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To set up a second Switch, finish the new console’s initial setup, create a user profile for your child, and link the child’s existing supervised Nintendo Account—or create one through your Nintendo Account family group. Add the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app if you want play-time limits and gameplay history. Before moving anything, decide whether both consoles will stay in use: Nintendo’s user-transfer process removes the transferred user and associated save data from the original console.
First confirm which system you have: Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, Switch OLED, or Switch 2. Nintendo’s current getting-started guide covers Switch 2, while its account, parental-control, and transfer instructions also address original Switch systems.
Set up the console and add your child’s profile
- Complete the new console’s initial setup and connect it to the internet. For an original Switch moving to Switch 2, Nintendo offers a full system transfer during Switch 2’s initial setup. Individual save data can also be transferred later through System Settings. See Nintendo’s Switch 2 getting-started information.
- Create a user profile for your child. Follow the on-screen user setup. A profile can exist without a Nintendo Account, but it will not be linked to one; link the child’s account if they already have one.
- Use a supervised child account. If your child already has a Nintendo Account, use that account and make sure it is supervised through your family group. If not, the family-group administrator can create a child account and provide its Sign-In ID and password. Nintendo’s account creation and consent steps vary by the child’s age and region: Nintendo Account child-account instructions.
A Nintendo Account family group can include up to eight Nintendo Account users, including an administrator, parent or guardian accounts, general accounts, and supervised accounts. Nintendo does not state a publication year for this limit on its family-group support page.
Choose parental controls for this console
On the console, configure content and communication restrictions in System Settings under Parental Controls. For play-time limits, bedtime settings, and gameplay history, use Nintendo’s free Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app for iOS or Android. Internet access is required to use the app. Nintendo says one smart device can be linked to up to eight Switch or Switch 2 consoles; the support page does not state a publication year for that limit. See Nintendo’s Parental Controls information.
#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
Plan restrictions with every user of the new console in mind: most console parental-control settings apply system-wide, not separately to each profile. Play-time limits also affect all users on that console equally. When the console and app are up to date, the app can show activity by user.
Decide whether to keep both consoles or move the old setup
| What you want to do | What to do | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Keep both consoles in use | Set up a profile on the second console and link the child’s Nintendo Account. | Do not use a user-transfer process expecting it to duplicate the setup. Nintendo says a user transfer moves the user and associated save data and removes them from the original system. |
| Replace the old console and move the user | Use Nintendo’s user-transfer process, following the instructions for the source and destination models. | The transferred user and associated save data are removed from the source console. Check Nintendo’s user and save-data transfer instructions before starting. |
| Move only a particular save | Use the individual save-data transfer option in System Settings where supported. | Not every game follows the same process. Nintendo identifies Animal Crossing: New Horizons as requiring its own island-transfer process; check the game-specific instructions before moving it. |
For digital games, Nintendo says you can sign into the relevant Nintendo Account on a new Switch and download eligible games again. Cloud-save recovery depends on the game supporting cloud saves and an active Nintendo Switch Online membership. On Switch 2, Nintendo’s setup guide describes accessing existing digital games by linking the Nintendo Account and loading virtual game cards, and says cloud-save backups are available for most games with Nintendo Switch Online. These are generation- and game-dependent details, not a promise that one digital purchase can be played on both consoles simultaneously. Check Nintendo’s Switch 2 setup information and Nintendo’s transfer guidance for the exact systems and game involved.
Quick Recap
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.
Rank #4
- 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
Rank #3
- Play your way with the Nintendo Switch gaming system. Whether you’re at home or on the go, solo or with friends, the Nintendo Switch system is designed to fit your life. Dock your Nintendo Switch to enjoy HD gaming on your TV. Heading out? Just undock your console and keep playing in handheld mode
- This model includes battery life of approximately 4.5 - 9 hours.
- The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (games sold separately)
- Model number HAC 001( 01)
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
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.
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