Game Save Data is Missing or Cannot Be Read (Corrupted Save Data) on Nintendo Switch

Possible solutions

• Check to make sure your console has the latest system update.
  • How to check for the latest system update
    1. Select System Settings on the HOME Menu.
    2. Scroll down to the bottom of the System Settings menu and select System.
    3. Select System Update to start the system update process.
       • The system will check to see if an update is available.

    For more information, see How to Perform a System Update on Nintendo Switch 2 or How to Perform a System Update on Nintendo Switch.

• If your console is already up to date, restart it.
  • How to restart a Nintendo Switch console
    1. Press and hold the POWER Button for at least three seconds.
    2. Select Power OptionsOpciones de apagadoOptions d'alimentationOpções de desligar.
    3. Select Restart.
• Check for software updates for each title encountering the issue.
  • How to update game software
    1. Ensure the console is connected to the Internet.
    2. From the HOME Menu, select (but do not start) the icon for the software you wish to update.
    3. Press the + Button or – Button on your controller, then select Software Update followed by Via the Internet.

    For more details, see How to Update Software on Nintendo Switch 2 or How to Update Software on Nintendo Switch.

• Check for corrupt data for each title encountering the issue.
  • How to check for corrupt data
    1. From the HOME Menu, select System Settings.
       
    2. Scroll down the options on the left and select Data Management.
    3. On the right-hand side select Manage Software, then select the software you would like to check.
    4. Select Check for Corrupt Data.

    For more information, please see How to Check for Corrupt Data on Downloadable Software on Nintendo Switch.

• Check that you have selected the correct user if there are multiple user accounts on the console.

  Important: If a user account has been deleted, all save data associated to that user will also be deleted and cannot be recovered.

• If the game in question supports Save Data Cloud and you have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership, download your save data backup.
  • How to use Save Data Cloud Backup to download saved data

    If you have a Nintendo Switch Online membership, you can use the Save Data Cloud backup feature to back up save data from one system and download it on another.

    1. Highlight the icon for the game or application from the HOME Menu.
    2. Press the + or – Button to open the software menu.
    3. Select Save Data Cloud, then select your user.
    4. Select Download Save Data.

    For more details, read How to Download Save Data Cloud Backups on Nintendo Switch 2 or How to Download Save Data Cloud Backups on Nintendo Switch.

• Check if the issue is happening with other games or applications by starting a different game or application, then attempting to save your progress.
• Initialize the console without deleting save data.
  • How to initialize the Nintendo Switch console without deleting save data

    Important: Save data, screenshots, and user information will not be deleted. However, any software saved on the microSD card will no longer be usable. Software can be redownloaded by the Nintendo Account that purchased it.

    1. Power off the system by holding down the POWER Button for three seconds, then select Power Options, and then Turn Off.
       • If the console does not respond, hold down the POWER Button for twelve seconds to force it to shut down.
    2. With the console powered off, press and hold down the volume up (+) and volume down (-) buttons, then press the POWER Button to turn the system on.
       • Keep holding down the volume buttons until the menu for Maintenance Mode appears.
       
    3. Once in Maintenance Mode, select Initialize Console Without Deleting Save Data.
       • If a Parental Control PIN has been set for the system, you will be prompted to enter it to proceed.
    4. Read through the information, then select Next and Initialize Console Without Deleting Save Data.

    For additional information, see How to Initialize Nintendo Switch Without Deleting Save Data.