How to Redownload Games on the Nintendo Switch

Many of us wish our Nintendo Switch had as much room as Mary Poppins' purse, but unfortunately, this is not the case. There is quite often not enough space to have every game installed at once on your console. So you might have to delete or archive software to make room for new games. But how do you get them back?

Thankfully all of your eShop purchases are saved to your profile, and it is very easy to reinstall deleted or archived software on your Nintendo Switch. Keep reading to find out how.

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What Does Redownloading a Game Mean?

When you buy a game for your Nintendo Switch, either physically or through the eShop, you own it for life. So if you need to delete games to make room for new ones, you can redownload instead of having to repurchase a game the next time you want to play it. It also allows you to replace your Nintendo Switch console without fearing losing your entire gaming library in the process.

Redownloading software on your Nintendo Switch simply means putting a game you previously owned back on your system, so you don’t have to pay for it twice. Redownloading a game is very easy, and there are multiple ways to do it.

Nintendo switch in dock surrounded by plants

The method you should use to redownload a title will vary, depending on whether you archived or deleted the game. But if you no longer have space on your console to redownload a game you want to play again, check out our guide to learnhow to archive software on your Nintendo Switch.

How to Redownload a Game From Your Nintendo Switch Home Screen

If you archived your software, thegame iconwould still be on your console. It might even still be on your Home menu if you archived it recently. If it was a while ago, and you could’t find thegame iconon your Home screen anymore, don’t worry! You will still be able to get your game back.

If you can’t find your game on your Nintendo Switch Home screen, follow the instructions below to reinstall your software.

Animal Crossing games and themed Switch

Your game will begin reinstalling on your Nintendo Switch console. If you could not find the icon of the game you wish to reinstall, you might have deleted the software.

How to Redownload a Game From the Nintendo Switch eShop

If you deleted your game rather than archived it, you can still redownload it by heading over to the Nintendo Switch eShop. You can do this by selectingRedownload Softwarefrom theAll Softwaremenu or launching it from the Home screen.

You also have to use this method if you are reinstalling games from a preexisting account on a new Nintendo Switch system.

How to redownload switch games open all software

This is one of many essential things you should know about your Nintendo Switch. If you want to learn more of these handy hints, check out our12 essential tips and tricks for new Switch owners.

The eShop Is Your Oyster

The Nintendo Switch is full of surprises and quality of life improvements, and reinstalling archived or deleted software is just one of many. It’s a great way to save space on your console, so you could play a wider variety of games.

Having the ability to archive or delete software and quickly and easily reinstall it allows you essentially to have an endless rotating library of video games, so you can game to your heart’s content.

How to link nintendo network id to nintendo account on switch enter credentials to link 2

We’ve got a few tips to turn your Nintendo Switch from good to great. Let’s dive in.

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