How to transfer your data from Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo's two transfer methods — console to console, or via Nintendo's server — step by step, with what is and isn't moved.
Moving to Switch 2? Nintendo's system transfer copies your users, save data and settings — but it only works during the Switch 2's initial setup. This guide follows Nintendo's support pages, linked below.
What you need
- A Nintendo Switch 2 that is still in initial setup
- An internet connection on both consoles
- Both consoles updated to the latest system version
- A Nintendo Account linked to the user who starts the transfer
- For the local method: both consoles next to each other
Read this first
- If the console is shared, every user's data is transferred — tell everyone first.
- You cannot transfer back from Switch 2 to Switch.
- Not transferred: Bluetooth audio devices and settings, custom button mappings, and time, time zone, region and language.
- Digital games are redownloaded after setup rather than copied (you can turn this off and download them later).
- With the local method, save data for unlinked users, or for games without Save Data Cloud support, is deleted from the old Switch after the transfer.
- Transfers are not possible during network maintenance.
Step by step
- 1
Prepare both consoles
Connect both consoles to the internet, update both to the latest system version, and keep them close together.
- 2
Start setup on Nintendo Switch 2
Turn on the Switch 2 and go through initial setup until you reach the System Transfer screen. Connect to the internet and update when asked.
- 3
Select Start System Transfer
On the Switch 2, select Start System Transfer. Insert a microSD Express card now if you want to use one, or skip this.
- 4
Sign in
Sign in with the Nintendo Account linked to the user who will start the transfer on the original Switch, keep both consoles nearby and select Done.
- 5
Open System Transfer on the original Switch
On the original Switch, open Settings → System → System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2 and select Next. If a message says preinstalled software is unregistered, register that game through the Nintendo eShop first.
- 6
Choose your options
When the Switch 2 is nearby and ready, select Done, then choose whether to redownload software and whether to transfer album data (screenshots and videos).
- 7
Connect the consoles
Select Next on the original Switch and wait for the consoles to connect, then select Start Download on the Switch 2.
- 8
Finish
The Switch 2 restarts after receiving the data and completes the transfer. Finish setup on it, and select OK on the original Switch.
- 9
No old Switch on hand? Use the server
On the old Switch go to Settings → System → System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2, choose the option saying you don't have the Switch 2 yet, note the Download Deadline, select Upload Data, then Start Initialization. The old Switch is reset to factory settings, and the data is kept for up to one year. Then start a system transfer during the Switch 2's initial setup with the same Nintendo Account. If you already finished setup on the Switch 2, you must initialize it and set it up again.
Platforms
Topics
Keep exploring
More in Gaming-
Zelda: Ocarina of Time is reborn on Nintendo Switch 2 on November 5
Nintendo's remake adds overhauled visuals, orchestral music, fully voiced cutscenes and a new camera — exclusively on Switch 2.
-
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2 arrives October 14, Switch 2 version later
Auroch Digital's retro shooter sequel launches on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, with a Nintendo Switch 2 version confirmed to follow.
-
Monster Hunter Wilds comes to Nintendo Switch 2 on December 4
The Switch 2 version includes every title update and full cross-platform multiplayer; the Ascendance expansion follows in 2027.
