To delete save data Pokemon Sword, you must use your Nintendo Switch system settings because the game does not provide an in-game delete option. This is the only documented method to erase your progress and start a new adventure.
How to delete save data in Pokemon Sword
Pokémon Sword does not have a menu option within the game to delete your save file. The official and documented method is through the Nintendo Switch system settings. Follow these steps carefully:
- From the Nintendo Switch HOME Menu, open System Settings.
- Scroll down and select Data Management.
- Select Delete Save Data.
- Choose Pokémon Sword from the list of software.
- If prompted, select the user whose save data you want to delete.
- If a Parental Controls PIN prompt appears, enter the PIN to proceed.
- Select Delete Save Data to confirm and permanently erase the file.
If the software has save data for multiple users, you may see an option labeled Delete All Save Data for this Software. Selecting this will remove all save files associated with Pokémon Sword on your console. Once you confirm, the deletion is immediate and permanent.
There is also an in-game save deletion method using a button combination. On the save selection screen, press and hold the Control Stick, Left Stick, B Button, and + Button simultaneously to delete your save data directly within the game.
How to delete cloud backup save data
Deleting your save data from the console does not automatically remove any backed-up save data stored in the Nintendo Switch Online cloud. To delete that backup, use a separate process:
- From the HOME Menu, open System Settings.
- Go to Data Management > Save Data Cloud.
- Alternatively, highlight Pokémon Sword on the HOME Menu, press the + Button, and select Save Data Cloud.
- Choose the user whose backup you want to delete.
- Select Delete Save Data twice to confirm.
This action only removes the backup from Nintendo's servers. It does not affect the save data currently on your console. You must perform both deletion steps separately if you want to remove the data entirely.
Important considerations before deleting
Once you delete save data, it cannot be recovered. Nintendo's support pages state this clearly, and there is no documented method to restore a deleted Pokémon Sword save file. Before you proceed, consider backing up your save data using the Nintendo Switch Online cloud save feature if you have an active subscription. This gives you a copy you could restore later, though note that once you delete the console save, the cloud backup remains only if you have not also deleted it. You can also back up save data using an external storage device such as an SD card.
Deleting the save data will erase all progress, including your Pokémon, items, and completed challenges. DLC progress is also tied to the save file, so any progress made in expansion content will be lost.
If you want to know how to delete switch save data for any other game, the same system settings path applies: System Settings > Data Management > Delete Save Data, then select the software and user.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover deleted save data in Pokémon Sword?
No. Once you confirm the deletion, the save data is permanently erased. Nintendo does not provide any recovery tool or service for deleted save files.
Will deleting save data remove my purchased DLC?
No. The DLC content itself is tied to your Nintendo Account, not the save file. You will still own the expansion, but any progress made within it will be lost when the save data is deleted.
What happens if multiple users have save data for Pokémon Sword?
When you select Delete Save Data for Pokémon Sword, you can choose which user's save data to delete. If you select Delete All Save Data for this Software, all users' save files for that game will be removed at once.
Does deleting save data on the console also delete my cloud backup?
No. Console save data and cloud backup save data are managed separately. You must delete the cloud backup manually through the Save Data Cloud settings if you want it removed.
Can I transfer save data to another Nintendo Switch before deleting?
Yes. Use the 'Transfer Your User Data' feature in System Settings to move your save data to another console before deleting it from the current one.
Why does the Parental Controls PIN appear when I try to delete save data?
Nintendo requires the Parental Controls PIN to prevent unauthorized deletion of save files. If you have forgotten the PIN, you will need to reset it through the Nintendo Parental Controls app or by contacting Nintendo support.
