How prepare your Nintendo Switch 1 for Nintendo Switch 2

If you have pre-ordered or are planning on buying the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, it might be wise to give some thought to certain aspects in advance, as the transition may require some preparation. Nintendo seems to have put considerable effort into making the process smooth, but there are still a few key points to ponder. Essentially, you’re preparing yourself for the arrival of your new Nintendo Switch 2, so it’s beneficial to consider these important matters ahead of time.

How to get your Nintendo Switch 1 ready for Nintendo Switch 2

Decide what you plan on doing with your old Nintendo Switch

From my perspective, this crucial decision you’ll make is arguably the most significant one regarding your preparations. Are you intending to retain it for personal use only? If that’s the case, be aware that this choice might restrict your options when transferring data, as the primary methods of data transfer will necessitate deleting information from the original Nintendo Switch.

If you intend to continue using the older model concurrently, my recommendation would be to log into the new Nintendo Switch 2 with your account, without performing any complex user transfers. Instead, leverage the Cloud Save system, which will allow you to access your saved games across both devices.

If you’re considering giving away, selling, or exchanging your old device, you can move its user data first. For comprehensive instructions on different data transfer techniques, make sure to consult our in-depth guide.

Prepare for System Transfer if you need to

If you’re considering selling your Nintendo Switch, you might find it helpful to perform a system transfer using the cloud service. This allows you to store your data on the Nintendo Cloud for a year, and later retrieve it when setting up your new Nintendo Switch 2. This feature is particularly useful for those planning to trade in their original Nintendo Switch. For more details, refer to the guide on transfer methods.

Thanks to living ahead of us, Sam Chandler has already received his new Switch 2. Upon setting it up, he noticed his system warned him that he wouldn’t be able to perform a system transfer later if he skipped the setup step for data transfer. Just something to consider when deciding on how to proceed.

Download the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Island Transfer Tool

It’s quite likely that you enjoy playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons and would like to transfer your island to another device. If that’s the case, make sure you download the tool provided by Nintendo, or risk leaving it behind when switching systems. Keep in mind that your island is tied to the system rather than your account, so it’s essential not to miss out on all the effort you’ve put into building it.

Check the compatibility list

Nintendo has compiled a comprehensive list detailing the compatibility of games from the original Switch and how they will function on the new Switch model. It’s worth taking a look, as your favorite game might have some issues or may not run at all. Don’t assume that everything will work flawlessly without checking first.

Consider your Nintendo Online subscription

If you own Nintendo Online, you can anticipate features such as Game Chat and even Nintendo GameCube games on your Switch 2. However, by upgrading to the Expansion Pack, not only will you receive these services, but also the upgrade packs for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom at no extra charge. This upgrade seems worthwhile and should largely offset the price gap between the standard version and the Expansion Pack for those who already possess these games on Switch 1.

Check to see if any of your games are getting free upgrades

As an enthusiastic fan, I’m thrilled to share some exciting news about the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2! Some of my favorite games are set to receive free upgrades, including classics like Arm, Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics, Game Builder Garage, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening. For those who own these games in their collection, you can find all the details about these upgrades here. Remember to stay tuned with Shacknews for all your Nintendo Switch 2 guide and news needs!

2025-06-04 22:28