On Nintendo Switch, EA SPORTS FC 27 can start with only a few modes, or refuse to download its data for lack of space. This is usually not a faulty cartridge: on the original Switch, EA Help states that the physical version only contains part of the game, and the rest has to be downloaded. This guide explains how to finish that download and free the space needed, on Switch and Switch 2.
Problem
- Only "Kick-Off" and "Learn to Play" are available.
- Teams, kits or stadiums are missing.
- The message "There is not enough free space to download the data" appears.
- The download never seems to progress.
What to know first
- Original Switch, physical version: according to EA's help article on EA SPORTS FC for Switch (shared across editions, it does not name FC 27 specifically), the 8 GB game card contains a limited version (Kick-Off and Learn to Play, fewer teams, kits and stadiums). The rest of the game is downloaded online.
- Switch 2, physical version: when you insert the game card, the game downloads automatically from the Nintendo eShop before you can play.
- Size listed on the Nintendo store: 32 GB for the Nintendo Switch version, 75.5 GB for the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.
- The Grounds (including Clubs) is only in the Switch 2 version. Its absence on the original Switch is normal and cannot be fixed by downloading.
- Your saves are not affected by the steps below: archiving software keeps its save data.
Step 1: start the download of the remaining content
When to use it: physical version on the original Switch, game limited to a few modes.
Suggested solution
- Connect the console to the internet.
- Launch FC 27: if the console is online, a prompt offers to download the rest of the game. Accept it.
- Close the game and go back to the HOME Menu. According to EA, installation progresses from the HOME Menu and pauses while you play Kick-Off.
- Leave the console on or in sleep mode, plugged in, until the download finishes.
Expected result: on the next launch, all modes, teams and stadiums are available.
Step 2: free up space
When to use it: the message "There is not enough free space to download the data" appears.
Suggested solution
- Open System Settings > Data Management to see the space used.
- Archive games you do not need: Data Management > Manage Software > choose a game > Archive Software. Quick Archive lets you select several at once.
- Screenshots and videos can also be copied elsewhere and then deleted from the console.
- Restart the FC 27 download.
Expected result: the download resumes and completes.
Rollback: an archived game stays on the HOME Menu. Select its icon to download it again whenever you want.
Step 3: use a compatible microSD card
When to use it: internal storage is still too small even after archiving.
Suggested solution
- On Switch 2, only microSD Express cards can store downloaded games. A standard microSD card used on the original Switch can only hold screenshots and videos on Switch 2.
- The first time you use a microSD Express card, Switch 2 may ask for a system update over the internet. Cards up to 2 TB are supported.
- On the original Switch, a standard microSD card works. A microSD Express card also works there, but at standard microSD speed.
- Once the card is inserted, move data to it from Data Management, then restart the download.
Expected result: there is enough free space to install the full game.
Special cases
- Digital version: the full game is downloaded from the Nintendo eShop. Lack of space is handled with steps 2 and 3.
- Saves on Switch 2: they always stay in system memory, even when the game is installed on the microSD Express card. Never delete a user account to free space: its saves would be erased permanently.
- Buying content: EA recommends buying the game and its content only from the Nintendo eShop.
Final check
- ☐ The console is connected to the internet.
- ☐ The download finished from the HOME Menu.
- ☐ There is enough free space (archiving or a compatible card).
- ☐ All modes for your version appear at launch.
Sources
- EA: Download EA SPORTS FC on Nintendo Switch
- Nintendo: How to Archive Software on Nintendo Switch
- Nintendo: microSD Express cards on Nintendo Switch 2
- Nintendo: Nintendo Switch 2 Data Management FAQ
- Nintendo: EA SPORTS FC 27 Nintendo Switch store page and Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
Still having the problem?
Reply with your console (Switch, Switch Lite, Switch OLED or Switch 2), the version type (game card or digital), the free space shown in Data Management and the exact message. Never post your Nintendo Account email address or any personal ID.