings Tab in the Switch system.

So, let’s go ahead and explore the steps you need to follow to delete a game on your Nintendo Switch.

The main products include game controllers and accessories compatible with PlayStation, Nintendo, Microsoft, Android & iOS, PC and other game platforms.

STK-T01 Fighting Stick

STK-7040RG

STK-7041

STK-7043

STK-7052P

STK-7052P

STK-7053

STK-7037B

STK-7037A

How To Delete A Game On Switch?
Method 1: Delete Games From The Screen
Navigate into the primary home screen in your Switch and follow these steps:

Step 1: Select the game you want to delete and Press The “+” Button
Select The Game and press +
Step 2: Select the “Manage Software” menu
Data Management
Step 3: Scroll down and select “Delete Software”
Delete Software
Step 4: Click “Delete” again to confirm the action
Click on Delete
Step 5: Wait while the system deletes your game.
Wait for Deleting
Step 6: Wait until it is successfully deleted and click “Ok”
Click OK
And that’s it. This is how to delete a game on a Nintendo switch.

Note: You also have the choice of shifting those saved data to some other Nintendo Switch account. Even more, you can decide on archiving the software as well.

Save Data Or Transfer
The game will be deleted even after archiving it, however, the Switch home screen may still display the game’s icon.

If you intentionally or unintentionally press the game’s icon, it will start downloading again.

Method 2: Delete A Game From The Switch System Settings
Step 1: Go to “System Settings”
System Settings
Step 2: Scroll down to “Data Management”
Scroll Down To Management
Step 3: Click on “Manage Software”
Click Manage Software
Step 5: Click on the game you want to delete
Click on the GAME
Step 6: Click on “Delete Software”
Click on Delete Software
Step 7: Confirm the action by clicking “Delete”
Confirm the action by clicking DELETE
Step 8: Click “OK” when the game gets successfully deleted.
Click on OK When It is Deleted

How To Archive Games On Nintendo Switch?
Archive Option in 'Manage Software' Screen
Archiving games on a Switch is slightly different than deleting them.

When you archive a game, its icon shortcut will stay visible on the home screen of your Switch so you can easily re-download it at any time.

It’s a simple way to remember what games you had previously installed so you can download them again.

Both options, deleting a game or archiving it, will keep the saved data of the game on the console.

Here’s a step-by-step Nintendo guide on how to archive a Nintendo game:

Step 1: Select The Game
Step 2: Click on ‘Manage Software’ & ‘Archive Software’
Step 3: Select ‘Archive’ When Asked
The Nintendo Switch system will ask whether you want to archive the Switch game or not as a part of its confirmation process.

When asked, click on “Archive” and you’ll be done with it.

How To Delete Game Data On The Nintendo Switch?
Before getting into the step-by-step instructions, remember that the console’s internal memory is the place where the game save data gets stored, and it can’t be transferred or saved into any microSD card.

You might want to consider saving that data in an external device instead.

If you are sure you want to delete the saved data for your game, follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to the Home Screen Menu and click “System Settings”
Find System Settings on Home Menu
Step 2: Scroll Down And Select “Data Management”
find data management
Step 3: Click On “Delete Save Data”.
If asked, provide the Parental Controls PIN.

click on save data
Step 4: Pick The Game Which Saves The Data You Want To Delete.
pick the game that saves deleted data
Step 5: Choose The User To Eliminate Game Save Data
If it is not available, click on ‘Delete All Save Data.’

delete the saved data
Step 6: Confirm By Clicking On “Delete Save Data”
confirm delete the saved data
Note: Once you delete the game save data, it can’t be retrieved back.

Does Deleting Saved Data On A Switch Delete The Game?
No, deleting the game’s saved data on your Switch won’t remove your game. But note that once you delete all the saved data from Nintendo’s server, they can’t be retrieved back or redownloaded into your Switch console system.

You can get rid of the save data backups from Nintendo’s System Settings or the game’s software menu.