Whether you’re running low on storage space, want to start a game from scratch, or are preparing to sell or give away your Nintendo Switch, knowing how to delete saved game data is essential. The process may not be immediately obvious to everyone, especially for new users. This guide will explain how to safely and effectively remove saved data from your Nintendo Switch console while ensuring you understand what is being deleted.
TL;DR
If you need to delete saved game data on your Nintendo Switch, you can do so via the system settings under Data Management. You’ll choose the game and delete its save data either for one user or all users. Cloud saves are not deleted unless you remove them manually from your Nintendo Account settings. Be cautious—deleting saved data is permanent and cannot be undone.
Why You Might Need to Delete Saved Game Data
There are a few common reasons you might want to erase saved game data from your Switch:
- Freeing Up Storage: Saved data can accumulate and take up precious space on your console’s internal memory.
- Starting Fresh: Want a clean slate in a game you’ve already played? Deleting the save data wipes the previous progress.
- Multiple Users: You might want to clear out save data from users who no longer play or use the console.
- Resale or Transfer: Preparing your Switch for a new owner may require removing all personal data, including game saves.
Important Considerations Before Deleting Saved Data
Before proceeding with deletion, keep in mind:
- This action is permanent. Once saved data is deleted, it cannot be recovered. Make sure you won’t regret the action.
- Cloud saves are stored separately. If you’re a Nintendo Switch Online subscriber, your save data may be backed up to the cloud. Deleting local game data won’t affect these unless you remove them manually from your account settings.
- Different games use saves differently. Some titles save progress per user, while others may store global game states. Know what you’re deleting.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Delete Saved Game Data on Nintendo Switch
1. Accessing the System Settings
Begin by powering on your Nintendo Switch and navigating to the Home Menu. From there:
- Select the System Settings icon (gear symbol).
- Scroll down the left-hand menu and select Data Management.
2. Locating the Save Data
In the Data Management menu:
- Choose Delete Save Data, found toward the bottom of the list.
- A new screen will display a list of games with associated save data.
3. Selecting the Game
To delete data for a specific game:
- Select the game whose save data you want to remove.
- If multiple user profiles have data for that game, you’ll see them listed here.
- You will be given two options: Delete Save Data for [User] or Delete All Save Data for This Software.
- Make your choice carefully and confirm it.
Warning: This will immediately and permanently erase the data. There is no recycle bin or undo function.
4. Confirm Deletion
After you select which data to delete, the system will prompt you to confirm your choice. Make sure to read this message carefully before proceeding. Once confirmed, the Nintendo Switch will delete the selected save data.
How to Delete Cloud Save Data (Optional)
If you’re a Nintendo Switch Online subscriber, your save data may also be backed up to the cloud. While local deletion doesn’t affect cloud-stored files, you might want to remove these backups as well for privacy or clutter concerns.
- Navigate to System Settings on the Home Menu.
- Scroll down and select Data Management, then choose Save Data Cloud.
- Pick the user profile whose cloud data you want to manage.
- Select the title of the game, then choose Delete Save Data Backup.
Once deleted, that game’s save data will no longer be stored in Nintendo’s servers for the chosen user account.
How Saved Game Data Differs from Software Data
It’s important to point out that saved game data is different from the game software itself:
- Saved Game Data: This includes user progress, unlocked content, and settings preferences. It’s stored in system memory.
- Game Software: These are the actual game files, stored on the Switch’s internal storage or microSD card. You can delete game software without deleting saved data.
If you’re only trying to free up space, consider deleting game software instead of your progress. You can re-download the game later from the Nintendo eShop without losing your save (unless you delete it separately).
How to Back Up Saved Game Data Before Deleting
If you’re unsure about deleting your data permanently, here’s how to preserve it:
Using Cloud Saves (Online Subscription Required)
- Ensure your Nintendo Switch is connected to Wi-Fi.
- Go to System Settings > Data Management > Save Data Cloud.
- Choose your user profile and verify save data has synced.
This data can be restored later after deletion by re-downloading it through the same menu.
Offline Backups via External Tools
Be advised: Nintendo does not support external backups through USB or SD for saved game data. Any third-party solutions (such as homebrew software) are unsupported and can void your warranty or block your console from online services.
Deleting Save Data for All Games: Factory Reset Option
If you’re planning to sell or gift your console, you may want to delete all user and save data by performing a factory reset.
- From the Home Menu, choose System Settings.
- Scroll to the bottom and select System.
- Choose Formatting Options, then Initialize Console.
Warning: This will delete everything including users, saved data, screenshots, downloaded software, and Nintendo eShop accounts from the system. Make sure you’ve backed up any essential data before proceeding.
Common Questions & Troubleshooting
Q: Will deleting the game from my Switch also delete save data?
A: No. Removing game software will not automatically delete your save data. It must be manually removed via System Settings > Data Management > Delete Save Data.
Q: Can I recover deleted save data?
A: Not unless you have a backup in the cloud. Local delete actions are final and cannot be reversed.
Q: Do different users have separate save data?
A: Yes. Save data is stored separately per user profile, giving each player their own game history and progress.
Final Thoughts
Managing your save data responsibly helps keep your Nintendo Switch running smoothly and ensures that you retain control over your digital footprint. By understanding how saved game data is stored and how to delete it correctly, you can better manage storage, protect your privacy, or simply enjoy your games anew. Just remember—take your time and double-check before confirming any data deletions, especially if you prefer to maintain backups or transfer your information.
