How To Reformat A Nintendo Switch – Remove All Games, Apps, & Settings

For one reason or another, you may find yourself needing to reformat your Nintendo Switch. Perhaps you are looking to sell the console and want to make sure the data is wiped beforehand. This article will show you how to remove all games, apps, and settings from your Switch console.

Note: An internet connection is required to reformat the Nintendo Switch system. If your Switch is running version 10.0.0 or after, the reformatting process takes ~ 5 minutes from start to finish.

Once data is removed from the Switch, it cannot be retrieved so please make sure you are certain before reformatting your console.

What is Deleted When Reformatting a Nintendo Switch?

• All of the data that was saved to the console’s system memory will be removed. This includes software (games and apps), game save data, screenshots taken, and user info that was saved. The console will essentially be factory reset.
• Cloud save data backups are not deleted as these are stored to the cloud. They can be accessed again in the future after linking a Nintendo account to a new console user account.
• Any software that is saved on a microSD card will become obsolete. The process will not delete all the data from your microSD card, but it will be unusable (except for saved screenshots).
• Nintendo accounts that were linked to the console are not deleted, they are just unlinked from the system. After factory resetting the console, Nintendo accounts may be linked to new user accounts that are created on the system.
• Nintendo accounts are linked to your entire eShop purchase history as well as your current available balance. If you re-link your Nintendo account to the same console or a new one, you may then re-download any games, apps, or DLC that is linked to that account.
• You may opt to reformat your Nintendo Switch without removing all save data on the console – this is done by choosing “Maintenance mode” which allows users to keep their data and user settings still on the system.

How to Reformat the Nintendo Switch

1. Go to “System Settings” from the menu on the home screen.
2. Go down to “System” and select it from the list.
3. Scroll down the menu list and find and select “Formatting Options”.
4. Choose “Initialize Console” to delete all data on the Nintendo Switch console.
5. You will be shown a prompt with information to read before selecting “Next” to continue with the process.
6. Choose “Initialize” to begin the process and delete all data from your Switch.