Switching to Switch 2 not only gives you access to a ton of new features and games, but it also lets you pick up where you left off with games from your Switch 1 if you want. Even for games you haven’t played in a while, it’s important to protect your old save files in case you ever want to go back and play them.
It’s recommended that one of the first things you do with your new Switch is transfer the data from your Switch 2 , allowing you to pick up where you left off in your old games while still giving you the ability to play new ones. Here’s how to transfer your old Switch 1 data to your new Switch 2.
How to transfer data from switch 1 to switch 2
Before you begin, make sure your Switch 1 is up to date with all current software updates.
Plug in your new Switch 2 using the AC power adapter and follow the on-screen prompts to set up your Switch 2 for the region you live in, language, Wi-Fi, and get the latest software update to make sure the console works. You will then be given the option to transfer your old Switch 1 information to your new Switch 2 , select “Start System Transfer” to get started.
If you’re using a microSD card, you can simply move it from your old Switch to your Switch 2 on the next screen to speed up the process; otherwise, select Skip to continue. Next, you’ll need to link your Switch 2 to your Nintendo Account , which you can do on the system itself or via a QR code that appears on the screen.
Once you have connected your Nintendo Account to your Switch 2, you can begin transferring your data. Plug Switch 1 and Switch 2 into a power source using their AC power cords and place the Switches next to each other. On your Switch 1 , follow these steps to begin the transfer:
- Open System Preferences (gear icon)
- Scroll down the page to the System section at the very bottom.
- Scroll down the menu to the “System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2” option.
After clicking through the confirmation screens, you’ll get a list of saved game data that’s being transferred, not just copied. These save profiles will be removed from your Switch 1 and moved to your Switch 2 ; otherwise, all other data will just be copied. Start the download, and all the data will be moved to your Switch 2. Next, you’ll be given the option to transfer screenshots and videos from your Switch 1 to Switch 2 , but this requires a microSD card to download everything to, and then physically transfer it to your Switch 2 .
Once all of this is complete, your Switch 2 will have all of your save data, and any games you have on Switch 1 will begin downloading to your Switch 2. It’s important to know that this doesn’t erase or reset your Switch 1 , so you’ll have to do that separately.
