The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →For a selected game save, use System Settings → Data Management → Transfer Your Save Data on both consoles and follow the prompts to send and receive it. The users on both systems must use the same Nintendo Account, and both consoles need internet access. A direct transfer moves the save: it is deleted from the source, and it may overwrite a save for that game on the destination.
Choose the right transfer method
| Your goal | Use this method | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Move one selected game save between consoles | Transfer Your Save Data | Both consoles are involved in the transfer. The source save is removed, and a destination save may be overwritten. Nintendo Support: Moving Users and Save Data / Transfer Save Data |
| Download a backed-up save to another console | Save Data Cloud | Requires a paid Nintendo Switch Online subscription and a game that supports cloud backup. The relevant users need the same Nintendo Account. Nintendo Support: Save Data Cloud |
| Move a user and associated data to a replacement console | System Transfer | Nintendo’s replacement-console workflow is broader than moving an individual save. For Switch-to-Switch 2, initial setup’s System Transfer moves more data; save-only transfer is also available after setup. Nintendo Support: System Transfer / Transfer Save Data to Nintendo Switch 2 |
| Move an Animal Crossing: New Horizons island | Island transfer tool | Use the dedicated island-transfer process, except when the island save is included in a Nintendo Switch 2 initial System Transfer. Nintendo says the dedicated process does not require Nintendo Switch Online. Nintendo Support: Animal Crossing: New Horizons Save Data Transfer |
Transfer a selected save between two consoles
- Check the game and account. Confirm the title’s save can be moved using this method. Use the same Nintendo Account on the source and destination users; save data cannot be shared with another user or moved simply by switching to a different account. For cloud backup, check that the game supports it. Nintendo Support: Data Management
- Prepare both systems. Keep the sending and receiving consoles available, connected to the internet, and updated. For a Switch-to-Switch 2 direct save transfer, Nintendo also specifies that the users on both systems use the same Nintendo Account. Nintendo Support: System Transfer / Transfer Save Data to Nintendo Switch 2
- Start the send on the source console. Open System Settings → Data Management → Transfer Your Save Data, select the user and save, then choose the option to send and follow the on-screen prompts.
- Receive on the destination console. Open the same settings path, choose the receive option, and follow the prompts. Read the overwrite notice before confirming: an existing destination save for that game can be replaced. Nintendo’s instructions describe direct transfer as removing the save from the sending console. Nintendo Support: Moving Users and Save Data / Transfer Save Data
Button labels can differ by system generation or software version, so follow the on-screen wording if it is not identical.
Use cloud backup when you need to download a copy
Nintendo Switch Online’s Save Data Cloud lets subscribers back up supported game saves and download a backup on another console using the same Nintendo Account. It is a different workflow from direct transfer: direct transfer moves the save off the source console, while cloud backup provides a stored backup to download. Not every game supports cloud saves, so check the specific title before relying on this option. Nintendo Support: Save Data Cloud · Nintendo Support: Data Management
Animal Crossing: New Horizons needs its own process
Animal Crossing: New Horizons uses one island save shared by users on a console, so moving an individual save through the standard procedure is not the right approach for moving an island. Nintendo provides a dedicated island-transfer process using both consoles and the free island-transfer application; Nintendo says Nintendo Switch Online is not required. The tool supports a whole-island move or a player move, with different constraints, and the island representative cannot be transferred as an individual player. Nintendo Support: Animal Crossing: New Horizons Save Data Transfer
#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
If you are moving to Nintendo Switch 2 during initial setup, Nintendo says System Transfer includes the island save, so you do not need a separate island move in that case. Nintendo Support: System Transfer / Transfer Save Data to Nintendo Switch 2
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What cannot transfer a save
- microSD card: Save data is stored in console memory and cannot be stored or moved on a microSD card.
- Game card: A game card does not hold the save data for transfer.
- A different user or account: Save data is not shareable with another user, and a Nintendo Account linked to a Switch user cannot simply be swapped to another account to move its saves.
Nintendo’s Data Management guidance covers where save data is stored and these limits.
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
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