Can You Have Another Save File on Pokemon Sword? The Definitive Guide
The short answer is: No, Pokémon Sword, by default, only allows for one save file per user profile on your Nintendo Switch. But don’t despair! There are still ways to experience multiple playthroughs without losing your original adventure. You can create additional Nintendo Switch user profiles, each acting as a separate environment for a new Pokémon journey. Let’s delve into the details and explore your options.
Understanding the Save System in Pokémon Sword
Pokémon games have historically been somewhat restrictive when it comes to save files. This design choice has been attributed to various factors, including preventing exploitation of rare Pokémon encounters and encouraging cartridge sales by limiting sharing. Whatever the reason, the single save file policy means that directly overwriting your existing progress is the only in-game option for starting fresh.
However, the Nintendo Switch’s user profile system offers a workaround. Because the save data is tied to the user profile and not just the game cartridge or digital download, creating a new profile effectively creates a new, isolated gaming environment.
Creating a New User Profile for a New Save
Here’s how to create a new user profile on your Nintendo Switch to start a new game in Pokémon Sword without deleting your original save:
- Go to System Settings: From the Nintendo Switch Home Menu, select “System Settings.”
- Navigate to Users: Scroll down to “Users” and select it.
- Add User: Choose “Add User.”
- Create New User: Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new user profile. You’ll need to choose an icon and a nickname.
- Start Pokémon Sword: Once the new user profile is created, select it from the Home Menu and launch Pokémon Sword.
The game will now start as if it’s being played for the first time, allowing you to experience the story and catch Pokémon anew. Your original save file will remain intact under your primary user profile.
Benefits of Multiple User Profiles
Using multiple user profiles offers several advantages for Pokémon Sword players:
- Relive the Adventure: Replay the game from the beginning without erasing your original progress, collection, and achievements.
- Experiment with Different Starters: Choose a different starter Pokémon and explore how that choice impacts your early game experience.
- Challenge Runs: Attempt challenge runs, such as a Nuzlocke challenge, without risking your main save file.
- Family Sharing: Allow multiple family members to have their own independent Pokémon adventures on the same console.
- Competitive Training: Use a separate save file for experimenting with different team compositions and battling strategies without affecting your main competitive team.
Important Considerations
While creating multiple user profiles is a great solution, keep these points in mind:
- Nintendo Switch Online: Each user profile requires a separate Nintendo Switch Online subscription for online features like trading and battling. However, a family plan can cover multiple users.
- DLC Access: Digital DLC purchases are tied to the Nintendo Account that made the purchase. Ensure that the account is set as the primary account on the Switch to allow other user profiles to access the DLC content. In some cases, the DLC may be accessible on secondary accounts on the primary console.
- Pokémon HOME: While you can link multiple Nintendo Switch profiles to the same Pokémon HOME account, linking individual mobile Pokémon HOME accounts is more restrictive. Be careful when transferring Pokémon between profiles to avoid any accidental data loss or confusion.
- Transferring Pokémon: Transferring Pokémon between save files on different user profiles requires Pokémon HOME and a Nintendo Switch Online subscription for each account involved.
Conclusion
While Pokémon Sword limits you to a single save file per user profile, the Nintendo Switch’s system provides a practical workaround for creating multiple playthroughs. By creating new user profiles, you can experience the game in different ways, experiment with challenge runs, and share the adventure with family members, all without sacrificing your original progress. Embrace the flexibility of the Switch and embark on multiple Pokémon journeys across the Galar region!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about save files and multiple playthroughs in Pokémon Sword:
1. Can I have multiple save files within the game itself, like in older Pokémon titles?
No. Unlike some older Pokémon games, Pokémon Sword only allows for one save file at a time within the game itself. Overwriting your existing save is the only in-game option for starting a new adventure.
2. If I delete my save data, will I lose my event Pokémon?
Yes. Deleting your save data will erase all progress, including any event Pokémon you’ve obtained. Consider trading them to a friend or transferring them to Pokémon HOME before deleting your save.
3. Does deleting the save data also delete the DLC?
No. Deleting the save data does not delete the DLC. The DLC is tied to your Nintendo Account and remains accessible as long as your account is active and the Nintendo Switch is your primary console for that account.
4. Can I transfer Pokémon between save files on different user profiles?
Yes, you can, but it requires Pokémon HOME and a Nintendo Switch Online subscription for each account. You’ll need to use Pokémon HOME to transfer Pokémon from one profile’s save file to another.
5. Will creating a new user profile affect my main profile’s save data?
No. Creating a new user profile will not affect your main profile’s save data. Each user profile has its own isolated save files.
6. Do I need to purchase Pokémon Sword again for each user profile?
No. You only need to purchase Pokémon Sword once if you’re using the same Nintendo Switch console. The game can be accessed by all user profiles on the console.
7. Can I use the Mystery Gift feature on multiple user profiles?
Yes. Each user profile can redeem Mystery Gifts. This allows you to obtain multiple copies of event items or Pokémon across different save files.
8. If I have the physical version of Pokémon Sword, can multiple profiles use it simultaneously?
No. Only one user profile can play the physical version of Pokémon Sword at a time, as only one game card can be inserted into the console.
9. What happens to my Pokémon HOME subscription if I have multiple profiles?
Your Pokémon HOME subscription is tied to your Nintendo Account, not to individual user profiles. As long as your Nintendo Account is linked to the user profiles, they can all access Pokémon HOME. However, as described previously, to transfer between profiles, each profile needs to be covered by a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
10. Can I trade Pokémon between my own user profiles without needing a second console?
Yes. You can trade Pokémon between your own user profiles on the same console if you have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription for each user and a second Nintendo Switch console.
11. Does the new user profile have access to my online progress, like ranked battles?
Each user profile has its own independent online progress. Progress and rankings from one profile do not carry over to other profiles.
12. Will resetting the game affect my Nintendo Account?
No. Resetting the game will not affect your Nintendo Account. It only deletes the save data associated with the specific user profile on which you’re resetting.
13. Can I revert back to my old save after starting a new game on a different user profile?
Yes. You can switch between user profiles at any time. Your original save data will remain intact on your primary user profile.
14. If I buy the Expansion Pass, do all user profiles get access?
Potentially. If the account that purchased the expansion pass is designated as the primary account for the switch, then DLC is available on other accounts. Nintendo recommends checking the eShop description for each game to confirm.
15. What’s the easiest way to back up my Pokémon Sword save data?
The easiest way to back up your Pokémon Sword save data is through Nintendo Switch Online’s cloud save feature. This allows you to store your save data online and restore it if needed. Note that not all games support cloud saves.