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Which transfer method should you use?
| What you need to move | Method | Old-console access | What happens to the source data | Nintendo Switch Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A complete user profile and its associated data between original Switch-family consoles | Transfer Your User Data | Both consoles, online and near each other | The transferred user information, associated saves and software purchased with that user are no longer available on the source. Shared-by-all-users save data is not included. | Not stated in Nintendo’s user-transfer instructions. |
| One or more selected game saves between nearby consoles | Transfer Your Save Data | Both consoles, with internet access and nearby | The save is moved, not copied; it is deleted from the sending console. | Not required for this direct transfer. |
| Users and eligible data from a Switch to Switch 2 | System Transfer during Switch 2 initial setup | Both consoles for local transfer, or the old Switch for server upload | Local transfer retains some data on the old Switch and deletes other saves; server upload initializes the old Switch after upload completes. | Not stated as a requirement for System Transfer. |
| Cloud-backed saves when the old console is unavailable | Download the supported save backup on the new console | The old console is not needed, but a backup must already exist | Recovery depends on the save having been backed up; it does not recover an unbacked save. | An active membership is required for Save Data Cloud recovery. |
The procedures below reflect Nintendo Support guidance checked on October 5, 2026. Menu labels, system requirements and compatibility can change with updates.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Nintendo Switch 2 System | $499.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy-Con - Handheld Gaming Console | $339.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Red Joy-Con (Renewed) | $195.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Nintendo Switch Lite - Turquoise | $229.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Nintendo Switch – Neon Red and Neon Blue Joy-Con (Renewed) | $200.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Transfer a complete user profile between original Switch consoles
Use this option when moving a user from one original Nintendo Switch-family console to another. The source user must be linked to a Nintendo Account, and that same account must not already be linked to a user on the destination before you begin. Nintendo’s stated requirements are system menu version 4.0.0 or later on both consoles, an internet connection, local communication with the systems close to each other, and enough internal memory on the target. The target can have no more than seven users before the transfer.
- On both consoles, open System Settings > System and check that the system software meets Nintendo’s version requirement. Connect both systems to the internet and keep them near one another.
- On the source console, open System Settings > Users > Transfer Your User Data and follow the on-screen instructions to identify it as the source.
- On the destination console, open System Settings > Users > Transfer Your User Data and follow the prompts to identify it as the target.
- Choose the user to move and complete the instructions shown on both systems. Keep both consoles available until the transfer finishes.
What moves—and what does not
The selected user information, associated save data and software purchased with that user move as part of the process; once complete, those items are no longer available on the source console. Save data shared by all users is not included in this standard user transfer. If the game is Animal Crossing: New Horizons, use Nintendo’s separate island and save-data or individual-resident transfer process instead; the regular user transfer does not move an island.
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- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
Transfer selected save data between nearby consoles
Choose this method to move a particular game’s save without transferring the whole user profile. Both consoles need internet access and must be near each other. A user linked to the same Nintendo Account must be present on each console. Nintendo Switch Online is not required.
- On the sending console, open System Settings > Data Management > Transfer Your Save Data, then choose Send Save Data to Another Console.
- Select the game and save data to send, then follow the console prompts.
- On the receiving console, open System Settings > Data Management > Transfer Your Save Data and choose Receive Save Data.
- Complete the prompts on both consoles. If the destination already has save data for that game, Nintendo says you can cancel or choose to overwrite the existing save.
This is a move, not a backup or duplicate: after the send completes, the source console’s save is deleted. If you need the save to remain on the old console too, this is not the appropriate transfer path.
Rank #2
- 6.2” LCD screen
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
- Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario & friends
Move from a Switch to Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 offers a separate System Transfer flow during its initial setup. Nintendo states that an active internet connection and at least one user profile linked to a Nintendo Account are required on the original Switch. Choose between local transfer, when you can keep both consoles available, and server upload, when the original Switch will not be available at Switch 2 setup.
Local transfer during initial setup
Choose local transfer when the original Switch will be with you while you set up Switch 2. Follow the System Transfer instructions shown during Switch 2 setup and on the old console. Nintendo says this transfers all users, user settings, signed-in Nintendo Accounts, friends, play activity and users played with. Because all users’ data is included, tell everyone who uses the source console before starting.
Rank #3
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- 6.2” LCD screen.
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
Digital software is downloaded to Switch 2 after initial setup, so an internet connection is needed for those downloads. Nintendo distinguishes between save data that remains on the old console and save data removed from it: cloud-backup-supported save data for linked users remains on the original Switch and is copied to Switch 2 during local transfer; save data for users not linked to Nintendo Accounts and for games not supported by Save Data Cloud Backup is deleted from the source after transfer.
Server upload if you will give up the old Switch
Choose server upload if you will no longer have the original Switch when setting up Switch 2—for example, if it is being sold, traded in or given away. Start the upload on the original Switch with a Nintendo Account, then retrieve the stored transfer on Switch 2 during initial setup using the same Nintendo Account. The original Switch is initialized after the upload completes, so review that consequence before beginning and do not treat this as a way to keep using the old console.
Rank #4
- Compact, lightweight handheld system
- Available in a range of fun colors
- Online and local wireless multiplayer
- Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario & friends
Nintendo holds the uploaded transfer for up to one year. The exact download deadline is displayed during setup and in Nintendo Account settings; use that displayed deadline rather than assuming the full year is available. If Switch 2 setup has already been completed, Nintendo points users to individual save-data transfer for an existing Switch user/account pairing instead of retrieving a server-uploaded System Transfer.
Check game compatibility separately
A transferred user or digital library does not guarantee that every Switch game will work identically on Switch 2. Nintendo says some games may be unsupported or not fully compatible, and compatibility work with publishing and development partners is ongoing. Check Nintendo’s current compatibility information for a specific title before relying on it.
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Best Value
- One player can use a Joy-Con in each hand
- Two players can each take one
- Multiple Joy-Con can be employed by numerous people for a variety of gameplay options (additional Joy-Con sold separately)
- Slip a set of Joy-Con into a Joy-Con grip accessory, mirroring a more traditional controller. Or, select an optional Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
If the old console is unavailable
Sign in to the Nintendo Account on the new console to access and download digital games associated with that account. Save recovery is separate: a save can be restored through Save Data Cloud only if it was backed up and you have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership. Cloud support is not available for every game, so a game without a supported existing backup cannot be assumed recoverable. Nintendo’s reviewed recovery guidance does not establish a method for restoring an unbacked save when the source console is missing.
Quick Recap
Before you start: avoid an unwanted loss
- Confirm whether you are moving a whole user, selected saves, or data from Switch to Switch 2; the procedures do not move the same set of information.
- Check that accounts, internet access, proximity, system version, user limit and destination storage meet the requirements for your chosen path.
- Ask other people who use the source console before a Switch 2 System Transfer, since it includes all users and server upload initializes the original console.
- For shared save games, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, games without cloud-save support or titles whose Switch 2 compatibility matters, check the game-specific instructions or Nintendo’s current support guidance before proceeding.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
