To understand why these files are archived, one must first understand what they are. . It is the official file format used by Nintendo to deliver games, updates, and downloadable content (DLC) to the Nintendo Switch console via the Nintendo eShop.

While represent dumps of physical Nintendo Switch game cartridges, NSP files represent the purely digital ecosystem. Because physical media can degrade and digital storefronts inevitably shut down, dumping and preserving NSP files has become a core objective for digital preservationists. Why Archive.org Houses Video Game Data

Despite legal hurdles, digital preservationists argue that archiving NSP files is vital. Modern gaming relies heavily on digital distribution. When a publisher decides to delist a game, or when Nintendo eventually takes the Switch eShop offline (as they previously did with the Wii, Wii U, and 3DS shops), digital-only games risk being lost forever. Archivists view platforms like Archive.org as a necessary safety net to ensure cultural artifacts survive for future generations to study. Conclusion: The Future of Digital Archiving