Nintendo Support

How to Initialize Nintendo Switch 2 Without Deleting Save Data

How to delete data on the Nintendo Switch 2 without deleting save data, screenshots, videos, or user information using Recovery Mode.

Before you start

You will need:

  • Your Nintendo Switch 2 console

Save data, screenshots, and user information will not be deleted but software saved on the microSD Express card (except for screenshots) will be unusable.

Complete these steps

  1. Power off the console.

    • Press and hold the POWER Button for at least three seconds.

    • Select Power Options.

    • Select Power Off.

  2. Press and hold down the volume up (+) and volume down (-) buttons, press the POWER Button once to turn the system on.

  3. Keep holding down the volume buttons until the menu for Recovery Mode appears.

  4. Once in Recovery Mode, select Restore Settings (Keep User Data).

    • If a Parental Control PIN has been set for the system, you will be prompted to enter it to proceed.

  5. Read through the information, then select Next.

  6. Select Restore Settings (Keep User Data).