Nintendo switch transfer game from cartridge to sd card

Hello. I recently bought a Switch and 3 physical game cartridges. I figure I'll be playing each game equally, so I'll be swapping them out regularly.

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Can you move Switch games from cartridge to SD card?
Can you install a Switch game from the cartridge?
Can I get a digital copy of a game I already own Switch?
Does save data transfer from Switch cartridge?

Is there anyway to transfer the game (not my save file, as I don't have one yet) from the cartridge to the Switch's internal storage?

Or can I claim a digital version with the physical copy I bought (mine contained the physical cartridge and what looks like a bar code/product cod inside)?

Nintendo just released the 10.0.0 firmware for its Switch gaming console and finally added a feature users have wanted since the system launched. The update allows downloaded games to be transferred to an SD card, giving users flexibility and freedom.

Previously, Switch owners had few options if their console ran out of storage space. The best option was to delete a game and tell the system to redownload it but onto an SD card rather than the internal memory. This process was clunky. Now, with the update, if storage is running low, a person can transfer a game directly to an SD card.

Only “downloadable software, update data, and DLC” are supported at this time, and some user save points and update data cannot be transferred.

This move is a welcomed addition to the Switch, where physical media and downloaded data coexist. This gives users the peace of mind of backing up data to physical media while still utilizing local storage and the ability to purchase games online.

The update also added the ability to remap controller buttons and save up to five different button layouts.

The 10.0.0 update is now available. Users can access the update through the Switch’s settings.

Although the Nintendo Switch takes cartridges, it’s often a lot easier and cheaper to buy them digitally. Downloading games instantly is great but the console can quickly get full up so here’s how to move some games to the microSD card.

It’s understandable if your Nintendo Switch storage is full. It only has 32GB of space and games like Zelda Breath of the Wild take up 13GB of that alone. The Switch doesn’t come with a memory card but you can but microSD cards cheaply.

The process of transferring a game to the SD used to be a little bit tricky. Nintendo has made it much easier but we’re still here to guide you through the process.

If you need a microSD card then you can find one in our round-up. Officially, Nintendo recommends a UHS-I (Ultra High Speed Phase I) card and a transfer speed 60-95MBps. You can even buy official microSD cards made by SanDisk if you like.

Once you’ve bought a microSD card and inserted it (turn the console off and you’ll find the slot under the kickstand), follow these simple steps to move games from the internal storage to the memory card.

Open System Settings from your Switch’s Home screen (the cog wheel)
Scroll down and choose Data Management
Select ‘Move data between console/microSD card’
Choose ‘Move to microSD card’
Select the game(s) you want to transfer
Click ‘Move Data’

Now the game will download to your microSD card or you can use the tool to move data the other way, too. Just bear in mind that game save data will still be stored on the console’s local storage, it cannot be moved to the card.

Tech Advisor's Reviews Editor, Chris has been reviewing all kinds of tech for over 10 years and specialises in audio. He also covers a range of topics including home entertainment, phones, laptops, tablets and more.

Can you move Switch games from cartridge to SD card?

Nope, you cannot download a game off of a cartridge onto the system memory. The thing is, with physical cartridges, the game and license are stored on the cartridge itself, while with digital purchases the license is tied to your user account and stored locally on your console.

Can you install a Switch game from the cartridge?

No. When you get a cartridge, you are purchasing a physical copy of the game and the base version of that game, without any DLCs or add-ons or updates. It cannot be downloaded to your Switch.

Can I get a digital copy of a game I already own Switch?

With the Nintendo Switch you can purchase and download a digital copy of a physical game you own. The physical game does not give you rights to a free digital copy, and never will with Nintendo. For most Switch games a digital copy will be able to use the game save data created by your physical copy.