TheNintendo Switch 2console has systems in place that allow you to transfer data from your originalSwitch, including save files for games, digital software, screenshots, videos, and more. Many of theSwitch 2’s features are backward-compatible with the firstSwitch, creating a strong compatibility between the two handheld devices. With two distinct ways to share data, you have multiple options to transfer content.
After you download theDay 1 update for theSwitch 2, you can start getting data from your previousSwitchwithout issue. One of the biggest benefits from data transfer is theability to download digital gamesyou owned on the originalSwitch. Doing this carries over your save data, giving you a way to play where you left off with the hardware upgrades that come with theSwitch 2.
How Switch 2 Wireless System Transfer Works
Have Both Consoles Close To One Another For Sharing Data
One method used for transferring data is tohave both yourSwitchandSwitch 2consoles close together to initiate a wireless system transfer. Through the settings of theSwitch 2, there is an option to do a full"System Transfer"once you have both consoles set up and ready. This process takes around 10 minutes to complete, but you need to have both handheld devices in proximity and activated to make this work.
The"System Transfer"shows up as you aresetting up yourSwitch 2, after you enter basic information like your region, wifi, and any software updates.Press"Start System Transfer"to begin sharing data, but only do this once you have both yourSwitch 2andSwitchplugged into a power source. This prevents them from dying from a lack of battery power, which could cause you to lose enormous amounts of data.
Anyone with a microSD on their originalSwitchcan simply transfer it to theirSwitch 2during the"System Transfer"phase to move all their data. This is mainly used to transfer screenshots and video captures by manually ejecting the microSD from yourSwitchbefore plugging it into yourSwitch 2.
Once you have your twoSwitchconsoles set up, follow these steps to transfer data wirelessly between both systems:
Some save profiles that you transfer to yourSwitch 2will be deleted from your originalSwitch, so choose what you want to move carefully. Most data will be moved through local communication, but you won’t see it until you restart yourSwitch 2after the transfer. When doing the System Transfer, the console will warn you which games will be removed from theSwitchfor theSwitch 2, which you must acknowledge to complete the process.
How Uploading Switch System Data Works
Use Secure Servers To Transfer Data
If you don’t have your originalSwitchconsole near you for a wireless transfer, there is another method you can use to share its data. You have the option touploadSwitchdata into a dedicated server for safe keeping, transferring your data to be downloaded later. This process causes your originalSwitchto be"initialized,“or factory reset while all other data is deleted.
This option carries some risk, as anything you don’t upload into a server will be removed permanently when yourSwitchresets. Similar to the wireless transfer, you still need an Internet Connection and access to your Nintendo Account to follow this process. Thankfully, you don’t need topurchase Switch Online for theSwitch 2to make this type of transfer possible.
Once you transfer yourSwitchsystem data through an upload onto a server, you have one year to move that information to yourSwitch 2console. You will be given a"Deadline Date"to help you remember what timeframe you have to complete the process.
When your data is on an online server, you can transfer its contents to yourSwitch 2whenever you choose within a certain time window. On the other hand,you can choose to cancel the transfer at any point, returning the data to yourSwitch. This can be a good way to store information prior to a wireless transfer, especially if you are struggling to find where you put yourSwitchin the first place.
Everything That Carries Over To Switch 2
Move Over Account Profiles And Important Game Data
A variety of data gets transferred from theSwitchto yourSwitch 2, not just the save data of games. Once you use any System Transfer feature, here’s what you can move from one console to the other:
When you transfer digital games onto theSwitch 2from your originalSwitch, they must be re-downloaded before you’re able to start playing them.
Compatible games, both physical and digital, can have their save data completely moved from the previous console to its sequel. However,some selectSwitchgames can be upgraded to theirSwitch 2versionsonce transferred. Some games have image quality, smoother framerates, or additional features and modes on theSwitch 2, but you have to pay for upgrade packs to transform your moved content into their upgraded versions.
Existing Nintendo Switch Online memberships carry over onto yourSwitch 2, bringing the new GameChat feature with it for the new console. Parental Controls from the smart device app work very similarly to how it worked on the originalSwitch, allowing you to check a child’s playtime, who they chat with, etc. New settings on theSwitch 2give you more settings for Parental Controls to guide your child’s experience further.
Compatible games also still work with the originalSwitchJoy Cons and Pro Controllers, giving you ways to still use existing controllers for your favorite titles. You don’t need to transfer data to yourNintendo Switch 2console to make some older controllers work forSwitch 2games as well, making the new console’s library even easier to explore.
