System Transfer from Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch 2
Information and steps relating to setting up a system transfer from a Nintendo Switch console to a Nintendo Switch 2 console.
Information
Data on a Nintendo Switch console can be transferred to a Nintendo Switch 2 console using a system transfer.
You can perform a system transfer by uploading your Nintendo Switch console data to the server, or using local communication between the source and target consoles. Some, but not all, data can be transferred to a Nintendo Switch 2 console.
Transferable? | |
Digital Software | Yes* |
All Users | Yes |
Save Data | Yes |
Screenshots and Videos | Yes |
System Settings | Yes |
News data | No |
Bluetooth audio settings | No |
Time, time zone, region, language | No** |
*Digital software will be downloaded onto the target Nintendo Switch 2 console after the system transfer and initial console set up is complete. Internet connection is required to complete software downloads.
**This information will be configured manually during initial console setup.
Performing a system transfer from a Nintendo Switch console to a Nintendo Switch 2 console using local communication requires both consoles to be within close proximity to each other to perform the transfer. This method should be used once you have a Nintendo Switch 2 console.
Performing this type of system transfer from a Nintendo Switch console to a Nintendo Switch 2 console will upload the data from the Nintendo Switch console to a dedicated server. The data is stored until it's retrieved by you with a Nintendo Switch 2 console, cancelled and restored to a Nintendo Switch console, or until the storage expiry date has passed.
When using the option to upload your data to the server:
A Nintendo Account is required. The user that performs the system transfer setup will need to sign in to set up the transfer.
After the upload to the server is complete, the source Nintendo Switch console will be restored to factory settings. This deletes all data on the console and resets it to the default state.
If you share the console with multiple users, all user data will be included when completing a system transfer to the server. Ensure that you and all other users are ready to have the console restored to factory settings before completing the system transfer upload.
Once uploaded, the data from the Nintendo Switch console will be stored on the server for up to 1 year. The story expiry date will be displayed when setting up the transfer. You can complete the system transfer to your Nintendo Switch 2 console or cancel the transfer within that time.
What to do
Important: This process is not intended for transferring data from one Nintendo Switch console to another. See How to Transfer Your User Data for transfers between Nintendo Switch consoles.
Select Settings from the HOME Menu.
Select System.
Select System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2.
Select Next.
Select OK.
Select I Don't Have a Nintendo Switch 2 Yet.
Review the on-screen explanation and select Next when prompted.
Take note of the storage expiry date and ensure that you cancel or complete the system transfer before then to keep your data
Select Next on the pop-up when ready to proceed.
You may need to enter in a Verification code for security.
Select Send Data to the Server to perform the system transfer to the server.
Select OK once the upload is complete.
Review the system transfer information.
Select OK.
Select Start Restoring Factory Settings. The Nintendo Switch console will be restored to factory settings and data for all users on the console will be deleted.
Visit the Nintendo Account website.
Select Console.
Select System Transfers.
This section will show any system transfers linked to the Nintendo Account.
Important: The same Nintendo Switch console that set up the system transfer does not need to be used to cancel the system transfer and receive the data. If the system transfer was for a Nintendo Switch – OLED Model console, cancelling must also be done using a Nintendo Switch – OLED Model console.
Power on the Nintendo Switch console.
While the console is in the initial startup sequence, follow prompts until on the time zone selection screen.
Press the Left Stick or Right Stick and the + or - Button on the Joy-Con at the same time. Hold the button for at least two seconds.
Select your time zone and continue to the next screen.
Sign in to the Nintendo Account that set up the server system transfer.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the system transfer data download.
Original system settings will be restored as much as possible.
Actions such as linking a console and/or loading virtual game cards, downloading digital software and linking to the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls smart device app will need to be completed separately, after the console is set up.