Choose the transfer method before you finish setting up Switch 2. Use local system transfer when both consoles are available and Switch 2 is still in initial setup. Use server system transfer if the old Switch will be sold, traded in, or unavailable. If Switch 2 is already set up, move selected saves with individual save-data transfer. Save Data Cloud is an additional option for supported games with Nintendo Switch Online.
These methods are not interchangeable: a virtual game card moves access to purchased software, not your progress; a save-data transfer is a move rather than a copy; and some transfers delete data from the old console.
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Before you begin
- Update both consoles to the latest available system software.
- Charge both systems or keep them connected to power.
- Connect both consoles to the internet. For local transfers, keep them nearby.
- Know the Nintendo Account credentials for the account starting the transfer.
- Review every user on the old Switch, especially on a shared family console.
- Check special games such as Animal Crossing: New Horizons before starting.
- Do not erase, sell, or trade in the old Switch until you have checked the new console.
- Make sure Switch 2 has enough internal storage, or use a compatible microSD Express card for downloadable software.
Save data is stored in the console’s system memory. It cannot be copied manually to a microSD card. A standard microSD card used by the original Switch is not a Switch 2 game-storage solution; Switch 2 uses microSD Express for compatible software, updates, DLC, screenshots, and videos. See Nintendo’s storage guidance.
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| Your situation | Use this | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Both consoles are available and Switch 2 has not completed setup | Local system transfer | Some data can be deleted from the original console. |
| The old Switch will be sold or unavailable before Switch 2 arrives | Server system transfer | The old Switch is initialized after uploading. |
| Switch 2 is already set up, or you want only certain games | Individual save-data transfer | The save is deleted from the source console. |
| The old console is unavailable and a supported game was backed up | Save Data Cloud | Requires Nintendo Switch Online and supported software. |
For Nintendo’s complete requirements and exceptions, see the Switch-to-Switch 2 system-transfer guide.
#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
Best option: local system transfer
Use local system transfer when you have both consoles and Switch 2 is still going through its first-time setup. It is the most complete way to move from an old Switch, Switch Lite, or Switch OLED.
What can transfer
Nintendo says a full transfer can include users and user settings, linked Nintendo Accounts, save data, digital software, screenshots and videos in system memory, Mii data, friends, Play Activity, parental-control information, registered network devices, HOME Menu icon order and software groups, and certain virtual game card and pass-enabled-console information. Digital software is generally downloaded to Switch 2 after setup rather than copied instantly.
Bluetooth audio devices and settings, custom controller button mappings, and time, time zone, region, and language settings do not transfer automatically. Some virtual game card registration and parental-control actions may require additional setup.
Steps on Switch 2
- Start Switch 2 and proceed through initial setup.
- When offered, choose the option to transfer data from Nintendo Switch.
- Sign in with the Nintendo Account associated with the user initiating the transfer.
- Keep both consoles close together and follow the prompts.
- Choose whether to Redownload Software on Nintendo Switch 2 and whether to Transfer Album Data.
- Wait for the transfer to finish and allow Switch 2 to restart if requested.
- Complete the remaining setup and let software downloads finish.
Steps on the original Switch
- Open System Settings from the HOME Menu.
- Select System.
- Select System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2.
- Follow the prompts to connect to Switch 2.
- Review and confirm the transfer.
- Wait for Nintendo to report that it is complete.
If you are selling or trading in the old Switch
Use Nintendo’s server-transfer option before handing over the old console. This uploads the transfer package so it can be downloaded during Switch 2’s initial setup.
Upload from the old Switch
- Open System Settings.
- Select System, then System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2.
- Choose the server-upload option.
- Sign in with the Nintendo Account used for the transfer.
- Review the transfer details and record the displayed download deadline.
- Choose whether to redownload software and transfer album data.
- Select Upload Data and confirm.
- When prompted, select Start Initialization.
Initialization factory-resets the original Switch and deletes its data. Simply signing out of your Nintendo Account, removing a game card, or deleting downloaded software is not enough to prepare a console for sale.
Download to Switch 2
- Start Switch 2’s initial setup.
- Sign in with the same Nintendo Account used for the upload.
- Choose Start System Transfer when prompted.
- Follow the instructions to download the transfer package.
- Complete setup and allow software downloads to finish.
Nintendo says server-transfer data is stored for up to one year, but the specific download deadline shown during the upload controls your transfer. The server package can be retrieved only during Switch 2’s initial setup. If setup is already complete, use individual save transfer or cloud saves, or initialize Switch 2 and begin setup again if you specifically need the server package.
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Individual save-data transfer is the practical choice when initial setup is finished, when you want only certain games, or when you want to leave other users and saves on the original console. Both consoles must be nearby and online, and the source and target users must be linked to the same Nintendo Account.
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.***
On the source console
- Open System Settings.
- Select Data Management.
- Select Transfer Your Save Data.
- Select Send Save Data to Another Console.
- Choose the target-console type.
- Select the user and one or more games.
- Select Next, then OK.
On Switch 2
- Open System Settings.
- Select Data Management, then Transfer Your Save Data.
- Select Receive Save Data.
- If Switch 2 already has a save for that game, stop and confirm which save is newer.
- Choose whether to overwrite the target save, then select OK.
Use Save Data Cloud when appropriate
Save Data Cloud is useful when the old console is unavailable or when you want to restore individual games. It requires an active Nintendo Switch Online membership and works only with games that support cloud saves. It does not transfer users, settings, screenshots, videos, or digital ownership.
Back up a save on the old Switch
- Highlight the game on the HOME Menu.
- Press + or −.
- Select Save Data Cloud.
- Select the user.
- Select Back Up Save Data.
Download the save on Switch 2
- Highlight the game on Switch 2.
- Press + or −.
- Select Save Data Cloud.
- Select the user.
- Select Download Save Data.
A cloud backup must already exist unless you can still access the old console and upload the save. Check Nintendo’s Save Data Cloud support information for the game’s compatibility and account requirements.
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Digital games, DLC, and virtual game cards
Digital purchases belong to the Nintendo Account that bought them, not to the physical console. After the transfer, sign in with that purchasing account and redownload the games and DLC, or manage them through Virtual Game Cards.
| Feature | What it does | What it does not do |
|---|---|---|
| System transfer | Moves console information, users, settings, software information, and eligible saves. | It does not guarantee identical handling for every game. |
| Individual save transfer | Moves selected saves between nearby consoles. | It does not move digital ownership and deletes the source save. |
| Save Data Cloud | Backs up or downloads supported game saves. | It does not migrate the whole console. |
| Virtual Game Card | Makes purchased digital software available on a paired console. | It does not move save data. |
Nintendo allows virtual game cards for the same account to be loaded on up to two paired consoles. Online License Settings work differently: they can allow play across more consoles with an internet check, and only the purchasing-account user can play under that arrangement. See Nintendo’s Virtual Game Card guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Special cases and limitations
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons uses a shared island save structure and cannot be treated like an ordinary per-user save. Nintendo specifically excludes games with a single save shared between users from the standard Switch-to-Switch 2 system-transfer process. Use Nintendo’s dedicated island-transfer or island-recovery instructions rather than relying on the normal save-transfer menu.
Games without cloud-save support
Do not assume that every game has the same recovery options. Games without Save Data Cloud support may receive different treatment during a full system transfer, and unusual save structures, publisher accounts, local multiplayer profiles, or shared worlds may require title-specific instructions. Check important games before erasing the old console.
Switch 2 Edition games
Some Switch 2 Edition releases can use save data from their Switch versions. Nintendo cites The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom as examples, but this does not mean every Switch game has an upgrade or identical compatibility. Consult Nintendo’s Switch 2 FAQ and the relevant game’s support information.
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.
Physical games and game-key cards
Save data is stored in system memory, so it is generally available whether compatible software is played from a physical game card or digitally. You still need the original physical cartridge or game-key card to launch software that you do not own digitally. A game card itself is not a save-data backup.
Multiple users
A full system transfer can include information belonging to every user on the old console. Tell other family members before starting. If some users should remain on the old Switch, transfer only the required saves where possible instead of moving the entire system.
Troubleshooting
The consoles do not detect each other
- Update both systems.
- Confirm both are connected to the internet.
- Keep them close together.
- Check that the relevant users are linked to the same Nintendo Account.
- As a practical troubleshooting step, restart both consoles and try again.
- Check available storage for software downloads.
Do not erase the source console while diagnosing a failed transfer. If the full transfer remains unavailable, use individual save-data transfer for nearby consoles or cloud saves for supported games.
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Stop before selecting overwrite. Confirm which console has the newest progress. Individual save transfer replaces the target file, and the overwritten save cannot be recovered through the transfer process.
Only some games are missing
Separate missing software from missing saves. Digital games may still need to be redownloaded, while their save data is already present. DLC and upgrades may require the purchasing Nintendo Account. Physical games still require their cartridge or game-key card. Deleting downloaded software does not delete its save data from Switch 2, so redownloading the software may resolve the problem.
You started Switch 2 setup too soon
The server-transfer package is tied to initial setup. If setup is complete, use individual save transfer or Save Data Cloud. To use the server package itself, Nintendo says Switch 2 must be initialized and set up again, which can remove data currently on that console.
Final checks before erasing the old Switch
- Every required user appears on Switch 2.
- Important games launch with the correct progress.
- Digital games and DLC are available under the correct Nintendo Account.
- Switch 2 Edition upgrades work where applicable.
- Screenshots and videos you wanted are present.
- Parental Controls, controllers, Bluetooth audio, language, region, and time settings have been checked.
- Special games such as Animal Crossing: New Horizons have been handled through their dedicated process.
- You have recorded any server-transfer deadline.
Only after these checks should you initialize, sell, trade in, or give away the original console.
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