AOMEI Backupper
How to Backup Switch Games to PC with Easy Steps
In this guide, we will outline various methods for backing up Switch games, from using microSD cards to specialized software solutions. You’ll also find helpful troubleshooting tips and answers to common questions on transferring Switch games to PC.
By Sebastian Updated on September 3, 2024
Nintendo Switch Games
Nintendo Switch is a popular hybrid gaming console developed by Nintendo. The Switch can be used both as a portable handheld device and as a home console when docked to a TV. Switch games come in physical cartridges or can be downloaded digitally from the Nintendo eShop. They cover a wide variety of genres, from action and adventure to puzzle and strategy, with popular titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
What are The Differences Between Rom Card Games and Eshop Games
The difference between a ROM game and a game downloaded from Nintendo eShop involves several key aspects:
| Aspect | ROM Card Game | Switch Game (Digital Download) |
|---|---|---|
| Installation & Storage | It usually requires installation on the SD card but still requires the ROM card to play in most cases. | Stored directly on the device or SD card and can be played without any additional hardware. No disc or cartridge is needed. |
| Access & Portability | Limited portability. You need to carry the card and often install it on each device you want to play it on. | Fully portable. As long as the game is downloaded to the device, you can access it anytime, anywhere. |
| Updates & Patches | It may require manual installation of patches, and physical media doesn't easily accommodate post-launch updates. | Automatically receives updates and patches via the internet. |
| Durability | Prone to physical damage like scratches or loss, potentially rendering the game unplayable. | No physical damage risk, as it’s stored digitally. However, data loss can occur if the console's storage fails. |
How to Backup Switch Games to PC
In this guide, we’ll explore different methods on how to backup Switch games to your PC, giving you peace of mind that your game data is securely stored and easily accessible when needed.
Method 1: Backup Games via MicroSD Card
Using a microSD card is one of the simplest methods to back up your Switch games. Follow these steps:
Insert a microSD Card: Open the back panel of your Nintendo Switch and insert the microSD card into the slot.
Access Data Management: Navigate to “System Settings” from the home screen, then go to “Data Management.”
Select Move Data: Choose the option to “Move Data Between System / microSD Card.”
Copy Game Data: Select the games you want to back up, then move the data to the microSD card.
Transfer to PC: Remove the microSD card from your Switch and insert it into your PC using a compatible reader. Copy the files to a secure location on your computer.
Method 2: Create a Game Backup of Switch via AOMEI Backupper
The easiest way to make backup data from a MicroSD card to your computer is by using a dedicated backup tool. AOMEI Backupper Standard is a powerful software that simplifies backing up your MicroSD card to your computer. It supports Windows 11/10/8/7 and offers advanced disk backup features like:
AOMEI Backupper-
Scheduled Backups: This tool lets you set automatic backups on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, eliminating the need for manual tasks.
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Flexible Storage Options: AOMEI Backupper allows you to back up SSDs to internal or external drives, network locations, NAS, and more.
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Efficient Backup Solutions: It supports differential and incremental backup, ensuring only modified files are saved, reducing time and storage use. (Note: Differential Backup is available in the paid version.)
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Cloning and Sync: Easily clone or sync your SSD to an external hard drive, creating an exact copy for secure backups.
100% SecureBefore backing up your Switch Game data SD card to PC on Windows, ensure both drives are connected and have enough space for the backup.
Step 1: Install and launch AOMEI Backupper. Go to Backup > Disk Backup.
Step 2: Select your SD card disk as the source and the destination.
Step 3: In the last step, tap"Start Backup" to backup your SD card game data to the PC.
Extra settings:
Additional Options: You can automate backups with Schedule Backup, choosing from Daily, Weekly, Monthly, and Event triggers, or USB plug-ins. To manage storage, enable the Backup Scheme to automatically delete old backups (available in the upgraded version).
Why Backup Your Switch Games to PC?
Backing up your Switch games to a PC offers several key benefits that can protect your valuable game data and ensure seamless access in the future. Here’s why it’s important:
- Prevent Data Loss: In case of console damage, theft, or corruption, your game progress and data can be lost forever. Backing up to a PC ensures you always have a secure copy.
- Free Up Storage Space: The Switch has limited internal storage, and games can take up a lot of space. Transferring them to your PC can free up space for new downloads.
- Easy Game Restoration: If you need to reset or replace your console, having backups on your PC allows for easy restoration of your games without needing to re-download large files.
- Portability Across Devices: With a backup stored on your PC, you can easily transfer your games and data to another system or hard drive if needed.
- Control Over Updates: By backing up your games, you can maintain control over when and how you update them, especially if you prefer to avoid forced patches or updates that alter gameplay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q 1: How much space do I need on my microSD card to back up Switch games?
A 1: The amount of space required depends on the size of your game data. Most save files are relatively small (a few megabytes), but downloaded game files and additional content can take up much more space. For backups, ensure you have at least 64GB of free space on your microSD card.
Q 2: Can I restore Switch backups from my PC to a different Switch console?
A 2: Yes, you can transfer game save data and files from your PC to a new or different Switch console using a microSD card. However, certain data, like digital game licenses, may require re-downloading from your Nintendo account.
Q 3: Can I back up game save data for games I’ve purchased digitally?
A 3: Yes, whether you've purchased physical cartridges or digital downloads, game save data is stored locally on your Switch. You can back up these saves using a microSD card or cloud backup.
3 Tips for Backing Up Switch Games
- Use High-Quality microSD Cards: Always opt for reliable microSD brands with fast read/write speeds to ensure smooth file transfers and reduce the risk of data corruption.
- Set Up Automatic Cloud Backups: If you’re a Nintendo Switch Online subscriber, enable automatic cloud backups to safeguard your game progress without manual effort.
- Keep Multiple Backup Copies: For added security, store your game backups in more than one location, such as on your PC and an external hard drive.
Conclusion
Backing up your Nintendo Switch games on your PC is not only essential for protecting your progress but also ensures you’re prepared for future updates or system upgrades. Whether you use a microSD card, AOMEI Backupper software, or Nintendo Switch Online cloud storage, following the steps in this guide will keep your data safe.
