Topic: Transferring save files back to original Switch?

Hi, so bit of a complicated question.

I've had problems with my Switch since day one (mainly that it is difficult to charge). So all my games and saves from the first 3 years I had it are backed up on a Mac. I formatted the SD card, deleted everything on the console, and basically started fresh. Forward 18 months and ive recently remembered my old Switch account details (so can access all my old games), and have also just remembered I had everything backed up (games, saves, screenshots) on a Mac. So...I formatted the micro SD card (which happens to be the same one i used back when I first got the console), and transferred everything (including games apparently the file size was 61.2gb) from my Mac to the SD card, it took like 2 hours to transfer. My problem is that now when I put the SD card in the original console an error message popped up saying please format (or words along those lines) save will not be deleted. So I formatted but then when I put the SD card in it was saying the SD card could not be read please re-insert. Is this a problem with the SD card? Would a new 64 Gb card work? Does anyone have any suggestions? The saves are what are important, I had all 120 shrines in Breath of the Wild. I tried just moving the folder name "save" to the SD card but then nothing appeared on it in the Switch.

Thanks.

https://www.polygon.com/2017/3/3/14803924/nintendo-switch-mic...

I got this error message. But I'm quite sure I formatted the micro SD card.

Firstly, Switch save data is stored on the console itself, not the microSD card, and save data cannot be transferred unless doing a bulk transfer to a new primary console (which is performed wirelessly, though an internet connection is also required). MicroSD cards are only used for storing update data, DLC, eShop software, and captured images/videos.

MicroSD cards are formatted and encrypted on a per console basis. You cannot take that same microSD card and insert it into a new system without formatting it for use on different hardware. Unfortunately, this means that all eShop downloads and software updates will need to be downloaded from scratch each time you transfer consoles, therefore, there is no benefit to backing up microSD data except for photos/videos.

If you have formatted your original console, then all of your save data would have gone with it (unless you have an NSO subscription with cloud back-up enabled).

Unfortunately, if you have indeed formatted the console, then all of your save data is gone.

And assuming that you have reset your console to its factory settings, I believe that it will no longer recognise any former microSD cards used by the console and they would require formatting if you would like to use it again, but this doesn’t relate to your save data situation as it was never stored on there anyway.

@BongoBongo123 On top of what Silly_G said, I think you could have been ok if you only had drag and dropped the backed-up screenshots & videos onto your Switch's current card.

I think the 18 month old backed up games triggerd digital ownership/update issues/conflicts, which triggerd that prompt to format the card.

Ok, thanks for the responses.

If you logged in with your Nintendo account, I think somehow you can transfer your data that way, but I’m not quite sure. If you haven’t, it might also be a good idea to look here if nothings working: https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/topics/detail/p/...