how to delete save data on switch

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A red screen with a white outlien of a stick figure man tossing garbage into a garbage can — How To Delete Nintendo Switch Save Data

Today, I will be showing you how to delete Nintendo Switch save data.

To delete Nintendo Switch save data, head to the Data Management options, scroll down and select Delete Save Data option, and then pick the game whose save data you want to delete. Select the save file you want to delete and confirm.

Deleting Nintendo Switch save data is simple once you know how to do it.

If you prefer a step-by-step guide with pictures detailing the process, continue reading.

If you are interested in checking out the most popular Nintendo Switch games, you can find them by clicking here.

Where is Nintendo Switch save data stored?

Nintendo Switch save files are stored in the Nintendo Switch's internal memory.

Save data cannot be moved to external memory and must remain on the internal memory.

NOTE: Save data can be transferred to another Nintendo Switch or uploaded to Save Data Cloud service (if you are a Nintendo Switch Online subscriber).

How are Nintendo Switch save files organized?

Nintendo Switch save files are saved on a per game basis.

Additionally, save files are also separated by Nintendo Switch profile within any given game.

For instance, a save file for Animal Crossing: New Horizons will be created for each Nintendo Profile that has started playing the game.

How big are Nintendo Switch save files?

Nintendo Switch save data varies in size.

Save data can range from half a megabyte to hundreds of megabytes, depending on the game.

Save files can also increase or decrease based on if new features are added to a game or if a game includes custom, create features.

Here is a short list of various Nintendo Switch games and their approximate save data sizes for a single Nintendo Switch profile.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons 222 MB
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe 141.4 MB
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate 106 MB
Stardew Valley 64.5 MB
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 64 MB
Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm & Exercise 20.3 MB
Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate 15.3 MB
Among Us 8.2 MB
Diablo III: Eternal Collection 5.3 MB
Warframe 5.3 MB
Final Fantasy VIII Remastered 2.3 MB
Littlewood 1.3 MB
Jump Rope Challenge 0.4 MB

As you can see, Nintendo Switch save files vary in size.

Most game save data sizes–in my experience–range between 5 and 50 MB on average.

Rest assured, not every game's save data will eat-up your precious internal memory.

Why would you delete Nintendo Switch save data?

You may want to delete Nintendo Switch save data if you would like to start the game over with a specific profile or if a certain game's save file has become corrupt.

Can Nintendo Switch save data be recovered once deleted?

Nintendo Switch save data cannot be recovered once deleted.

Nintendo Switch save data can be recovered, however, if you previously uploaded it to the Save Data Cloud service (for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers only) before you deleted the save data from your system.

How To Delete Nintendo Switch Save Data Step-By-Step Guide

Nintendo Switch save data is saved on the system's internal storage and can be deleted rather easily by navigating the correct system settings. Make sure your Nintendo Switch is charged or connected to a power outlet before starting this process.

ATTENTION: All software must be closed before deleting save data. If an application is open, the Nintendo Switch will prompt you to close the software before beginning the save data deletion process.

STEP 1 – Go To The Nintendo Switch HOME Menu

Switch HOME Menu with a row of game icons and a row of icons before the game icons; a yellow arrow pointing at the cog wheel icon — How To Delete Nintendo Switch Save Data

Turn on your Nintendo Switch.

Navigate to System Settings (the cog wheel icon) in the row at the bottom of the screen.

Press A to accept.

STEP 2 – Select Data Management

A row of Switch menu options with a yellow arrow pointing at one on the left and more options on the right — How To Delete Nintendo Switch Save Data

Scroll down the list of options on the left of the screen and select Data Management.

Press A to accept.

STEP 3 – Select Delete Save Data

A list of Switch options on the left and more options on the right with a yellow arrow pointing at the bottom most option — How To Delete Nintendo Switch Save Data

Scroll down the list of options on the right of the screen and select Delete Save Data.

Press A to accept.

STEP 4 – Wait For The System To Load

Gray Switch settings screen with a loading circle — How To Delete Nintendo Switch Save Data

The Nintendo Switch may take a moment to load your list of games that have save files saved to your system.

Wait until the loading ends and a list of games appears.

STEP 5 – Select A Game

A column of game icons with their file sizes next to them (Switch settings screen); with a yellow arrow pointing to a game icon — How To Delete Nintendo Switch Save Data

Scroll down and highlight the game whose save data you want to delete.

Press A to accept.

STEP 6 – Select Profile

A list of Switch player profiles with a yellow arrow pointing to one (Switch settings screen) — How To Delete Nintendo Switch Save Data

Select the profile whose save data you want to delete.

Press A to accept.

OPTIONAL: Delete All Save Data For This Software

Select Delete All Save Data For This Software option to delete every Nintendo Switch Profile's save data for a certain game.

Press A to accept.

STEP 7 – Read the Caution Screen

A caution screen saying deleted data can't be recoverd — How To Delete Nintendo Switch Save Data

Read the caution screen detailing how the save data cannot be recovered after it has been deleted.

STEP 8 – Select Delete Save Data

A caution screen saying deleted data can't be recoverd with a yellow arrow pointing at the Delete Save Data option — How To Delete Nintendo Switch Save Data

Select Delete Save Data (the larger bar on top).

When you are 100% certain you want to delete the save data, Press A to confirm.

STEP 9 – Wait For The Data To Delete

A gray loading screen with a white loading circle — How To Delete Nintendo Switch Save Data

The save data will begin and then complete the deletion process.

STEP 10 – Read the Confirmation Screen

A gray confirmation screen saying that data has been deleted. — How To Delete Nintendo Switch Save Data

A message will appear saying the saved data has successfully been deleted.

My Favorite Nintendo Switch Gear For You

I've played thousands of hours of Nintendo Switch, and I couldn't live without these Nintendo Switch accessories.

They've helped make my Nintendo Switch play sessions more comfortable and more enjoyable. These are affiliate links and if you decide to use them, I'll earn a commission from them. But candidly, these are the same gear and services myself, my spouse, and my friends love and use on a daily basis.

I suggest them all so check them out!

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

The included Joy-Cons are nice, but the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is the real deal.

This is a fully sized controller with a + directional pad that is comfortable to hold for long play sessions.

I love that the Pro Controller includes advanced rumble, motion controls, amiibo scanning support, and a rechargeable battery that will last you for days.

This is a nice selection for yourself when playing on the TV or when you want to play multiplayer games.

View the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller here.

Or view the third party Nintendo Switch Pro Controller I also use here.

Extra Storage

Expanding your Nintendo Switch is mandatory if you plan on playing or downloading games.

Even screenshots, videos, and save files take up precious storage.

That's why I highly suggest at least a 400GB or larger microSD card capacity (I personally am using a 1TB card and am loving it) if you're really planning to take your Nintendo Switch to the max.

View Nintendo Switch microSD cards here.

Nintendo Switch Online Plan

If you plan on playing Nintendo Games online (like Animal Crossing, Super Smash Bros., Monster Hunter, or Mario Kart), you have to get a Nintendo Switch Online plan.

A plan lasts for a year and can be purchased for an individual or for a family of up to 8 users.

I highly suggest a family plan if you have more than one Nintendo Switch gamer in your household as it provides immense cost savings.

Either way, you'll gain access to online features, exclusive deals, free member-only games, full game trials, and more. I've been enjoying my family plan for years with zero complaints.

View Nintendo Switch Online plans here.

If you want to stay up to date with my favorite Nintendo Switch accessories, tools, services, and gear, check out this resource I crafted for you!