What do I do if I lose my Switch games?
Losing a game on the Nintendo Switch can be frustrating, especially if you’ve invested a lot of time and money into it. However, there are a few steps you can take to recover your lost game data. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of recovering your lost Switch games and what you can do to prevent it from happening in the future.
What happens if I lose a physical game?
If you’ve lost a physical game, you’ll need to purchase a new copy of the game or replace it with a digital version. You can do this by visiting the Nintendo eShop and purchasing the game again. You’ll be able to download the game to your Switch and play it as usual.
Can I still play a Switch game if I lost the cartridge?
If you’ve lost the cartridge for a physical game, you won’t be able to play it until you replace it. However, if you’ve purchased a digital version of the game, you’ll be able to download it again and play it as usual.
Can I lose downloaded Switch games?
All games you buy digitally are stored on your Nintendo Account, so you can’t "lose" them in the classical sense. However, if you delete a game from your Switch, you won’t be able to access it again without re-downloading it.
What happens to my digital games if I get a new Switch?
If you get a new Switch, you’ll need to log in to your Nintendo Account on the new console and register it as your primary console. You’ll then be able to redownload all of your previously purchased games and DLC.
How do I find my purchased games on Switch?
To find your purchased games on Switch, follow these steps:
- From the HOME Menu, select the Nintendo eShop icon and tap Open.
- On the upper left of the screen, tap Menu.
- Scroll down and select Settings / Other.
- Scroll down to the section titled History, and select Redownloadable Software.
- Select Your Downloads.
Why can’t I redownload a game on my Switch?
You can only redownload games using the Nintendo Account that purchased the game. If a specific game or DLC item shows "Purchased" in the Nintendo eShop but you are unable to redownload it, you may find our information on Software Displays "Purchased" in the Nintendo Switch eShop helpful.
What if I lost my Nintendo Account login information?
If you’ve lost your Nintendo Account login information, you can reset your password by following these steps:
- Go to the Nintendo Account login page.
- Click on "Forgot Password."
- Enter your email address and click "Send Password Reset Link."
- Follow the instructions to reset your password.
Preventing game loss in the future
To prevent game loss in the future, make sure to:
- Keep your Nintendo Account login information safe and secure.
- Make regular backups of your game data.
- Use a secure cloud storage service to store your game saves.
- Avoid deleting games from your Switch unless absolutely necessary.
Conclusion
Losing a game on the Nintendo Switch can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to recover your lost game data. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can prevent game loss in the future and ensure that your Switch games are safe and secure.