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To move one Zelda save when you have both consoles, use Transfer Your Save Data on the original Switch and receive it on Switch 2. The transfer does not require Nintendo Switch Online, but it moves the save: Nintendo says the source copy is deleted. If you are migrating the whole console, restoring a cloud backup, or moving a save into a Switch 2 Edition, use the specific guidance below.

Transfer one Zelda save directly between consoles

This is the most focused option when both consoles are available. Nintendo requires an internet connection on each console, that they be near each other, and that the relevant users be linked to the same Nintendo Account. Nintendo also confirms that a Nintendo Switch Online membership is not required for this feature. See Nintendo’s save-data transfer instructions.

  1. Connect both consoles to the internet, place them near each other, and install any system update either console requests.
  2. On the original Switch, open System Settings > Data Management > Transfer Your Save Data > Send Save Data to Another Console.
  3. Choose the target system type, then select the user and Zelda save you want to send. Confirm the transfer when prompted.
  4. On Switch 2, open the receiving options under Transfer Your Save Data and follow the prompts to receive the save.

Sending the save deletes it from the original Switch. This is a move, not a copy, so do not begin if you need to keep playing that save on the old console.

Choose the method that matches your situation

Method Best for Key requirement or consequence
Transfer Your Save Data Moving one Zelda save while both consoles are available Internet on both consoles, nearby systems, and the same Nintendo Account; source save is deleted. Nintendo Switch Online is not required. Nintendo Support
Local System Transfer Moving broader console data and users to Switch 2 Use when both consoles are available. Nintendo says save data is deleted from the source after completion; read the on-screen retention notices before proceeding. Nintendo’s System Transfer guide
Server System Transfer When the original Switch will be unavailable before Switch 2 setup Uploading initializes the old Switch. Retrieve or cancel the stored transfer before the Download Deadline shown onscreen; Nintendo says the data is stored for up to one year. Retrieval is part of Switch 2 initial setup. Nintendo’s System Transfer guide
Save Data Cloud Restoring a Zelda save that was backed up to Nintendo’s cloud Requires an active Nintendo Switch Online membership and a relevant backup; downloading can replace the destination’s local save. Nintendo’s Save Data Cloud information

When to use System Transfer instead

Both consoles are with you

Choose local System Transfer during Switch 2 setup if you want a broader migration that includes users and other console data, rather than only one Zelda save. It is a different process from the individual-save menu, and Nintendo says saves are deleted from the source after completion. Read the data-retention notices shown during setup and verify what you need before confirming. Nintendo’s System Transfer instructions

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#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
  • Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
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The original Switch will be unavailable

Nintendo offers a server System Transfer for this situation. Uploading the old console’s data initializes that Switch, so use this only when the source will no longer be available and local transfer is not practical. The stored transfer must be downloaded or canceled before the onscreen Download Deadline. Nintendo says it can be stored for up to one year, and retrieval takes place during Switch 2 initial setup. Nintendo’s System Transfer instructions

Restore a cloud backup carefully

Cloud restore works only if the Zelda save has been backed up and you have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership. Nintendo says Switch game backups can be shared between Switch and Switch 2 when the same Nintendo Account is used. Nintendo’s Save Data Cloud information

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Before downloading, compare the backup timestamp with the save currently on Switch 2. A download can replace the destination’s local save, so choose the backup only if it contains the progress you want to keep.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Editions

Nintendo confirms that saves from the original Switch versions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom can be carried over and used in their respective Switch 2 Editions. Nintendo also says those Switch 2 Editions support cloud save data. Nintendo’s Switch 2 FAQ

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There is an important one-way limitation: each Switch 2 Edition has a second save slot, but a save made in that second slot cannot be transferred back to the original Switch version. That restriction is stated on Nintendo’s product pages for Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. The confirmation here applies to those named editions; for another Zelda title, use the individual transfer menu and check that game’s official support information rather than assuming its edition behaves identically.

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  • Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
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