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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe right transfer method depends on whether you’re moving to another Nintendo Switch family console or a Switch 2, and whether you want to move a user profile, a save file, or the console’s data during Switch 2 setup. Save-data transfers are generally moves, not backups: the source save is removed, and a matching save already on the destination can be overwritten.
Choose the transfer method for your situation
| Method | What it moves | Key requirements and limits |
|---|---|---|
| User Transfer on Switch family consoles | A user and associated information, including user settings, linked Nintendo Account, friends, play activity, and that user’s save data. | Use when moving a user to another Switch-family console. Have both consoles, connect them to the internet, update system software, link the account to the user being moved, and keep the consoles connected to AC power. Some saves are exceptions. Nintendo’s Switch transfer guidance. |
| Save Data Transfer | One game’s save data. | Both users must use the same Nintendo Account. The save is removed from the source; an existing destination save for that game is overwritten. Nintendo’s Switch transfer guidance. |
| Save Data Cloud | A cloud-backed save for a supported game. | Requires Nintendo Switch Online and a game that supports Save Data Cloud. Not every game supports it. Nintendo’s save-data guidance. |
| System Transfer to Switch 2 | Users, saves, settings, and other system-transfer categories. | Available during Switch 2 initial setup. Nintendo documents local communication and a temporary server-upload option for people who will no longer have the source console. Nintendo’s Switch 2 transfer guidance. |
These methods do not all move the same things. Nintendo treats screenshots and videos, microSD data, Virtual Game Cards, and some title-specific setup as separate replacement tasks. Check the exact destination console and setup state before choosing a route.
Move to another Nintendo Switch family console
Move a user and associated saves
Use User Transfer when replacing a Switch-family console and you want to move a user profile and its associated data together. Nintendo’s guidance calls for both consoles, internet access, updated system software, the account linked to the user being transferred, and AC power. Follow the on-screen instructions on the consoles. Nintendo says Switch family console types can transfer among one another, but some game saves have special rules.
Move only one game’s save
- On the source console, open HOME Menu → System Settings → Data Management → Transfer Your Save Data.
- Choose the option to send save data, then select the user and game save to transfer.
- On the destination console, use the same menu and choose the option to receive save data; follow the prompts on both consoles.
The corresponding users on both consoles must be linked to the same Nintendo Account. This transfers rather than duplicates the save: the source copy is deleted, and a save for that game already on the destination is overwritten. See Nintendo’s transfer instructions.
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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
Keep both consoles and download a cloud save
If you want to continue using both consoles, Save Data Cloud can provide a backed-up save on another console for supported games. Check the game’s eShop product information for cloud-save support. For a game that does not support cloud saves, Nintendo directs owners to the console’s save-data-transfer function where applicable. Cloud availability is title-specific; it is not a universal way to transfer every save. Nintendo’s Save Data Cloud guidance.
Transfer from Nintendo Switch to Switch 2
Use System Transfer during initial setup
Switch 2’s System Transfer is a whole-system process available during the console’s initial setup. Nintendo describes local communication as the direct method; its instructions also describe temporarily uploading data to a server for people who will give up the old console before getting the new one. If you will keep the source console, Nintendo recommends local transfer and says the data remains on the old console in that case. Some data is deleted from the source during transfer, so do not assume every category is copied. Nintendo’s Switch 2 transfer instructions and Nintendo Singapore’s Switch 2 guidance.
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
Keep the source console available and follow the prompts shown during Switch 2 setup. Whole-system transfer is not the same process as the standard Switch User Transfer, and its availability is tied to the initial-setup stage.
If Switch 2 setup is already complete
You can use the save-data-transfer route from the source console to Switch 2. Both consoles need an internet connection, and the corresponding users must be logged in to the same Nintendo Account. The move deletes the source save; some game saves cannot be transferred through this general function. Nintendo’s Switch 2 transfer guidance.
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)
Handle Animal Crossing: New Horizons separately
Animal Crossing: New Horizons stores one island save per console, shared by that console’s users. The standard user-transfer and save-data-transfer functions do not move this shared island save. Use Nintendo’s dedicated Animal Crossing: New Horizons Save Data Transfer procedure for an island or eligible player transfer; the Island Representative cannot be transferred as an individual player. If you use Switch 2 System Transfer, Nintendo says the island save transfers as part of that process, so a separate island transfer is not needed.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check the result before retiring the old console
- Confirm whether your destination is another Switch-family console or Switch 2, and whether Switch 2 is still in initial setup.
- Decide whether you need a profile and its associated data, one save, or a cloud-backed save for a supported title.
- For a direct transfer, have both consoles ready and check the internet, system software, AC power where instructed, and linked accounts.
- After transfer, check the destination user, game saves, and access to your games. Complete separate setup for screenshots and videos, microSD data, Virtual Game Cards, or any title-specific feature you need.
- Only after confirming what you need should you initialize the old console. Nintendo advises initializing a console before giving it away or disposing of it and removing its microSD card. Initialization erases console data, and software data stored on the card becomes unusable. Nintendo’s console-initialization guidance.
Transfer rules vary by game and method. Nintendo does not establish a single general procedure that moves every save, setting, capture, and game-data item, so check the title’s current official support information for exceptions before wiping the source console.
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
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.
