How to transfer games, users, and data from Nintendo Switch 1 to Switch 2

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Overjoyed by the new Nintendo Switch 2 in my hands, I found myself eager to move my cherished games over from the old console. Fortunately, it’s a breeze! Yet, beware when choosing the option to transfer, particularly if you intend to keep the original device for some gaming fun.

How to transfer games, users, and saved data from Nintendo Switch 1 to Switch 2

Transferring your user profiles, game data, screenshots, videos, and parental control settings from your current Nintendo Switch to the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 can be accomplished using the system transfer function. This includes your digital games and ongoing Nintendo Switch Online membership. Please note that the process will format your original console as a necessary step. In other words, you’ll be able to move everything over to the new device while keeping your membership active, but your old console will be reset in the process.

It’s essential to mention that although details about game ownership move over, the actual game downloads do not. Instead, you’ll likely have to download them again on your new system, unless the process handles this automatically – we’ll discuss that further below.

I’m going to explain several approaches below, so make sure to choose the right one. The first option is suitable if you intend to keep your Nintendo Switch. However, the subsequent methods are designed for those who wish to sell their console, as they will erase all data from the original device. Be mindful of your choice.

In summary, it’s essential to bear in mind that not every game from the Nintendo Switch version 1 is guaranteed to work flawlessly on the Nintendo Switch version 2. To get a complete list of compatible games and specific requirements for each title, be sure to check our compatibility guide. For instance, if you’re planning to transfer your island in Animal Crossing, you’ll need to use the Island Transfer Tool.

For people who want to stay using their old Nintendo Switch 1

Although it might seem unusual, if you’d like to continue using several systems, simply log into your new Switch 2 as usual. It’s a bit of an oversight, but all transfer methods will inadvertently remove the user from the initial console, which isn’t ideal if you plan on still using it. To avoid this issue, just sign into your account on the new device first, and then you can move your save data from the original Switch to the Switch 2.

  • Select System Settings from the Home Menu.
  • Select Data Management.
  • Select Transfer Your Save Data.
  • Select Send Save Data to Another Console, then select the user whose save data file you wish to transfer.
  • Select the save data file for each software title you want to send to another system, then select Next.
  • Select OK

For people who do not plan to use their original Switch 1 – the old method

Before we begin, check that your first Nintendo Switch is completely updated and your second one has downloaded the initial update patch (day one). If you’re reading this after the release, make sure your second Nintendo Switch is updated to the most recent system menu version. Additionally, ensure both consoles are connected to a power source and a Nintendo Account is associated with the user account you intend to transfer from the original console. This account should not be linked to any user on the new system yet.

Keep in mind that this will delete the user and save data on the original console.

  • From the Home Menu, select System Settings, then Users, and then Transfer Your User.
  • Select Next, and then again, then select Source Console to indicate that the content will be transferred from this system.
  • Select Continue.

Now, switch to the target console, in this case, the Nintendo Switch 2.

  • From the Home Menu, select System Settings, then Users, and then Transfer Your User Data.
  • Select Next, then again, and then select Target Console to indicate that the content will be transferred to this system.
  • Select Sign in and choose to sign in using your Nintendo Account e-mail address or sign-in ID.
  • Enter either the e-mail address or sign-in ID associated with your Nintendo Account and the password, then select Sign in, and then Next.
  • Wait for the target system to be found, and then select Transfer.
  • The transfer process will begin. Wait for this process to complete.
  • Once complete, select End to complete the process. If no users are left on the console after the transfer is complete, a placeholder user account will be created.

For people who do not plan to use their original Switch 1 and have yet to purchase a Switch 2 – new method

As a gamer, here’s how I would put it:

First things first, let’s get started with moving my game data from my old Switch to the brand new Nintendo Switch 2! To do this, navigate to System Settings on your original console, then select ‘System’, and finally find the option labeled “System Transfer.” Make sure your Nintendo Switch 2 is nearby, powered up, and both consoles are connected to their charging cables for safety. Place them close together and hit ‘Done’ on the screen. The two consoles will now connect locally. Next, follow the on-screen instructions to transfer all my cherished game saves, user settings, and other personal data from my old console to the new one. Let’s get gaming on the latest Nintendo Switch 2!

If you haven’t acquired your Nintendo Switch 2 system just yet, choosing the system transfer option will present an on-screen option labeled “I don’t own a Nintendo Switch 2 console yet”. Selecting this option will transmit your data to Nintendo’s servers for safekeeping. This storage period lasts approximately one year, after which the data is automatically erased by Nintendo.

After a while, you’ll encounter a screen warning that if you continue with the operation, you won’t be able to reverse it. The console will then reset itself to its original factory settings, erasing all local data stored on the device in the process. Proceed with caution as once done, you won’t be able to access your Switch 1 with your existing data anymore.

Once you acquire your Nintendo Switch 2 (ideally within a year for data preservation), simply follow the setup guidelines provided. When prompted, choose to download your system transfer data from Nintendo’s servers. By completing this step, you will have everything set up on your brand-new device.

Remember, when you initiate the transfer process, any digital games you currently have installed will begin auto-downloading. To avoid wasting precious time during the transfer, consider uninstalling a few of your games prior to starting the process.

Make sure you stay with Shacknews for all your Nintendo Switch 2 guide and news needs.

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2025-06-04 18:28