In the past, Pokémon used built-in memory on the card to save the game, but with Pokémon Sword and Shield, it works differently, as it is stored directly on the Switch. If you want to start a new game, here's what you need to do:
- On the Switch Home screen, go to System Settings, which is the gear icon.
- Scroll down from the System Settings menu to the Data Management tab.
- On the options on the right hand side, scroll down, where you should find Delete Save Data.
- Find and select Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield in the game list, then select Clear Save Data for (Profile Name)
- A warning message will appear asking if you are sure you want to delete it and confirm once it allows it.
Be forewarned As in previous games in the series, this is a permanent deletion and all Pokémon on that save, regardless of their location (team or storage), will all be lost and irrecoverable. If you want to keep a Pokémon from one save to another, you'll need to transfer them to a friend for safekeeping or consider using Pokémon Bank to store it, although the latter requires a subscription.
Also, if you've received a Mew from the Poké Ball Plus feature and put it in the game, you can't get another one, so approach deleting with caution if you want to keep your Mew.
You can also play with another profile of your Switch, as this will create a separate set of save data on your main profile. However, if you do not have an online Nintendo Account linked to it, you will not be able to use the game's online features.
