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Pokemon Scarlet and Violet (SV)

Save File Not Recognized Bug: Causes and Fixes

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A Save File Deleting Bug where your save data is not recognized has been deleting and rendering players' game progress unplayable after updating to 1.2.0 and connecting to Pokemon GO in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet (SV). Luckily, we have the solution to this bug, so read on to learn more about the bug, how to avoid it, as well as how to fix it.

What is the Save File Not Recognized Bug?

Unknown Bug Due to New Updates

After the DLC and Pokemon GO connectivity announcement during the Pokemon Presents live stream, multiple players have started pre-ordering the DLC or connecting to Pokemon GO to get Vivillon.

A small oversight regarding the code resulted with some players noticing their save data was gone after connecting to Pokemon GO and catching a few Vivillons. Other players, however, had their save data deleted after purchasing the DLC.

It is currently unknown which of these two caused the error as many report having only connected to Pokemon GO or downloading the DLC, while others have done both.

Bugs and Errors: How to Fix Crashes and Features Not Working

Unable to Boot to Home Screen

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet SV - How to Backup Your Save Data
Players have also reported that they cannot access their Backup Save Data because the game won't boot on the Home Screen.

How to Backup Your Save Data

Different from Corrupted Data Bug

A similar bug has been discovered where the game reads in game files as corrupted. The Corrupted data bug is rather simple and easy to fix, while the Save File Not Recognized bug has no official fix as of yet.

Corrupted Data Bug: Causes and Fixes

How to Avoid the Save File Deleting Bug

Use a Different Account

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet (SV) - Select a User
Currently, the only way to access your game after encountering this bug is by starting a new save file with a different Nintendo Switch Profile.

While this isn't a proper fix to the bug, this is currently the only workaround to accessing the game.

Check for Corrupt Data

Some players are also suggesting that checking for corrupt data is a possible fix for the bug.

How to Check for Corrupt Data

On the HOME Menu, select System Settings.

Scroll down on the left side options and select Data Management.

Select Management Software.

Look for Pokemon Scarlet or Pokemon Violet on your software list.

Select Check for Corrupt Data,

No Official Fix Yet

Players have stated that they have contacted Nintendo Support to no avail. One response that support came up with is the possibility of transferring Pokemon from the save file using Pokemon HOME when the compatibility launches soon.

However, this isn't guaranteed as HOME may not be able to read the save either as transferring the save to another Switch account also can't read the save file.

Official Fix Possibly on the Way

According to unverified reports on gaming forums, Nintendo have acknowledged the issue when responding to customer support queries, however no cause or solution has been detailed yet.

Transferring Postcards May Be Risky

Some players have noticed that it was after transferring the Postcards and catching a few Forms of Vivillons which led to their Save Files getting corrupted.

You should weigh up the benefits of whether it is worth the risk to try to catch the different forms of Vivillon.
How to Link with Pokemon GO and Rewards

Perhaps Delay Purchasing The DLC For Now

Some players however, have noticed that it was after purchasing the DLC which led to their Save Files getting corrupted.

Since the DLC is still a while off, perhaps it is best to wait for now and see if the issue is acknowledged or resolved.
DLC Preorder Bonuses

Turn Autosave Off

Some players who experienced the bug believe the problem lies in the Autosave feature after the recent 1.2.0 update. It may be best to turn the feature off for now, until there is confirmation as to what the actual cause of the bug is.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Related Links

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Latest News and Game Info

DLC Epilogue

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The story epilogue for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's
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How to Start ・Complete Base Game, Teal Mask, Indigo Disk
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・Get Mythical Pecha Berry Mystery Gift

Current & Upcoming Tera Raid Events

Tera Raid Events
Pokemon Scarlet Violet - Goodra Raid Banner7☆ Unrivaled Goodra Raid Round 2 is LIVE!
Start Date Nov 28, 2025 (Fri) at 00:00 UTC
End Date Nov 30, 2025 (Sun) at 11:59 UTC
Other Tera Raid Events
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Pokemon Scarlet Violet - Blissey Raid Banner.png5-Star Blissey Tera Shard Event
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Featured Pokemon:
Blissey with increased odds to drop Tera Shards and Candies
Duration: 11/28/2025 (12:00 AM) ~ 11/30/2025 (11:59 PM)

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Current & Upcoming Tournaments, Online Competitions and Ranked Battle Season

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Pokemon Scarlet and Violet SV - Series JRanked Battle Regulation J
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Ruleset: Up to two (2) Restricted or Mythical Pokemon allowed!
Regulation J Duration: 09/01/2025 ~ 01/05/2026

Current Mystery Gift Codes

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Serial Code Distribution
Pokemon Shiny Koraidon Mystery GiftPokemon Shiny Miraidon Mystery Gift
Shiny Koraidon and Miraidon
Sep 26, 2025
-
Oct 15, 2025
STRACKSU1T
VTRACKSU1T
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Tracksuit Mystery GiftTracksuit Clothing Item July 22, 2025
-
TBD
SB00KC0VER
VB00KC0VER
Book Cover Rotom Phone CaseBook Cover Rotom Phone Case Feb 27, 2025
-
TBD
ELEMENTST0NES Fire StoneEvolution Stones Set 1 Nov 18, 2024
-
Dec 31, 2025
C0SM1CST0NES Sun StoneEvolution Stones Set 2 Nov 18, 2024
-
Dec 31, 2025
V1TAM1NS VitaminsVitamins Set Nov 18, 2024
-
Dec 31, 2025
NE0R0T0MC0VER Pokemon SV Neo-Kitakami Case Rotom Phone Icon.pngNeo-Kitakami Rotom Phone Case Jan 15, 2024
-
TBD
Pokemon HOME Dex Completion Reward Shiny MeloettaPokemon HOME Shiny Meloetta Permanent
Select
Get via Internet
Mythical Pecha BerryMythical Pecha Berry N/A
Connect to Pokemon HOME
SprigatitoFuecocoQuaxly
Gen 9 HA Starters
May 3, 2023
-
No Expiration

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Comment

2 Anonymous Anonymous almost 3 years

You have probably tried this but have you used the check for corruption feature.

1 Anonymous Anonymous almost 3 years

This happened to me, all my Pokemon and progress lost and there's nothing I can do about it.

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