What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
If you still have both consoles, transfer your Zelda save directly through System Settings > Data Management > Transfer Your Save Data. This individual transfer does not require Nintendo Switch Online, but it moves the save: Nintendo deletes it from the old console. If the old console is gone, cloud recovery is possible only when that specific game edition has a prior backup and you have an eligible Nintendo Switch Online membership.
Choose the right transfer method
| Your situation | Best route | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Both consoles are available and you only want to move a Zelda save | Transfer Your Save Data | Moves the selected save between nearby consoles; Nintendo Switch Online is not required. The save is removed from the source console. Nintendo’s individual save-transfer instructions |
| You are replacing a console and want to migrate a user profile, associated saves, and purchases | Transfer Your User Data | This is a broader migration, not just a Zelda save transfer. The transferred user and associated data are no longer available on the source after completion. Nintendo’s user-transfer instructions |
| The old console is unavailable | Download a Save Data Cloud backup | Works only if the exact game edition supports cloud saves, a backup was made, and the correct Nintendo Account and an eligible Nintendo Switch Online membership are available. The download replaces the target save. Nintendo’s cloud-backup download instructions |
Move one Zelda save between consoles
Nintendo’s nearby transfer moves a selected save and is available even for games that do not support Save Data Cloud. You need both consoles, an internet connection, and users linked to the same Nintendo Account. See Nintendo’s requirements and instructions.
- Update both consoles and connect them to the internet. Keep the systems near each other during the transfer.
- Check that the user associated with the Zelda save is linked to the same Nintendo Account on both consoles.
- On the old console, open System Settings > Data Management > Transfer Your Save Data > Send Save Data to Another Console.
- Choose the user and Zelda save you want to send. On the new console, follow the prompts to receive the save.
- Wait for the transfer to finish. The sent save is deleted from the old console; this process does not leave a second copy there.
Recover a save when the old console is gone
Cloud recovery depends on the exact Zelda game and edition, not just the series name. Nintendo says cloud saves are available for the vast majority of Switch and Switch 2 games; check the game’s product information or eShop listing for compatibility rather than assuming every Zelda release supports it. A cloud download also requires a backup that was uploaded earlier, the Nintendo Account used for that backup, and an eligible Nintendo Switch Online membership. Nintendo’s Save Data Cloud FAQ.
- On the new console, sign in with the Nintendo Account associated with the original save.
- Confirm the exact game edition supports Save Data Cloud and that a backup exists for it.
- Before downloading, inspect the save currently on the new console. Nintendo warns that downloading a backup replaces that game’s existing target save, and the overwritten data cannot be recovered. Review Nintendo’s download guidance.
- Download the backup using Nintendo’s cloud-save instructions. If there is no compatible backup, cloud recovery cannot restore the old console’s save.
Know the Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Edition limitation
Nintendo’s Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition product page says the edition supports Save Data Cloud. It also warns that the second save file created in that Switch 2 Edition cannot be transferred to the original Nintendo Switch version of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom to play. This limitation is specifically about that second file and that transfer direction; it should not be applied to every Zelda title or every transfer between Switch versions.
#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
When to migrate the whole user instead
If you are moving to a replacement console and want the profile, associated saves, and purchases moved together, Nintendo documents Transfer Your User Data as a separate, broader option. Use it only when that scope fits what you want: the transferred user and associated data are no longer available on the source once the migration completes. Nintendo’s guidance also says the target console cannot already have more than seven users and needs enough internal memory for transferred data. Those are requirements for user migration, not for the individual save-transfer steps above. Nintendo’s user-transfer instructions.
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.
