how to delete games on nintendo switch

The Nintendo Switch is a popular gaming console that offers a wide variety of games for players to enjoy. However, with a limited amount of storage space, it is important for users to regularly delete games they no longer play in order to free up space for new games. Deleting games on the Nintendo Switch can be a perplexing task for some users, as the process is not always straightforward. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to delete games on the Nintendo Switch, including tips for identifying games to delete, step-by-step instructions for deleting games from the home screen and the Nintendo eShop, and troubleshooting common issues that may arise.

Understanding the storage capacity of your Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch comes with different storage options, depending on the model you have. The original model of the Nintendo Switch has 32GB of internal storage, while the newer model, the Nintendo Switch Lite, has 64GB of internal storage. However, both models allow for expandable storage through the use of microSD cards. It is important to note that the storage capacity can affect game performance. Games that are stored on a microSD card may have slightly longer load times compared to games stored on the internal storage. Additionally, some games may require a certain amount of free space on the internal storage in order to run properly. Therefore, it is important to regularly check your storage capacity and delete games that are no longer needed.

How to identify and select games for deletion

When it comes to selecting games for deletion, it can be helpful to identify games that are no longer played or needed. One way to do this is by looking at your play history. The Nintendo Switch keeps track of how long you have played each game, so you can easily see which games you have not played in a while. Another way to identify games for deletion is by considering whether you have completed the game or if you are unlikely to play it again in the future. Additionally, you can take into account the size of the game. If a game takes up a large amount of storage space and you are not actively playing it, it may be a good candidate for deletion.

Another factor to consider when selecting games for deletion is burstiness. Burstiness refers to games that are played in short bursts, such as puzzle games or arcade-style games. These types of games can be easily deleted and re-downloaded later when you want to play them again. On the other hand, story-driven games or games with large multiplayer communities may be more difficult to delete, as progress and online interactions may be lost. It is important to weigh the benefits of freeing up storage space against the potential loss of progress or online connections when selecting games for deletion.

Steps to delete games from the Nintendo Switch home screen

Deleting games from the home screen of your Nintendo Switch is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

1. Turn on your Nintendo Switch and navigate to the home screen.
2. Locate the game you want to delete and highlight it.
3. Press the “+” button on your Joy-Con controller or the “-” button on your Pro Controller.
4. A menu will appear with several options. Select “Manage Software” from the menu.
5. On the next screen, select “Delete Software” and confirm your selection.
6. The game will be deleted from your Nintendo Switch.

It is important to note that deleting a game from the home screen will only remove the game itself, not any associated save data or DLC. We will discuss how to manage save data and DLC in later sections.

Deleting games from the Nintendo eShop

In addition to deleting games from the home screen, you can also delete games directly from the Nintendo eShop. Here is how to do it:

1. Open the Nintendo eShop on your Nintendo Switch.
2. Navigate to the “All Software” tab.
3. Locate the game you want to delete and select it.
4. On the game’s page, scroll down and select “Delete Software.”
5. Confirm your selection and the game will be deleted from your Nintendo Switch.

When you delete a game from the Nintendo eShop, it will also remove any associated save data and DLC. However, it is important to note that deleting a game from the Nintendo eShop will also revoke your license to play the game. This means that if you want to play the game again in the future, you will need to purchase it again.

Clearing save data for deleted games

When you delete a game from your Nintendo Switch, it is important to also clear the associated save data. This will ensure that any progress or settings for the game are completely removed from your console. Here is how to clear save data for deleted games:

1. From the home screen, select “System Settings.”
2. Scroll down and select “Data Management.”
3. Select “Manage Save Data/Screenshots.”
4. On the next screen, select “Delete Save Data.
5. You will see a list of games with save data on your console. Locate the game you want to delete save data for and select it.
6. Confirm your selection and the save data will be deleted.

It is important to note that clearing save data for a deleted game cannot be undone. Once the save data is deleted, it cannot be recovered. Therefore, it is recommended to back up your save data before deleting a game.

Managing game updates and DLC after deleting a game

After deleting a game from your Nintendo Switch, you may still have updates or DLC (downloadable content) associated with that game on your console. Here are some tips for managing game updates and DLC after deleting a game:

1. To re-download updates for a deleted game, simply go to the Nintendo eShop and navigate to the game’s page. If there are any updates available, you will see an option to download them.
2. To re-download DLC for a deleted game, go to the Nintendo eShop and navigate to the game’s page. If you have previously purchased DLC for the game, you will be able to re-download it for free.
3. If you have a physical copy of the game and have deleted it from your console, you can simply re-insert the game cartridge to reinstall the game and any associated updates or DLC.

It is important to note that if you have deleted a digital game from your Nintendo Switch, you will need to re-purchase it in order to download it again. However, if you have previously purchased the game, you will not be charged again.

Troubleshooting common issues when deleting games on Nintendo Switch

While deleting games on the Nintendo Switch is generally a straightforward process, there are some common issues that may arise. Here are some tips for troubleshooting these issues:

1. If you are unable to delete a game from the home screen, make sure that you have selected the correct game and that you are following the correct steps.
2. If you are unable to delete a game from the Nintendo eShop, make sure that you have an active internet connection and that you are signed in to your Nintendo account.
3. If you are experiencing issues with save data or DLC after deleting a game, make sure that you have cleared the save data for the game and that you have re-downloaded any necessary updates or DLC.

If you are still experiencing issues after following these troubleshooting tips, it is recommended to contact Nintendo support for further assistance.

Tips for organizing your game library on Nintendo Switch

Organizing your game library on the Nintendo Switch can make it easier to delete games when needed. Here are some tips for organizing your game library:

1. Use folders to group similar games together. You can create folders on the home screen by selecting a game and pressing and holding the “A” button. This will allow you to move the game into a folder.
2. Take advantage of the sorting options available on the home screen. You can sort your games by various criteria, such as playtime or alphabetical order, to make it easier to find and delete games.
3. Regularly review your game library and delete games that you no longer play or need. This will help keep your storage space free for new games.

By organizing your game library, you can easily identify and delete games that are no longer needed, freeing up storage space on your Nintendo Switch.

Frequently asked questions about deleting games on Nintendo Switch

Q: Can I delete a game and keep the save data?
A: No, deleting a game will also delete the associated save data. It is recommended to back up your save data before deleting a game.

Q: Can I re-download a deleted game for free?
A: If you have purchased a digital copy of the game, you will need to re-purchase it in order to download it again. However, if you have a physical copy of the game, you can simply re-insert the game cartridge to reinstall it.

Q: How do I contact Nintendo support for further assistance?
A: You can contact Nintendo support through their website or by calling their customer support hotline. The contact information can be found on the Nintendo website.

In conclusion, deleting games on the Nintendo Switch is an important task to free up storage space and manage your game library. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily delete games from the home screen and the Nintendo eShop, clear save data for deleted games, manage updates and DLC, troubleshoot common issues, and organize your game library. Remember to regularly review your game library and delete games that are no longer played or needed to keep your Nintendo Switch running smoothly.

If you’re looking for a step-by-step guide on how to delete games on Nintendo Switch, you’ll definitely want to check out this helpful article on GirlsGist. It provides easy-to-follow instructions and tips to free up space on your console. Say goodbye to unwanted games and make room for new ones! To read the article, click here.