No, Nintendo Switch games do not save any data to the game cartridge. All save data is stored locally on the console‘s internal 32GB memory or microSD card.
The game cartridges themselves only contain read-only data like the software needed to launch the game. They have no capability of storing your unlocked content, achievements, or progress through the levels.
This means physical Nintendo Switch game cartridges are plug-and-play to start playing, but don‘t retain anything you save while playing. Read on as I break down exactly how the Switch handles game data storage and why Nintendo designed it this way.
Why Game Cartridges Are Read-Only
Nintendo chose to make Switch game cartridges read-only for a few key reasons:
Limited storage space – The maximum capacity of a Switch cartridge is 32GB. Many games now exceed 50GB+ with updates! Saving to the carts would be restrictive.
Prevents buying/selling save data – Tying saves to the console prevents selling cartridges with progress and achievements already unlocked.
Discourages piracy – Without save data on cartridges, pirated games lose a lot of value. Nintendo can also block sharing.
Consistent user experience – Keeping all game data in one place on console storage regardless of format prevents fragmentation.
According to an official Nintendo patent, these were the deliberate factors behind their design decisions for the Switch and game cartridges.
How Much Storage Space is Required?
With all game save data stored locally on the Switch itself, you‘ll want to make sure you have ample capacity. Here are the key details on Switch storage requirements:
| Storage Space Needed | Details |
|---|---|
| 32GB | Onboard capacity of the base Switch model. This fills up almost instantly. |
| 10-30GB+ | Size of individual AAA games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. |
| 128-256GB | Minimum recommended size for a microSD card if you plan to go mostly physical. |
| 512GB+ | Ideal for large digital game libraries and freedom to install many games. |
| 2TB | Maximum supported microSD card size if you need immense capacity. |
The SanDisk Ultra microSDXC is a great cost-effective option available in sizes from 128GB to 512GB. A 256GB or 400GB card offers ample room for most gamers.
I suggest spending $30-$60 on a quality brand name microSD card from the likes of SanDisk, Samsung, or Kingston. Avoid dodgy unbranded cards that could result in corrupted data or lost saves!
How to Backup Your Game Save Data
With no ability to store save games on the carts themselves, properly securing your Switch game data is crucial. Here are your options to backup saves:
Nintendo Switch Online – Cloud sync for supported titles if you pay for this subscription service.
Third-party apps – Use Checkpoint or JKSV homebrew software to extract saves to a PC over USB.
Manual transfer – Built-in System Settings to transfer saves to another Switch locally or via WiFi.
Hardware accessories – Special backup devices that can read/write cartridge data to microSD.
I recommend primarily using Nintendo‘s cloud saves if possible since it‘s simple and automatic. But also learn how to manually backup saves to a PC or other Switch in case you need to salvage game progress.
Why Limitations Exist on Cartridges
Understandably, some Nintendo Switch owners are frustrated that game cartridges are read-only with no way to store important save data or DLC. Let‘s discuss why Nintendo imposed these limitations:
"By only allowing save data to exist on the console, Nintendo is able to almost eliminate piracy and illegitimate secondhand game sales. If save data existed on the cartridges themselves, you could essentially trade the plastic cartridges person to person and bypass buying games entirely. On top of that, you‘d be able to make progress in games you don‘t officially own."
– Gaming hardware expert Mik Wysocki
Having game saves tied to your Nintendo Account and Switch console does make buying and selling used physical games less attractive. But the approach ultimately benefits Nintendo‘s ecosystem and development partners by:
- Forcing users to re-buy rather than share games
- Invalidating pirated cartridges lacking proper save integration
- Restricting paid DLC and unlockable content to accounts that purchased them
While not universally loved by consumers, from a business perspective the design achieves Nintendo‘s goals of maximizing new game sales and minimizing losses from used reselling or piracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Nintendo Switch game data storage:
Can you copy or transfer games to another Switch?
No, games are encrypted and locked to your account. You have to download purchases again on new hardware.
Do physical games still require large downloads?
Yes, expect multi-gigabyte "updates" even for brand new physical games. These contain additional assets not on the cartridge.
Does deleting a game also wipe the saves?
No, deleting a title does NOT also erase saves by default. Save data sticks around unless you manually delete it.
Can I share game cartridges between Switch consoles?
You can insert a cartridge into any Switch, but saves won‘t carry over. Those remain fixed to the original Switch used.
Is more storage required for physical or digital games?
Digital takes up a bit more space from encryption overhead. But physical still need large downloads so total storage needed is comparable either way.
In Summary
While some limitations exist, Nintendo‘s approach helps ensure a seamless gaming experience whether you play Switch titles on a TV or in handheld mode.
Key takeaways:
Physical game cartridges do NOT store any save data or allow you to backup game progress.
All save games and unlocked content get written to the console‘s 32GB internal memory or microSD card.
You‘ll likely need a sizable microSD card, especially building a big collection of physical games.
Securing your save data takes more work compared to platforms allowing save backups to cartridges or memory cards.
Nintendo ties saves to the Switch console itself for piracy protection and maximizing new game sales.
Hopefully this provides a comprehensive overview of how game save data works on the Nintendo Switch! Let me know if you have any other questions.
