The process of restoring the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game to its initial state, thereby erasing all current progress, constitutes a full data wipe. This action effectively starts a new game on the Nintendo Switch console, removing the existing island, villagers, and player character data. The phrase signifies a complete restart to the player’s virtual island life.
Undertaking such a reset offers players the opportunity to experience the game anew, experiment with different island layouts, and pursue alternative villager combinations. It is also a necessary step when selling or giving away a Nintendo Switch console with Animal Crossing: New Horizons installed, protecting the player’s data and preventing unauthorized access. Historically, the concept of resetting or starting over has been a staple in the Animal Crossing franchise, allowing players to periodically refresh their gaming experience.
