How to transfer Nintendo Switch data to Switch 2

💡Need to know

• Head straight for the PS5 VRR settings. To toggle on VRR on your PS5®, go to Settings > Screen and Video.
• Make sure you have the right setup. Both your console and your display must support VRR.
• Time to plug in. You'll need an HDMI 2.1 cable to handle higher refresh rates and keep everything looking sharp.
• Don't forget to check Apply to Unsupported Games. Not every game supports VRR, but that doesn't mean it can't make them look smoother.

You've just unboxed your shiny new Nintendo Switch® 2, and you're ready to curl up for a long gaming session. But you've already put so many hours into your original Switch. Characters, rewards, skins, friends you haven't seen in person in months... You're not ready to leave it all behind yet.

Luckily, starting with a new console doesn't mean starting your games from scratch. At Asurion, we know a console upgrade is a lot more exciting when your progress comes with you. Here's how to bring your Switch data over to Switch 2 and pick up where you left off.

What you need before you start your Switch 2 system transfer

It's easy to switch (pardon the pun) your data between Nintendo consoles. Here's what you'll need:

• The source console and target console, both charged and placed within 10 feet of each other
• A wireless router or a mobile hot spot that meets Nintendo's high-speed Wi-Fi connection requirements
• A Nintendo Switch Online membership for cloud saves (optional)

The Switch 2 will prompt you for a software update early in the setup process. Be sure to approve it for a smooth transfer.

How to move your data between consoles

A Nintendo Switch system transfer only takes a few minutes. Here's how to do it:

1. During the initial console setup for your Switch 2, tap Begin System Transfer.
2. Enter the same username and password on the Nintendo Account sign-in screen for both consoles.
3. Plug the two consoles into their original AC adapters and place them right next to each other. Tap Done.
4. On your original Switch, tap System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2and follow the on-screen prompts.
5. Wait for the transfer to complete before you turn off either console.

What transfers automatically (and what doesn't)

Transferring data between your consoles can help you get more out of your new Switch 2. Instead of starting with a blank slate, you can move over:

• Your user profile
• Save data, like all the creatures you nabbed in Pokémon Legends: Arceus®
• Your Nintendo Account link
• Digital purchases

In most cases, you can play Switch 1 games on Switch 2. This involves a digital game re-download instead of an instant transfer, so be patient.

Only microSD Express cards are compatible with Switch 2. If your original console uses an older microSD card, you can't use it to carry over data.

A transfer doesn't replace the need for resetting your original Switch before you sell or pass it on. Only a factory reset will completely erase your personal data.

Fixing common Nintendo Switch transfer problems

Here are a few snags you might run into and how to fix them:

• The transfer stalls or fails. Make sure both consoles are still connected to Wi-Fi and placed right next to each other, then try again.
• You're missing save data. Make sure you're logged into the same Nintendo Account on both consoles. If you've backed up the original data to the cloud, you can also download it directly to your new device.
• Some games didn't transfer over. Large games may take several hours to finish re-downloading, so check back later. In some cases, you may need to visit the eShop library to download a game again.
• Your Switch 2 won't detect your old microSD card. To troubleshoot a microSD card your Switch won't recognize, make sure it's supported. Sometimes, restarting the Switch™ can also help it detect your card.

FAQ

Do I need Nintendo Switch Online to transfer my save data?

No, you can transfer your data directly between the consoles via a local Wi-Fi connection. You only need a Nintendo Switch Online membership if you want to download saved data from the cloud.

Will I lose my save data when I transfer to Switch 2?

You won't lose any data, but it will move completely from the Switch to Switch 2. That means you won't be able to access it anymore on your old console, so make sure you don't want to use it anymore.

How much is a Nintendo Switch 2?

In the United States, a Nintendo Switch 2 costs $499.99.

Can I still use my original Switch after transferring my data?

You can continue using your original Switch, but you'll need to start fresh. That's because your user profile and other data have been moved to the new console.