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If it’s time to sell your Nintendo Switch, give it away, or simply want to start fresh, a factory reset is the way to go. When the Switch 2 finally gets announced we reckon this is a process a lot of people will want to do.
It might sound a bit intimidating, but it’s actually a straightforward operation that can be done in just a few minutes. Let’s have a look at how to do this so you can get it sorted out without any hassle or worry that you have left any vital information on there. Nobody is getting their hands on my ToTK save file.
Before we do this, it’s important to note that a factory reset will erase all your data, including game saves, user profiles, and any downloaded content. So, if there’s anything you want to keep, make sure to back it up first. The Nintendo Switch has a handy save data cloud option (if you’re subscribed to Nintendo Switch Online that is), or you can manually transfer save data to a microSD card.
Factory Reset your Switch
Alright, now we are good to go, let’s get this Switch back to the state it was in when it first emerged into the world. Start by turning on your Nintendo Switch and heading to the Home screen. From there, navigate to the ‘System Settings’—it’s the icon that looks like a gear. Scroll down until you find ‘System’ and select it. Once you’re in the System menu, scroll all the way down until you see ‘Formatting Options.’ Select this, and you’ll find the option to ‘Initialize Console.’ This is the key step to resetting everything.
After selecting ‘Initialize Console,’ you’ll be prompted to confirm your choice a couple of times. This is Nintendo’s way of making sure you’re absolutely ready to erase everything. Follow the prompts, and your console will begin the factory reset process. It might take a few minutes, but once it’s done, your Switch will restart, and it’ll be just like when you first unboxed it – a clean slate, no user profiles, no saved games.
Keeping your save files
For those who want to keep their saved data but still fix some persistent software issues, there’s also an option called ‘Reset Cache’ or ‘Reset Without Deleting Save Data.’ You can find this under the same ‘Formatting Options’ menu. This way, you can refresh the system settings without losing all your precious game progress.
And there you have it! Whether you’re preparing your console for a new owner or just want to wipe the slate clean, performing a factory reset is quick and simple. Just remember to back up anything important beforehand, and you’ll be good to go. Now, you can confidently pass on your Switch or start over with a fresh gaming experience.
Oh, and if you have been having problems with stick drift by this stage, you can also check out this guide to see if you can fix it yourself.
