Free up space by deleting game data
The save data on your Nintendo Switch includes your games' progress and saves. You may want to delete save data if you've finished a few games and want to clear up some space. Keep in mind this will reset the game to 0% progress, as if brand new. Here's how to delete save data on a Nintendo Switch.
Quick Steps
- Select System Settings .
- Select Data Management .
- Select Delete Save Data .
- Select the game.
- Select Delete All Save Data for this Software .
- Select Delete Save Data .
Steps
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Select System Settings . This is the cog icon. [1] X Research source
- If you aren't already on the Home menu, navigate there first.
- You can delete save data to clear up space on your Nintendo Switch . This won't delete the game itself, but it will delete all of your data associated with the game.
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Select Data Management . This is in the left panel.Advertisement
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Select Delete Save Data . If you have parental controls on your device, you'll be asked to enter a PIN.
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Select the game you want to delete. Keep in mind that deleted save data cannot be recovered. Make sure it's the correct game.
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Select Delete All Save Data for this Software . If you have more than one user on your Switch, select the user with the save data you want to delete.
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Select Delete Save Data . The save data for the selected game will be permanently deleted.
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Select System Settings . This is the cog icon. [2] X Research source
- If you aren't already on the Home menu, navigate there now.
- A factory reset will erase all content and data on your Switch. Use this method if you want to erase everything on your Switch rather than just a few games.
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Select System . This is at the very bottom.
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Select Formatting Options . If you have parental controls on your device, you'll be asked to enter a PIN.
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Select Initialize Console . This will delete everything on your Nintendo Switch, including software, screenshots, user information, save data, and more.
- If there's anything you want to keep, you can use the Save Data Cloud service . This requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership.
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Select Next . You'll see information about everything that will be deleted.
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Select Initialize . Your Switch will erase and reset. This process may take up to five minutes.
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