How to Delete and Transfer Save Data | ACNH - Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Switch)

This is a guide to deleting your save data and moving islands in Animal Crossing: New Horizons (ACNH). In addition to how to erase your saved data and start a new game, we will also show you how to move your data to another Switch.

How to Transfer Your Save Data

Save Data Transfer

First introduced in the Winter Update, the Island Transfer Tool allows you to move your island and resident data to another Nintendo Switch.

For more information on this app, see the guide below.

How to Transfer ACNH Save Data

A Backup Service is Available

An Island Backup Restoration Service is available for lost or damaged Switch devices by uploading your data via the Internet.

Check out the guide below to learn how to avail of this service.

Island Backup Restoration Service | How to Recover Island Save Data

Will I Lose My Animal Crossing Data When I Get a New Switch?

Your Animal Crossing island save data is stored in the system's internal memory. You can only transfer your save data using the game's Island Transfer Tool.

How to Delete Save Data

Steps to Delete Save Data

1. Go to the Switch Home Screen

First, press the Home Button on the Switch to go Home. The Home Button is the small round button found underneath the right joystick.

2. Select System Settings

From the Home Screen, find the Settings Icon from the bottom right side of the screen.

3. Go to Data Management

From Settings, scroll down on the left-hand column until you find Data Management, then select it.

4. Choose Delete Save Data

After selecting Data Management, scroll down on the right-hand colum. Find Delete Save Data from the bottom of this list.

5. Select Animal Crossing: New Horizons

After choosing Delete Save Data, select Animal Crossing: New Horizons from the list of games.

6. Select Delete All Save Data for this Software

Select Delete All Save Data for this Software to wipe all the save data for Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Restarting Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Delete Save Data

There is no in-game option to restart New Horizons. However, you can delete all save data on the Switch to start fresh. Please follow the instructions above to do so.

Related Guides

All Tips & Tricks

System Info

System Info
Maintenance | How to Fix Errors	Island Backup and Restoration | How to Recover Save Data
How to Delete and Transfer Save Data	How to Add or Delete Players
How to Restart Your Game	Can You Transfer Data From Pocket Camp?
NookLink Features	amiibo Compatibility
List of Controls	The Language Setting
System Requirements	Do You Need Nintendo Switch Online?
Island Transfer Tool Guide