Nintendo Switch 2 system transfer explained: How to move your Switch 1 data to the new console

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If you’ve recently acquired a Nintendo Switch 2 and wish to transfer data from your previous device, here’s how you can do it.

You got a new Nintendo Switch 2, and you want to move data from your old one. Here’s how!

One initial task you might find useful upon getting your new Switch 2 is transferring your accumulated games and saved data from the past eight years to continue enjoying them seamlessly on your latest device.

I’ll guide you through each stage as we go along, ensuring a smooth transition of your system. Let’s dive right in!

Nintendo Switch 2 system transfer explained: How to move your Switch 1 data to the new console

Before diving into the game transfer, here are some essential tasks I should complete first to ensure a smooth transition:

1. Backup my current progress: Saving my current game state is crucial to avoid losing any hard-earned achievements or items.
2. Check system requirements: To ensure compatibility with the new platform, it’s important to verify that my device meets the necessary hardware and software specifications.
3. Research in-app purchases: If I’ve made any in-game purchases, I should double-check if they will carry over or need to be repurchased on the new game version.
4. Read up on tips and tricks for the new platform: To get the most out of my gaming experience, I should familiarize myself with any unique features or strategies that are popular on the new platform.
5. Plan my play schedule: Transferring games can be time-consuming, so it’s a good idea to set aside dedicated time to complete the process without interruptions.

Ensure that your Nintendo Account login details are readily available, and that you’re logged in to your account on both devices.

As a gamer, I always make sure my Nintendo Switch is running smoothly by keeping it updated with the newest system software. And when it comes to getting the most out of my new Nintendo Switch 2, I don’t want to miss a beat – that’s why I download the day-one patch right off the bat!

To finish up, ensure that both devices are fully powered and preferably connected to a charger to prevent them from losing power during the process. Once everything is set, you can proceed with the transfer.

Transferring your Switch 1 data to a Switch 2 console

To initiate the process, navigate first to the System Settings on your Nintendo Switch 1. Then, look for the ‘System’ option and continue scrolling until you find ‘System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2’.

Choose this alternative and navigate through the subsequent menus detailing the transfer procedure until you get the message instructing you to keep the Nintendo Switch 2 device nearby.

Arrange your two consoles side by side, then choose ‘Finish’. The consoles will establish a connection with each other and initiate the data transfer procedure.

As a gamer, I’d put it like this: “I’ll need about half an hour for this setup process, but don’t let that keep you from exploring or taking a breather. Once the time’s up, my game data will be neatly tucked away on the new console, just waiting for me to pick up where I left off.

Transferring your Switch 1 data to Nintendo’s servers

If you haven’t received your new Nintendo Switch 2 yet but would like to transfer your data ahead of time, you can do so by uploading it onto Nintendo’s server for safekeeping.

Obey the guidelines given previously, until directed otherwise to always keep your Nintendo Switch 2 nearby. However, if asked, kindly state that you do not possess the Nintendo Switch 2 console yet.

Continue through the menus until you’re met with the option to ‘Send Data to the Server’.

heads up gamers! When you transfer your game saves to Nintendo’s servers on your Switch 1, know that it’ll wipe clean and reset back to its original state. Once the deed is done, there’s no turning back.

After you’ve uploaded your data, it will remain accessible for download from Nintendo servers for a year. You can manage this data, such as re-downloading it to your Nintendo Switch 1 if needed, directly through your Nintendo Account on my.nintendo.com.

Upon unboxing my brand new Switch 2, I’ll walk through the setup process until I hit the point where I can opt to retrieve my saved game data directly from Nintendo’s servers.

If you’ve utilized the identical Nintendo Account for both devices, you can opt for downloading the data, which effectively simulates a direct transfer from your Switch 1.

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2025-06-05 19:34