To start a new game in Pokémon Sword, you must delete your existing save data directly from your Nintendo Switch system settings, as the game itself does not offer an in-game "New Game" option if a save file already exists for your user profile.
Understanding Pokémon Save Data
Unlike many games that offer multiple save slots or a "New Game" option on the title screen, Pokémon titles typically restrict each user profile on the Nintendo Switch to a single save file per game version (e.g., one save for Pokémon Sword, one for Pokémon Shield). This design choice means that to truly begin a fresh adventure, your current progress must be erased.
Step-by-Step Guide to Deleting Save Data
Follow these instructions carefully to delete your Pokémon Sword save data and initiate a new game:
- Access System Settings: From the Nintendo Switch HOME Menu, select the System Settings icon (which looks like a gear).
- Navigate to Data Management: Scroll down the left-hand menu and select Data Management.
- Choose Delete Save Data: On the right side, select Delete Save Data.
- Select Pokémon Sword: A list of games with save data will appear. Locate and select Pokémon Sword.
- Note: If you have multiple user profiles on your Switch, you will be prompted to select the user whose save data you wish to delete. Make sure to choose the correct profile.
- Confirm Deletion: Read the warning message carefully, as deleting save data is irreversible. Select Delete Save Data to confirm.
Once the save data is successfully deleted, you can launch Pokémon Sword. The game will no longer detect an existing save file for your profile and will prompt you to begin a brand new journey.
What Happens When You Delete Your Save Data?
It's crucial to understand the implications of deleting your save data:
- All Progress Lost: Your entire game progress, including your Trainer ID, badges, story progression, and completion of the Galar Pokédex, will be permanently erased.
- All Items Lost: Any items you've collected, such as Poké Balls, TMs, TRs, held items, and key items, will be gone.
- All Pokémon Lost: Most importantly, all Pokémon you have caught, bred, or received—including any Shiny Pokémon, Legendaries, or competitive teams—will be permanently deleted from your game. This includes Pokémon stored in your Boxes.
- No Reversion: There is no way to recover deleted save data once the process is complete.
For more information on Nintendo Switch data management, you can visit the official Nintendo Support page.
Alternative Considerations
If your primary goal is to experience the story again without losing your current Pokémon collection, consider these alternatives:
- Another User Profile: You can start a new game on a different user profile on your Nintendo Switch. Each profile gets its own save file. This allows you to keep your original save intact while starting fresh.
- Pokémon HOME: If you have a subscription to Pokémon HOME, you can transfer your valuable Pokémon from your Pokémon Sword game to Pokémon HOME before deleting your save data. After starting a new game, you can then transfer them back to your new save file. This is the only way to retain your Pokémon if you want to restart on the same user profile.
By following these steps, you can successfully delete your existing save and begin a completely new adventure in the world of Pokémon Sword!
