June 17, 2025, 10:30 am | Read time: 3 minutes
The launch of a new console is usually a joyous event. But when the Nintendo Switch 2 reportedly destroys a saved game, the launch quickly turns into frustration.
After eight years since the previous console, Nintendo has finally released the Switch 2. The new hardware impresses with significantly more power and new features while maintaining a familiar design. However, while the manufacturer announced a new sales record, the joyful acquisition ended frustratingly for many fans. Increasing reports of delivery and technical issues are circulating. Particularly frustrating is the news that the Nintendo Switch 2 destroyed a saved game that was more than 20 years old.
Nintendo Switch 2 Destroyed Old Saved Game
As reported by IGN, there are currently numerous reports from fans warning against turning on their Switch 2 and initiating a system transfer without preparation. The function may be convenient in itself—simply transfer old saved games and settings and you’re done. But in doing so, the Nintendo Switch 2 has repeatedly destroyed saved games. Especially “Pokémon” fans are sharing their experiences on Reddit.
In a now-deleted post, a user shared that he was “about to cry.” More than 1,000 hours of gameplay over more than 20 years disappeared because the Nintendo Switch 2 destroyed the saved game. This happened with “Pokémon Scarlet,” where the affected user had been transferring his saved game since 2004 from “Pokémon LeafGreen” on the Game Boy Advance to newer versions.
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Switch 2 Showed No Error
Initially, it wasn’t clear that the Nintendo Switch 2 had destroyed the saved game. The data transfer reportedly proceeded as expected, without any error message. Other “Pokémon” data were still present. But when starting “Scarlet,” the game now directly goes to the language selection and “create character” screen, which typically only happens when playing for the first time. At that moment, it was clear that no saved data were available.
“I can’t do anything and I don’t know if I want to play anymore,” the post reportedly stated. Other users report similar incidents occurring with other games such as “Zelda: Breath of the Wild” and “Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom,” along with other “Pokémon” titles.
What “Pokémon” Fans Should Definitely Do
While there is a dedicated cloud storage for the original Nintendo Switch within the subscription at Nintendo Switch Online, some “Pokémon” games are among the few not supported by it. Fans should already know that there is also a dedicated “Pokémon” cloud storage—in the form of the “Pokémon Home App.”
Also of interest: Users report defective Switch 2 docks
For this, you must register separately if you want to store more than 30 of the pocket monsters. But fans are now advising others that this is the best and safest way to keep their collected creatures. So, it’s something you should definitely do before activating the new console to prevent the Nintendo Switch 2 from destroying the beloved saved game.