{"id":2704,"date":"2026-10-10T21:29:19","date_gmt":"2026-10-11T02:29:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/?p=2704"},"modified":"2026-10-10T21:29:19","modified_gmt":"2026-10-11T02:29:19","slug":"how-to-factory-reset-nintendo-switch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/how-to-factory-reset-nintendo-switch\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Factory Reset a Nintendo Switch or Switch 2"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Before you sell a Nintendo Switch, you need to wipe it so the buyer cannot reach your Nintendo Account, your saved payment details, or your save data. This guide covers the factory reset for the original Switch, the Switch OLED Model, the Switch Lite, and the Switch 2, plus the three things to do first so you do not lose your games or hit Nintendo&#8217;s once-a-year unlink limit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0a0a0a;color:#0a0a0a\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0a0a0a;color:#0a0a0a\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/how-to-factory-reset-nintendo-switch\/#Quick-Answer\" >Quick Answer<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/how-to-factory-reset-nintendo-switch\/#Before-You-Reset-4-Things-to-Do-First\" >Before You Reset: 4 Things to Do First<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/how-to-factory-reset-nintendo-switch\/#1-Back-Up-or-Transfer-Your-Save-Data\" >1. Back Up or Transfer Your Save Data<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/how-to-factory-reset-nintendo-switch\/#2-Unlink-the-Console-From-Your-Virtual-Game-Cards\" >2. Unlink the Console From Your Virtual Game Cards<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/how-to-factory-reset-nintendo-switch\/#3-Remove-the-microSD-Card\" >3. Remove the microSD Card<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/how-to-factory-reset-nintendo-switch\/#4-Charge-It-Connect-to-Wi-Fi-and-Find-Your-PIN\" >4. Charge It, Connect to Wi-Fi, and Find Your PIN<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/how-to-factory-reset-nintendo-switch\/#How-to-Factory-Reset-a-Nintendo-Switch-Switch-OLED-or-Switch-Lite\" >How to Factory Reset a Nintendo Switch, Switch OLED, or Switch Lite<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/how-to-factory-reset-nintendo-switch\/#How-to-Factory-Reset-a-Nintendo-Switch-2\" >How to Factory Reset a Nintendo Switch 2<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/how-to-factory-reset-nintendo-switch\/#What-a-Factory-Reset-Erases-and-What-It-Doesnt\" >What a Factory Reset Erases, and What It Doesn&#8217;t<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/how-to-factory-reset-nintendo-switch\/#Initialize-Console-vs-Restore-Settings-Keep-User-Data\" >Initialize Console vs. Restore Settings (Keep User Data)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/how-to-factory-reset-nintendo-switch\/#How-to-Confirm-the-Reset-Worked\" >How to Confirm the Reset Worked<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/how-to-factory-reset-nintendo-switch\/#Selling-Your-Nintendo-Switch-on-Swappa\" >Selling Your Nintendo Switch on Swappa<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/how-to-factory-reset-nintendo-switch\/#Frequently-Asked-Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/how-to-factory-reset-nintendo-switch\/#Does-factory-resetting-a-Nintendo-Switch-delete-my-games\" >Does factory resetting a Nintendo Switch delete my games?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/how-to-factory-reset-nintendo-switch\/#Does-a-factory-reset-remove-my-Nintendo-Account-from-the-Switch\" >Does a factory reset remove my Nintendo Account from the Switch?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/how-to-factory-reset-nintendo-switch\/#How-do-I-factory-reset-a-Switch-without-losing-my-save-data\" >How do I factory reset a Switch without losing my save data?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/how-to-factory-reset-nintendo-switch\/#Do-I-need-an-internet-connection-to-factory-reset-a-Nintendo-Switch\" >Do I need an internet connection to factory reset a Nintendo Switch?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/how-to-factory-reset-nintendo-switch\/#How-long-does-it-take-to-factory-reset-a-Nintendo-Switch\" >How long does it take to factory reset a Nintendo Switch?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/swappa.com\/blog\/how-to-factory-reset-nintendo-switch\/#The-Bottom-Line\" >The Bottom Line<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quick-Answer\"><\/span>Quick Answer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To factory reset a Nintendo Switch or Switch 2, first back up your save data and unlink the console from your Virtual Game Cards. Then, with the console connected to the internet, go to <strong>System Settings &gt; System &gt; Formatting Options &gt; Initialize Console<\/strong>, select <strong>Next<\/strong>, and select <strong>Initialize<\/strong>. The reset takes about five minutes and returns the console to its first-time setup screen. <a href=\"https:\/\/swappa.com\/sell\/section\/gaming\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sell your Nintendo Switch on Swappa<\/a> once it is done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/swappa.com\/sell\/section\/gaming\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sell Your Nintendo Switch on Swappa<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Before-You-Reset-4-Things-to-Do-First\"><\/span>Before You Reset: 4 Things to Do First<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A factory reset permanently deletes everything stored on the console. Take care of these first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1-Back-Up-or-Transfer-Your-Save-Data\"><\/span>1. Back Up or Transfer Your Save Data<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Save data lives in the console&#8217;s system memory, and Initialize Console erases it. If you have Nintendo Switch Online, most games back up automatically to Save Data Cloud. If you do not, move your saves to another console first. The full steps, including moving saves to a Switch 2, are in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.swappa.com\/blog\/how-to-backup-nintendo-switch-game-saves-to-cloud\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Back Up Nintendo Switch Game Saves Before You Sell<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2-Unlink-the-Console-From-Your-Virtual-Game-Cards\"><\/span>2. Unlink the Console From Your Virtual Game Cards<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your digital games belong to your Nintendo Account, not the console, and each account can link up to two consoles to load its Virtual Game Cards. Nintendo&#8217;s system update 20.0.0 in 2025 replaced the old &#8220;primary console&#8221; setting with this system, so older guides that tell you to deregister a primary console in the eShop are out of date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To unlink the console you are selling:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Select <strong>Virtual Game Cards<\/strong> on the HOME Menu.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Select <strong>Settings<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Select the console you want to unlink.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Select <strong>Unlink<\/strong>, then select <strong>Unlink<\/strong> again to confirm.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Do this on the console while it is online. You can also unlink from the Nintendo Account website, but that option is limited to once per year, so save it for emergencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3-Remove-the-microSD-Card\"><\/span>3. Remove the microSD Card<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Initialize Console does not wipe your microSD card. Games stored on it stop working after the reset, but screenshots and videos on the card stay readable. Either keep the card, or, if you want to include it with the sale, format it first under <strong>System Settings &gt; System &gt; Formatting Options<\/strong>. The same applies to the microSD Express card in a Switch 2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4-Charge-It-Connect-to-Wi-Fi-and-Find-Your-PIN\"><\/span>4. Charge It, Connect to Wi-Fi, and Find Your PIN<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Plug the console in and connect it to the internet. An internet connection lets the reset unlink your Nintendo Account from the console properly. If you set up Parental Controls, have the PIN ready, because the console asks for it before it will reset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How-to-Factory-Reset-a-Nintendo-Switch-Switch-OLED-or-Switch-Lite\"><\/span>How to Factory Reset a Nintendo Switch, Switch OLED, or Switch Lite<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>From the HOME Menu, select <strong>System Settings<\/strong> (the gear icon).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Scroll down the left menu and select <strong>System<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Scroll to the bottom and select <strong>Formatting Options<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Select <strong>Initialize Console<\/strong>. Enter your Parental Controls PIN if asked.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Read the on-screen notes and select <strong>Next<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Select <strong>Initialize<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>The console restarts when it is done. Earlier versions of this guide called this step &#8220;Restore Factory Settings.&#8221; Initialize Console is the current name for the same full reset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How-to-Factory-Reset-a-Nintendo-Switch-2\"><\/span>How to Factory Reset a Nintendo Switch 2<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Switch 2 uses the same path: <strong>System Settings &gt; System &gt; Formatting Options &gt; Initialize Console<\/strong>, then <strong>Next<\/strong> and <strong>Initialize<\/strong>. The Switch 2 also lets you initialize only specific data, but for a sale, choose the full reset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Upgrading from a Switch to a Switch 2?<\/strong> If you used System Transfer and chose to upload your data to Nintendo&#8217;s server because the new console had not arrived yet, the transfer already reset your old Switch to factory settings. Turn it on and confirm it shows the setup screen before you list it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-a-Factory-Reset-Erases-and-What-It-Doesnt\"><\/span>What a Factory Reset Erases, and What It Doesn&#8217;t<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Item<\/th><th>What Happens When You Initialize Console<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Downloaded games and DLC in system memory<\/td><td>Erased. You can redownload them on another console with your Nintendo Account.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Save data in system memory<\/td><td>Erased. Save Data Cloud backups stay on Nintendo&#8217;s servers.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Screenshots and videos in system memory<\/td><td>Erased<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>User profiles and Nintendo Account link<\/td><td>Unlinked from the console. Your Nintendo Account and purchases are not deleted.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>All console settings<\/td><td>Reset to factory defaults<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Games on the microSD card<\/td><td>Left on the card but no longer playable<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Screenshots and videos on the microSD card<\/td><td>Not affected<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Save Data Cloud backups<\/td><td>Not affected<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Initialize-Console-vs-Restore-Settings-Keep-User-Data\"><\/span>Initialize Console vs. Restore Settings (Keep User Data)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Nintendo also offers a reset that keeps your data. On the Switch 2 and earlier models, you can start the console in <strong>Recovery Mode<\/strong> (with the console off, hold volume up and volume down while pressing the POWER Button) and choose to restore settings while keeping your save data and user profiles. That is a troubleshooting tool, not a way to prepare a console for sale. It leaves your account on the console, so always use <strong>Initialize Console<\/strong> before you sell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How-to-Confirm-the-Reset-Worked\"><\/span>How to Confirm the Reset Worked<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Turn the console on. A properly reset Switch starts at the first-time setup screen and asks you to choose a language and region. If you see your HOME Menu, user icon, or games, the reset did not finish, so run it again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Already sold or gave away the console without resetting it?<\/strong> Sign in at the Nintendo Account website, select <strong>Game Systems<\/strong>, then <strong>Systems Sharing Virtual Game Cards<\/strong>, and unlink it there. Then change your Nintendo Account password. Remember that the website unlink can only be used once per year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Selling-Your-Nintendo-Switch-on-Swappa\"><\/span>Selling Your Nintendo Switch on Swappa<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A reset, clean console sells faster because the buyer can set it up as their own right away. As of September 23, 2026, a Switch OLED Model sold for about <strong>$205<\/strong> on average on Swappa and an original Switch for about <strong>$150<\/strong>. Check the <a href=\"https:\/\/swappa.com\/prices\/nintendo-switch-oled\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Switch OLED price page<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/swappa.com\/prices\/nintendo-switch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">original Switch price page<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/swappa.com\/prices\/nintendo-switch-lite\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Switch Lite price page<\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/swappa.com\/prices\/nintendo-switch-2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Switch 2 price page<\/a> for current values before you set your price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pricing, photos, and bundling games:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.swappa.com\/blog\/how-to-sell-used-console-games\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Sell a Used Console and Games for the Most Money<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Packing it safely:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.swappa.com\/blog\/best-way-to-ship-nintendo-switch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Best Way to Ship a Nintendo Switch<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wiping other devices you are selling:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.swappa.com\/blog\/how-to-wipe-device-before-selling\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Wipe Your Device Before Selling<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Swappa charges a 3% seller fee on your Ask Price, plus PayPal&#8217;s processing fee (3.49% + $0.49), and listing is free. Staff review listings before they go live, which is part of why buyers trust them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently-Asked-Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does-factory-resetting-a-Nintendo-Switch-delete-my-games\"><\/span>Does factory resetting a Nintendo Switch delete my games?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It deletes the games stored on the console, but not your purchases. Digital games belong to your Nintendo Account, so you can redownload them on any console you sign in to. Physical game cards are not affected, and games on a microSD card stay on the card but will not play until you redownload them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does-a-factory-reset-remove-my-Nintendo-Account-from-the-Switch\"><\/span>Does a factory reset remove my Nintendo Account from the Switch?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. Initialize Console unlinks every Nintendo Account from the console, as long as it is connected to the internet during the reset. Your account itself is not deleted. Unlink the console from your Virtual Game Cards first so your digital games stay available on your other consoles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How-do-I-factory-reset-a-Switch-without-losing-my-save-data\"><\/span>How do I factory reset a Switch without losing my save data?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Back up your saves before you reset. With Nintendo Switch Online, most games back up to Save Data Cloud and can be downloaded again on another console. Without a membership, use Transfer Your Save Data to move saves to another Switch or Switch 2 before you initialize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do-I-need-an-internet-connection-to-factory-reset-a-Nintendo-Switch\"><\/span>Do I need an internet connection to factory reset a Nintendo Switch?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The reset runs without one, but Nintendo recommends an internet connection so the console can unlink your Nintendo Account properly. If you reset offline, unlink the console afterward from the Nintendo Account website, which you can do once per year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How-long-does-it-take-to-factory-reset-a-Nintendo-Switch\"><\/span>How long does it take to factory reset a Nintendo Switch?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>About five minutes on current system software. The console restarts to the first-time setup screen when it is finished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The-Bottom-Line\"><\/span>The Bottom Line<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Resetting a Nintendo Switch takes five minutes, but do it in the right order: back up your saves, unlink the console from your Virtual Game Cards, remove the microSD card, then run Initialize Console while you are online. That protects your account and gives your buyer a console that is ready to set up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/swappa.com\/sell\/section\/gaming\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sell Your Nintendo Switch on Swappa<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Step-by-step instructions to factory reset a Nintendo Switch, Switch OLED, Switch Lite, or Switch 2 before you sell it, including what to back up and unlink first and how to confirm the reset worked.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":42,"featured_media":2700,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-parts\/wpb-single-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_swappa_custom_jsonld":"{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Does factory resetting a Nintendo Switch delete my games?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"It deletes the games stored on the console, but not your purchases. Digital games belong to your Nintendo Account, so you can redownload them on any console you sign in to. Physical game cards are not affected, and games on a microSD card stay on the card but will not play until you redownload them.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Does a factory reset remove my Nintendo Account from the Switch?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes. Initialize Console unlinks every Nintendo Account from the console, as long as it is connected to the internet during the reset. Your account itself is not deleted. Unlink the console from your Virtual Game Cards first so your digital games stay available on your other consoles.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How do I factory reset a Switch without losing my save data?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Back up your saves before you reset. With Nintendo Switch Online, most games back up to Save Data Cloud and can be downloaded again on another console. Without a membership, use Transfer Your Save Data to move saves to another Switch or Switch 2 before you initialize.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Do I need an internet connection to factory reset a Nintendo Switch?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The reset runs without one, but Nintendo recommends an internet connection so the console can unlink your Nintendo Account properly. If you reset offline, unlink the console afterward from the Nintendo Account website, which you can do once per year.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How long does it take to factory reset a Nintendo Switch?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"About five minutes on current system software. 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