Completing the Transfer of System Data from Switch 1 to Switch 2

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If you’re planning to transition from your original Nintendo Switch to the new Nintendo Switch 2, you’ll want to take advantage of its System Transfer feature to smoothly move your games and data over. Here’s some useful information to get you started.

The process is pretty straightforward, so you shouldn’t run into too many issues. That said, it’s good to be aware of potential challenges. We’ve gone through the steps, so here’s what you need to know to initiate a System Transfer to your Switch 2.

Preparing Your Switch and Switch 2 for System Transfer

Before you start, make sure both your Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 are up to date with the latest firmware. You’ll also need to be logged into your Nintendo Account on both devices.

Your new Switch 2 should be ready to go right out of the box, as it automatically installs updates the first time you connect to the internet. For your original Switch, check the System Settings menu for the option ‘System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2.’ If you see it, you’re good to go; if not, you may need to perform a system update.

Important: You need to choose the System Transfer option when setting up your Nintendo Switch 2 for the first time. If you miss this step, you can reset your Switch 2 to get the prompt again. Alternatively, you can convert your Switch games to Switch 2 ‘Virtual Cards’ when you re-download your games. Also, you can access cloud-saved data, but be aware that not all games support this feature, and you’ll need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.

Make sure both consoles are positioned close to each other, ideally side by side on a flat surface, for the best setup.

Steps for the System Transfer

The transfer process will typically take about ten minutes, but it might take longer if your internet connection isn’t stable or if many users are transferring their data at the same time, which is common right after a new console launch.

Select the ‘System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2’ option. You’ll see a notification that your save data for specific games will be fully transferred, meaning you won’t be able to access those save files on your original Switch afterward.

And that’s it! The procedure is quite simple.