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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallDo not finish your Nintendo Switch 2’s initial setup until you decide whether you need Nintendo’s full System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2. The complete transfer is offered during initial setup. If you complete setup first, retrieving a server transfer later requires initializing the Switch 2 and repeating setup, which can erase data already created on the new console.
For most people who still have both consoles, update them, keep them nearby and use local transfer. If you are selling or trading the original Switch before the Switch 2 arrives, use server transfer instead—but understand that it initializes the old console.
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The 30-second decision
- Both consoles are available: Use local System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2 during the Switch 2’s initial setup.
- The old Switch will be sold, traded in or given away first: Use server transfer, record the displayed Download Deadline and retrieve the data during the Switch 2’s initial setup.
- The Switch 2 is already set up: Transfer individual saves or restore compatible cloud backups. If you already uploaded a server transfer, you must initialize the Switch 2 to retrieve it.
Nintendo’s full transfer can include users, linked Nintendo Accounts, save data, digital software, friends, play activity, system settings and screenshots or videos. It is not simply a shortcut for redownloading games. See Nintendo’s complete transfer guide for the current requirements and exceptions.
Before you start
- Keep the original Switch intact. Do not reset or hand it over yet.
- On the original console, open System Settings → System → System Update and install the latest available update.
- Update the Switch 2 when prompted during setup.
- Confirm the Nintendo Account credentials for every user being moved.
- Connect both consoles to the internet and keep them charged or connected to their official power adapters.
- Review every profile on a shared console, including users who are not linked to Nintendo Accounts.
- Identify special cases such as Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
- If you need extra game storage, use a card explicitly labeled microSD Express. An ordinary Switch microSD card is not a plug-and-play game-storage solution for Switch 2.
How to perform a local System Transfer
Local transfer is the safest default when the original Switch will remain available temporarily. The consoles communicate directly while the old system is still present, although some save data may be removed from the source afterward.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
On the Switch 2
- Start the Switch 2 and follow setup until the System Transfer screen.
- Connect to the internet and install the system update if prompted.
- Select Start System Transfer.
- Insert a compatible microSD Express card if you want to use one, or choose Skip.
- Select Sign In to a Nintendo Account and use the account linked to the source user.
- Select Next, keep both consoles nearby and select Done when prompted.
On the original Switch
- Open System Settings → System → System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and confirm that the consoles are nearby.
- Select Start Download when the consoles connect.
- Choose whether to redownload software and transfer album data if those options appear.
- Wait for the Switch 2 to restart and complete the transfer, then finish setup.
Local transfer can move saves for games without Save Data Cloud support, but Nintendo says those saves may be deleted from the source console. Do not assume the process leaves two independent copies.
When to use server transfer
Server transfer is intended for situations where you will not have the old Switch when the new one arrives—for example, a trade-in, sale or gift.
On the original Switch
- Open System Settings → System → System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2.
- Choose Upload Data.
- Review and record the displayed Download Deadline.
- Confirm the transfer and select Start Initialization.
This initializes the original Switch, deletes its data for all users and returns it to factory settings. Only proceed after confirming that the upload completed and you are comfortable losing access to the old console.
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- Begin initial setup and connect to the internet.
- Sign in with the Nintendo Account that initiated the server transfer.
- Select Start System Transfer when prompted.
- Retrieve the uploaded data and finish setup.
Nintendo stores server-transfer data for up to one year, but you must use the specific Download Deadline shown for your transfer. Do not assume every transfer has the same date.
Rank #2
- The next evolution of the Nintendo Switch system
- 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
- Supports up to 4K resolution** when using a compatible game and TV connected via the included Nintendo Switch 2 dock
- Nintendo Switch 2 plays compatible physical and digital Nintendo Switch games.***
What transfers—and what still needs attention?
| Item | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Users and linked accounts | Generally included, subject to account and user requirements. |
| Save data | Transfers with important exceptions for shared saves, unsupported situations and unlinked users. |
| Digital software | May be queued for download; games are not necessarily ready immediately after setup. |
| Screenshots and videos | System-memory album data can transfer. Nintendo may prompt you to temporarily insert the old microSD card for additional album data. |
| Virtual game cards | May require registration after transfer. |
| DLC and updates | May need separate downloads. |
| Parental Controls | The app may need to be linked again. |
| Old microSD card | Do not move it expecting Switch saves or game data to appear on Switch 2. Switch 2 game storage requires microSD Express. |
Digital ownership and save data are separate. Signing into your Nintendo Account can let you redownload purchases, but it does not by itself recreate every profile, save, setting or album item.
Special cases you should not miss
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
An island is not an ordinary user save. Use Nintendo’s Island Transfer Tool on both consoles. Open it on each system, choose Source on the original Switch and Target on the Switch 2, then follow the prompts. The island is no longer available on the source after the transfer.
Games without Save Data Cloud
Local System Transfer can move these saves, but the source copy may be deleted. If you only want selected saves, use System Settings → Data Management → Transfer Your Save Data. Nintendo says this feature does not require Nintendo Switch Online, but both consoles must be nearby, online, updated and using the same Nintendo Account for the relevant users.
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Review every user before transferring a shared system. Nintendo warns that data belonging to users not linked to a Nintendo Account may be deleted from the source after local transfer. Server transfer includes all users and wipes the original console, so make sure every household member understands the consequence.
Rank #3
- 【Ultimate Nintendo Switch 2 Bundle – Ready to Play】Includes the complete Nintendo Switch 2 console and a full-game download of Mario Kart World, so you can start racing right out of the box. Perfect for gamers of all ages and playstyles.
- 【Next-Gen Hybrid Gaming with Stunning Visuals】Experience a vivid 7.9‑inch 1080p LCD touchscreen with HDR support, and enjoy 4K TV output at up to 60 fps when docked — for immersive gameplay at home or on the go.
- 【Versatile 3 Play Modes】Seamlessly switch between Handheld, Tabletop, and TV modes — all featuring intuitive controls and smooth performance, wherever you choose to play.
- 【Enhanced Social Gaming with GameChat & Multiplayer】Connect with friends locally, enjoy online multiplayer with up to 24 players, and use voice chat via GameChat (internet connection and Nintendo Switch Online membership required after trial period).
- 【Powerful Storage & Joy‑Con 2 Controllers】Includes 256 GB internal storage (expandable with microSD), magnetic Joy‑Con 2 controllers, docking station, HDMI cable, AC adapter, grip, and straps — everything you need for the ultimate gaming setup.
If you already completed Switch 2 setup
- You skipped the full transfer and still have the old Switch: Use individual save-data transfer or restore compatible Nintendo Switch Online cloud backups. This will not recreate the complete system setup.
- You uploaded a server transfer but have not retrieved it: Protect anything important created on the Switch 2, then initialize it and repeat initial setup to retrieve the server transfer.
- You only need purchased games: Sign in to the correct Nintendo Account and redownload them, while treating saves as a separate problem.
- You need an Animal Crossing island: Use the Island Transfer Tool rather than ordinary save transfer.
Initializing the Switch 2 can erase new users, saves and other data created after setup. Check that information before resetting it.
If the transfer option is missing or fails
- Confirm that the Switch 2 has not already completed initial setup.
- Update both systems.
- Verify that you are using the Nintendo Account linked to the source user.
- Reconnect both consoles to the internet and keep them close together.
- Check that you are selecting System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2, not the separate individual save-transfer feature.
- If a server transfer was already uploaded, do not reset automatically—first protect any new Switch 2 data and check the on-screen recovery instructions.
For an interruption or error code, follow Nintendo’s specific recovery message rather than assuming the transfer can always be restarted without consequences. Nintendo’s troubleshooting pages include guidance for error 2206-0092 and other transfer errors.
Final preflight checklist
- Both consoles are updated.
- The original Switch is still available and has not been reset.
- Both consoles are charged, online and nearby for local transfer.
- You know the correct Nintendo Account credentials.
- Every household user has been reviewed.
- You have identified any Animal Crossing island or other special save.
- You understand whether the source console will lose saves or be initialized.
- You have not finished Switch 2 setup before selecting Start System Transfer.
If the old Switch is staying with you, choose local transfer. If it must leave first, upload a server transfer, record its deadline and retrieve it during initial setup. The crucial step is making that choice before you finish setting up the Switch 2.
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