How to Transfer Games from one microSD Card to Another on your Nintendo Switch.


Campus Guides
2023-07-10T10:42:00+00:00

How to Transfer Games from one microSD Card to Another on your Nintendo Switch.

In the world of video games, storage capacity is a key factor for avid gamers who enjoy a wide collection of games on their Nintendo Switch. As new titles are downloaded and purchased, it is common for users to find themselves facing the limit of available space on their microSD card. In such cases, it is necessary and convenient to know how to transfer games from one microSD card to another on your Nintendo Switch. This task may seem complicated at first glance, but with the right steps and precautions, the transfer process can be carried out efficiently and without problems. In this article, we will explore the technical method of performing this transfer and provide clear instructions to ensure a successful migration of your games to a new microSD card on your Nintendo Switch.

1. Introduction to transferring games between microSD cards on your Nintendo Switch

Transferring games between microSD cards on your Nintendo Switch is a simple task that will allow you to expand the storage capacity of your console and keep all your games on a single card. In this article, we will provide you with a Step by Step detailed information on how to perform this transfer without losing any important data.

Before you begin, make sure you have a higher capacity microSD card available and that your Nintendo Switch is updated with the latest version of the operating system. Then follow these steps:

  • Turn off your Nintendo Switch and remove the microSD card currently in use.
  • Insert the new microSD card into the corresponding slot located on the back of the console.
  • Turn on your Nintendo Switch and access the Settings menu.
  • Select “Data Management” and then “Console Saved Data Management.”
  • Choose the “Move saved data” option and then select “microSD card.”

Now, wait for the transfer process to complete. Please note that this time may vary depending on the amount of games and data you are transferring. Once finished, you will be able to enjoy your games directly from the new microSD card on your Nintendo Switch without any problems.

2. Compatibility of microSD cards on the Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch is a popular console that allows users to expand its storage using microSD cards. However, not all microSD cards are compatible with the Nintendo Switch, so it's important to know the proper specifications before purchasing one.

To ensure that the microSD card is compatible with your Nintendo Switch, you should keep the following things in mind:

  • Storage capacity: The Nintendo Switch is compatible with microSD cards up to 2 terabytes (TB). Make sure you select a card that meets this capacity to ensure good performance and enough space for your games and applications.
  • Read and write speed: It is important to choose a microSD card with a high enough read and write speed to avoid slow loading and lags during gameplay. A speed of at least UHS-I Class 1 is recommended for optimal performance.
  • Format: The Nintendo Switch requires microSD cards to be formatted in FAT32 or exFAT format. Some cards may come preformatted in other formats, so you may need to format them before using them in your console.

Please note that the Nintendo Switch does not support microSDHC and SDXC cards. Be sure to purchase a standard microSD card to ensure full compatibility with your console. Remember to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and consult the user manual to get more information about compatible microSD cards.

3. Preliminary steps before transferring games between microSD cards

Digital games take up a lot of space on the microSD cards of our consoles. Therefore, sometimes it is necessary to transfer them from one card to another to free up space or to use cards with greater storage capacity. Before carrying out this task, it is important to take into account some previous steps to ensure that the transfer is successful.

1. Check the capacity of the destination card: Before starting the transfer, make sure that the microSD card you are going to use as the destination has enough capacity to store all the games you want to transfer. You can do this by checking the available capacity of the card in your console settings or by using specific applications to manage storage.

2. Back up games: To avoid data loss, it is advisable to make a backup copy of the games you are going to transfer. You can do this using the console backup feature or by using third-party tools. Be sure to save the backup in a safe place, such as a HDD external or in the cloud.

3. Follow the transfer steps: Each console may have a different process for transferring games between microSD cards, so it's important to follow the specific steps for your console. Generally, you will have to go to the console settings, select the storage management or memory cards option, and choose the game transfer option. You will then be able to select the games you want to transfer and choose the destination microSD card.

4. How to backup games to your current microSD card

In this section you will learn how to back up your games to your current microSD card. This procedure is useful if you want to transfer your games to a new microSD card or if you simply want to back up your data to avoid losing important information.

1. Connect your microSD card to your computer using a microSD card adapter. Make sure your computer recognizes the card and assigns it a drive letter.

2. Open file explorer on your computer and navigate to the drive letter assigned to your microSD card. This will allow you to access the files stored on the card.

3. Select the game files you want to copy and copy them to a safe location on your computer. You can simply drag and drop the files to a folder of your choice. Remember that some games may have additional files, such as saved settings or add-ons, make sure to copy all files related to the game.

4. Once you have copied all the necessary files, you can disconnect your microSD card from your computer and store it in a safe place. Please note that if you are transferring your games to a new microSD card, you will need to follow the same procedure but selecting the new card instead of your current card.

By following these steps, you can easily back up your games to your current microSD card and ensure the protection of your data.

5. Preparing the new microSD card for game transfer

To transfer games to a new microSD card, proper preparation is necessary. Here we show you the necessary steps to achieve it successfully:

1. Backup existing games:
– Insert the current microSD card into your computer using a card reader.
– Copy all games and related files from the microSD card to a safe location on your computer. This will ensure that you don't lose any important progress or data during the transfer process.

2. Formatting the new microSD card:
– Insert the new microSD card into your computer using the card reader.
– Open Disk Manager in your operating system.
– Locate the new microSD card in the drive list and select the format option.
– Make sure you select the appropriate file system for your device (for example, FAT32 or exFAT).
– Click “Start” to start the formatting process. Please note that this process will erase all data on the card, so make sure you have a backup before proceeding.

3. Transfer games to the new microSD card:
– Once the new microSD card is formatted, you can transfer the games from your computer again.
– Copy and paste games and related files from the secure location on your computer to the new microSD card.
– Make sure the games are located in the correct folder on the microSD card, usually called “Games” or similar.
– Eject in a safe way the microSD card on your computer.

By following these steps, you will be properly preparing the new microSD card for game transfer. Remember to back up existing games and format the card before transferring new games. With proper preparation, you will be able to enjoy your games on the new microSD card without problems.

6. Starting the process of transferring games between microSD cards

To start the process of transferring games between microSD cards, we must first have the necessary tools at hand. You will need two microSD cards: the source card, from which you want to transfer the games, and the destination card, where the transferred games will be saved. Make sure both cards are in good condition and have enough storage space for the games you want to transfer.

Once you have the microSD cards ready, you can proceed to follow these steps:

  • Insert the source card into your device and make sure it is correctly recognized.
  • Go to your device's settings and look for the "Game Transfer" or "Card Manager" option.
  • Select the option to transfer games between microSD cards.
  • On the screen Transfer, choose the source card as the card you want to transfer the games from.
  • Next, select the destination card as the card where the transferred games will be saved.
  • Confirm the transfer and wait for the process to finish. Transfer time will depend on the size of the games and the read and write speed of your microSD cards.

Remember that during the transfer process, it is important not to interrupt the power flow or the connection between the device and the microSD cards. If any interruption occurs, games may not transfer correctly and could be corrupted.

7. Verification and confirmation of successful game transfer

When you transfer games, it is important to verify and confirm that the transfer was successful. Here are some steps you can follow to do it:

Step 1: Once you have completed the transfer, check the number of games transferred. You can do this by logging into your user account and navigating to the game library section. Here you will find a list of all the games you have transferred.

Step 2: Check that each transferred game is complete and error-free. Open each game to ensure all features and elements are present and working properly. If you encounter any problems, there was probably an error during the transfer and you will need to contact support to resolve it.

Step 3: If all games have been successfully transferred and are working correctly, confirm the transfer by completing a play test. Play each game for a few minutes to make sure everything is in order. You can also try different features and game modes to make sure there are no hidden problems. If all games pass the test without problems, you can be sure that the transfer has been successful.

8. Fixing common issues while transferring games on the Nintendo Switch

Transferring games on the Nintendo Switch can be a simple task, but sometimes issues can arise that make the process difficult. Below are some common problems you may encounter while transferring games and how to fix them:

1. Wi-Fi connection error: If you are experiencing difficulty transferring games due to Wi-Fi connection issues, make sure your Nintendo Switch console is close enough to the router and that there is no interference from other devices nearby. You can also try restarting the router and checking if firmware updates are available. If the issue persists, try using an Ethernet connection using a USB network adapter for a more stable transfer.

2. Game not showing on target console: If you transferred a game via the data transfer option on the Nintendo Switch, but the game does not appear on the destination console, you can try restarting both consoles and check if the game appears afterwards. Also make sure both consoles are updated to the latest version of the operating system. If the issue persists, you can try manually transferring your save data and redownloading the game on the target console.

3. Transfer incomplete error: If you experience an incomplete game transfer on the Nintendo Switch, the first thing you should do is make sure you have enough storage space available on both the source and destination consoles. If the problem persists, you can try deleting any unnecessary game data on both consoles to free up space. Also, check for pending updates to the game you are trying to transfer and make sure you have a stable internet connection throughout the process.

9. Important considerations when transferring games between microSD cards

When transferring games between microSD cards, it is essential to take into account certain important aspects to avoid possible errors and ensure a successful process. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

1. Compatibility: Make sure the microSD cards involved are compatible with both the console the games will be played on and each other. Check the technical specifications of both cards to avoid incompatibilities that could cause problems during the transfer process.

2. Available space: Before transferring games, check the available space on the destination microSD card. Make sure there is enough capacity to store the games you want to transfer. If necessary, delete unnecessary files or consider purchasing a card with higher capacity.

3. Transfer Tools: Use reliable and secure tools to carry out game transfers. Most video game consoles have built-in options for data transfer, such as specific utilities or applications. If you're not sure how to transfer, look for tutorials or user guides that provide detailed instructions on the process.

10. Advantages and disadvantages of transferring games between microSD cards

If you are an avid video game player on your console Nintendo Switch, you may have encountered the need to transfer games between microSD cards. This action can have both advantages and disadvantages, and it is important that you know both aspects before making a decision. Below we present both the benefits and limitations of transferring games between microSD cards.

Advantages:

  • Freedom of space: Transferring games to a microSD card allows you to free up space on your console's original card. This is especially useful if you have a large collection of games and the console's internal storage is running low.
  • Portability: By transferring games to a microSD card, you can take your games with you and play on other Switch consoles without needing to download them again. This is ideal if you have friends or family that you want to play with on their consoles.
  • Backup: If you have important games or special saves, transferring them to a microSD card can serve as an additional backup in case something happens to your main console.

Disadvantages:

  • Transfer speed: Transferring games may take time depending on the size and quantity of the games. This can be inconvenient if you want to transfer multiple games at once or if you're in the middle of a game and need to wait for the process to complete.
  • Compatibility: When transferring games between microSD cards, it is important to consider the compatibility of the card with the console. Some cards may not be recognized by the console or may have performance issues.
  • Additional cost: If you do not have an additional microSD card, you will need to purchase one to transfer games. This will involve an additional expense that you should consider before deciding to transfer your games.

11. Recommendations to optimize storage space on your Nintendo Switch

Here are some recommendations to help you optimize the storage space on your Nintendo Switch. Follow these steps to maximize the available space and have more space for your favorite games and apps.

1. Delete unused games and apps: Review your library of games and apps and uninstall those you no longer use. You can do this by accessing the start menu, selecting the icon of the game or application you want to delete and pressing the "Options" button. Then choose “Manage Software” and select “Remove Software.” This will free up considerable space on your Nintendo Switch.

2. Use microSD cards: If your Nintendo Switch has a microSD card slot, consider using one to expand its storage capacity. microSD cards are inexpensive and easy to install. Simply turn off the console, open the microSD card slot cover on the back, insert the card, and turn the console back on. Once the card is installed, you can download and store games and applications directly to the card to free up space on the console's internal memory.

3. Transfer games and data to a microSD card: If you already have a microSD card installed, you can transfer games and data from your Nintendo Switch's internal memory to the card to free up space. Go to the console settings, select “Management data,” and then choose “Move data” in the “Save console data” section. In this section, you will be able to select the games and data you want to transfer to the microSD card. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the transfer.

12. Alternatives to transferring games between microSD cards

Sometimes it is necessary to transfer games from one microSD card to another for various reasons. However, there are alternatives to direct transfer that can be useful for users. Below are some options to carry out this task without complications.

An alternative is to use a microSD card to USB adapter. This device allows you to connect the card to a USB port Computer and transfer games from one card to another easily. It is only necessary to insert the cards into the respective slots of the adapter and copy the files. This option is convenient if you have an adapter and a computer.

Another option is to use a file management app on your mobile device. There are various applications available for download in application stores, such as "File Manager" or "ES File Explorer". These applications allow you to manage the files stored on the device and, with them, it is possible to copy and paste the games from one card to another directly from the mobile device. To do this, you just have to open the application, search for the games and carry out the necessary operations to transfer them.

13. Maintenance and care of microSD cards on your Nintendo Switch

It is crucial to ensure optimal performance and avoid potential problems. Here are some tips and suggestions to keep your microSD cards in perfect condition:

1. Protect your microSD cards: MicroSD cards are small and fragile, so it's important to handle them with care. Avoid touching the gold contacts with your fingers and always use the microSD card slot on your Nintendo Switch to insert and remove the card.

2. Avoid humidity and extreme heat: Humidity and high temperatures can damage the microSD card. Keep your cards away from liquids and be sure to store them in a cool, dry place. Never leave them exposed to direct sunlight or near heat sources such as radiators or appliances.

3. Make backup copies regularly: It is advisable to make backup copies of the data stored on your microSD card from Nintendo Switch regularly. This will help protect your information in case the card is lost, damaged, or accidentally formatted. Use a computer or compatible device to transfer and save your files important.

Remember that proper care of your microSD cards in your Nintendo Switch can prolong its useful life and avoid possible problems. By following these tips, you will be able to enjoy a smooth and continuous gaming experience.

14. Conclusions and final recommendations for transferring games between microSD cards on your Nintendo Switch

In short, transferring games between microSD cards on your Nintendo Switch is a simple and convenient process that allows you to keep more games on your console without taking up all of the internal storage space. Throughout this guide, we have seen how to perform this process step by step, ensuring that all games and data are transferred correctly without any problems.

Some final recommendations to keep in mind when transferring games between microSD cards are:

  • Make sure you have enough space on the destination microSD card before starting the transfer.
  • Back up all your important data and games before starting the transfer process.
  • Carefully follow the steps mentioned in this guide to avoid mistakes and ensure a successful transfer.
  • If you experience any problems during the process, consult the official Nintendo documentation or contact technical support for additional help.

In conclusion, transferring games between microSD cards on your Nintendo Switch is a simple task, but it requires a little attention and caution. By following the instructions mentioned above, you can enjoy a hassle-free gaming experience and ensure that you have access to all your favorite games at any time.

In short, transferring games from one microSD card to another on your Nintendo Switch can be a simple and quick process by following the proper steps. Make sure you have enough space on the new microSD card and that both cards are formatted correctly. Follow the console prompts and use the data transfer feature to move games from one card to another without losing your progress. Remember that this process only applies to digitally downloaded games and not physical games. If you have questions or encounter any difficulties during the process, do not hesitate to consult the official Nintendo documentation or seek help in forums and gaming communities. Enjoy your Nintendo Switch with your favorite games without worrying about storage capacity thanks to the possibility of transferring them between microSD cards. Have fun playing!

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