Save Data and Multiplayer Support FAQ (Animal Crossing: New Horizons)

Applies to:  Nintendo Switch Family, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, Nintendo Switch - OLED Model

General Questions answered below:

• How many players can share a single island?

• How many users can play together?

• When multiple players live on one island, does everyone have access to the same places and items?

• Is there a way to create multiple islands?

• If I purchase a second system, can I transfer the save file (island data) to a different console?

• Is this game compatible with Save Data Cloud?

• What is an island backup?

• What do I need to enable island backup?

• How do I enable island backup?

• When do island backups happen?

• Can I disable island backup after it is enabled?

• How do I restore data from my island backup?

• What is transferred to the new system with a full island transfer?

• What is transferred to the new system when a resident moves?

How many players can share a single island ?

Up to eight players can live on one shared island, using the same Nintendo Switch system, and one game.

How many users can play together?

Up to eight players can live on the same island within each game. With one Nintendo Switch system and one game, up to four people can play on the same island simultaneously (additional accessories required).Additionally, up to eight people can play together on one island via local wireless or online play. Local wireless play and online play require one system and one game per player. For online play, a Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account are required.

When multiple players live on one island, does everyone have access to the same places and items?

There are some tasks on the island that the Resident Representative (first resident on the island) must complete before the related features will be open to other players. For example, only the Resident Representative can receive and set up Blathers’ museum tent. Once the tent is in place, all island residents can donate items to the museum. It is not possible to reassign the Resident Representative role to another player. If certain places or items in the game aren’t available for island residents, have the Resident Representative progress to the point where the item or feature is available for them, then try again.

Is there a way to create multiple islands?

You can only create one island per Nintendo Switch system, even if you use multiple games. A different system is required to create a different island. The island save data is saved on the Nintendo Switch system, so there will only be one island (save file), even if different games are used on the same system.

If I purchase a second system, can I transfer the save file (island data) to a different console?

After updating your Animal Crossing: New Horizons software to the latest version, you will be able to transfer your island save data or individual resident to a new Nintendo Switch system. See How to Transfer Animal Crossing: New Horizons Save Data for full details on the different options to transfer save data. Additionally, if you have backed up your island data on your first Nintendo Switch system and lost access to it, you will be able to restore it on your second system. For instructions, see How to Back Up and Restore Island Save Data.

Is this game compatible with Save Data Cloud?

This game does not support the Save Data Cloud functionality of Nintendo Switch Online. However, after you update the game to version 1.4.0 or later, you will have the ability to enable island backup in the event of console failure, loss, or theft. This feature is available to those with an active Nintendo Switch Online membership. For more information, see How to Backup and Restore Island Save Data (Animal Crossing: New Horizons).

What is an island backup?

Island backup saves your island data and progress to our servers in the event you lose access to your Nintendo Switch system. If this happens, you can restore your island on a replacement Nintendo Switch system. Island backup is not enabled by default, so you will need to enable it in the in-game settings. For more information, see How to Backup and Restore Island Save Data (Animal Crossing: New Horizons).

What do I need to enable island backup?

To enable island backup, you need a Nintendo Account that has an active Nintendo Switch Online membership and that has created a resident on the island. Only one island resident can enable island backup, but the island data and progress will be backed up for all players in the event it needs to be restored.

How do I enable island backup?

For steps to enable island backup, see How to Backup and Restore Island Save Data (Animal Crossing: New Horizons).

When do island backups happen?

After island backup is enabled, your island data is saved periodically when your Nintendo Switch system is connected to the internet and no one is playing the game on your system. The last time your island was backed up will be displayed in the bottom-left corner of the title screen

Can I disable island backup after it is enabled?

Yes. After island backup is enabled, it can be disabled by the same user that enabled it in the in-game settings. For more information, see How to Backup and Restore Island Save Data (Animal Crossing: New Horizons).

How do I restore data from my island backup?

If you have replaced your Nintendo Switch system after it was lost or broken, you can restore you island data using the same Nintendo Account that enabled island backup. For more information, see How to Backup and Restore Island Save Data (Animal Crossing: New Horizons).

What is transferred to the new system with a full island transfer?

When a full island transfer is completed, all island save data, progress, animal neighbors, residents, and resident's inventory and homes are transferred to the new system. No Animal Crossing: New Horizons save data will remain on the original system.

What is transferred to the new system when a resident moves?

When a resident moves to an island on a new Nintendo Switch system, only data and items related to that resident is transferred. The table below shows what is transferred and what is not transferred.