How to Uninstall Animal Crossing Software: A Comprehensive Guide
So, you’re looking to uninstall Animal Crossing from your Nintendo Switch. Whether it’s to free up space, start fresh, or simply move on to other gaming adventures, the process is straightforward. Here’s the breakdown:
- From the HOME Menu, select “System Settings” (the gear icon).
- Scroll down the options on the left side and select “Data Management”.
- On the right-hand side, select “Software”.
- Choose the Animal Crossing software you wish to uninstall.
- Select “Delete Software”.
- Confirm your decision when prompted.
This will remove the game data from your Switch, along with the game’s icon. Remember, deleting the software doesn’t automatically delete your save data, which contains your island paradise and all its inhabitants. We’ll get to managing that in the FAQs!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Uninstalling Animal Crossing
Here are some frequently asked questions about managing Animal Crossing data and uninstalling the software on your Nintendo Switch.
1. What’s the difference between deleting software and archiving it?
Think of it like this: deleting is like throwing the game out the window, icon and all. Archiving, on the other hand, is like putting it in a storage box in the attic.
- Deleting Software: Completely removes the game data from your Switch, along with the game’s icon on the HOME Menu. This is ideal if you’re sure you won’t play the game again and need maximum space.
- Archiving Software: Removes the downloaded software to free up space, but preserves the game’s icon on the HOME Menu. This allows you to easily redownload the game later without searching for it in the eShop.
2. Does deleting Animal Crossing software delete my island and villagers?
Not necessarily! Deleting the software itself only removes the game files. Your save data, which includes your island, villagers, and progress, remains on your Switch unless you specifically delete it separately. This is good news if you just wanted to clear some space temporarily!
3. How do I completely delete my Animal Crossing island and start over?
If you want a completely fresh start, you need to delete the save data. Here’s how:
- Go to the Nintendo Switch Home menu.
- Click on System Settings (the gear icon).
- Scroll down and select the Data Management menu.
- Select the Delete Save Data option.
- Choose Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
- Select Delete All Save Data for This Software.
- Confirm by selecting Delete Save Data.
Warning: This will permanently erase your island and all your progress! There’s no going back.
4. Can I have multiple Animal Crossing islands on one Switch?
Unfortunately, no. You can only have one island per Nintendo Switch console, regardless of how many game copies you own. The island save data is tied directly to the Switch itself. If you want multiple islands, you’ll need multiple Switch consoles.
5. How much storage space does Animal Crossing: New Horizons take up?
The initial Animal Crossing: New Horizons download file size is around 6.4 GB. However, this can increase with updates and downloaded content. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on your storage space to avoid any issues.
6. How do I reinstall Animal Crossing after deleting it?
Reinstalling a deleted game is easy:
- Access the Nintendo eShop with the Nintendo Account that purchased the game.
- Select your profile icon in the upper-right corner to access your Account Information.
- Highlight Redownload on the left side of the screen.
- Find Animal Crossing: New Horizons in the list and select the download icon.
You won’t be charged again as long as you’re using the same Nintendo Account that originally purchased the game.
7. What happens if I take the Animal Crossing game cartridge out while playing?
Do not do this! Removing the game cartridge while the game is running can corrupt your save data, potentially losing your island and progress. Always close the software properly before removing the cartridge.
8. I’m running out of space on my Switch. What are my options?
- Archive Software: As mentioned earlier, this frees up space while keeping the game icon readily available for redownloading.
- Delete Unused Software: Get rid of games you no longer play.
- Purchase a MicroSD Card: Expand your Switch’s storage capacity with a microSD card. This is a cost-effective way to store more games and data.
9. Is there a way to back up my Animal Crossing island?
Unfortunately, Nintendo doesn’t offer a direct backup solution for Animal Crossing: New Horizons save data in the cloud, except in specific circumstances. Nintendo offers save data cloud backup for the game only for Nintendo Switch Online members who have experienced console damage, loss, or theft. Contact Nintendo support for help if you have a Switch Online membership and need help recovering your island after a console issue.
10. What happens if I delete the Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp app on my phone?
Deleting Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp on your phone will delete your save data associated with that device. If you want to restart the game from the beginning, deleting the app is the way to go.
11. Can I transfer my Animal Crossing island to a new Nintendo Switch?
Yes, you can! Nintendo provides an island transfer tool that allows you to move your entire island to a new Nintendo Switch. This requires downloading the Island Transfer Tool on both consoles and following the on-screen instructions.
12. How big can my house storage get in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?
With the 2.0 update, you can expand your house storage to a maximum of 5,000 items. This allows you to hoard even more furniture, clothing, and resources!
13. How long does it take to “complete” Animal Crossing: New Horizons?
That depends on what you consider “complete”! When focusing on the main objectives, Animal Crossing is about 68 ½ Hours in length. If you’re a gamer that strives to see all aspects of the game, you are likely to spend around 611 Hours to obtain 100% completion. Since the game is never ending, there is no ultimate completion.
14. What happens when the day resets in Animal Crossing?
In Animal Crossing, the day resets at 5 AM. This means you have until 5 AM to complete your daily tasks, gather resources, and interact with your villagers.
15. Why is it important to manage software on my Nintendo Switch?
Managing software is crucial for maintaining your Switch’s performance and storage space. Uninstalling or archiving unused games can:
- Free up storage space: Allowing you to download new games and content.
- Improve performance: Reduce clutter and potential conflicts on your system.
- Keep your system organized: Making it easier to find and launch your favorite games.
Deleting Animal Crossing software, like any program, removes its associated files from your device. Understanding the difference between deleting software and save data is key to managing your gaming experience. By following these steps and FAQs, you’ll be well-equipped to manage your Animal Crossing data and keep your Nintendo Switch running smoothly.
Games play a crucial role in developing 21st-century skills. Explore how at the GamesLearningSociety.org website.