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You can move your The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom progress to another Nintendo Switch by transferring the save directly or backing it up with Nintendo Switch Online and downloading it on the destination console. Direct transfer removes the save from the old console; a cloud download overwrites the destination console’s existing save. Check which console has the latest progress before choosing either method.
Choose the right transfer method
| Situation | Recommended method | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| You are replacing the old console and have both systems available | Direct save-data transfer, or user transfer if you are moving the whole profile | Direct transfer removes the save from the source console and overwrites an existing destination save. The same Nintendo Account must be linked to the relevant user on both systems. Nintendo’s transfer instructions |
| You want to keep using both consoles | Save Data Cloud | Requires Nintendo Switch Online. Downloading the cloud save replaces the destination console’s current save. TOTK’s Nintendo listing marks Save Data Cloud as supported. |
| You do not want to use cloud backup | Individual save-data transfer | TOTK supports cloud backup, but you can transfer its save directly instead. Both consoles are needed for the direct transfer. Nintendo’s transfer instructions |
| You are moving from an original Switch to Switch 2 | Either supported transfer route | Follow the console prompts and confirm the save is from the original game or the Switch 2 Edition. Nintendo’s Switch-to-Switch 2 guidance |
For a direct transfer, Nintendo states that the save data is removed from the source console. The transfer is a move, not a way to create a second playable copy. Nintendo Support
Transfer the save directly between consoles
- Connect both consoles to the internet and keep them available during the transfer.
- On each console, open HOME menu → System Settings → Data Management → Transfer Your Save Data.
- Follow the on-screen instructions, selecting the console sending the save and the console receiving it.
- Use the user linked to the same Nintendo Account on both consoles, then select The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom when prompted.
- Review the destination before confirming: if it already has TOTK save data, that data will be overwritten.
If you are replacing the console and want to move a user profile together with its associated save data, Nintendo also offers a user-transfer route. Transfer profiles one at a time if the old console has multiple users. This also moves the user and save data; it does not keep a second copy on the old system. Nintendo’s transfer instructions
Back up to the cloud and download on the new console
TOTK supports Save Data Cloud, and Nintendo Switch Online membership is required. The backup belongs to the Nintendo Account, not to a particular console user; linking the account to multiple users does not create a separate backup for each console. Nintendo’s TOTK listing · Nintendo’s Save Data Cloud guidance
#1 Best Overall
- Enhanced performance and visuals exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2.
- Explore the skies, caves, and vast lands of Hyrule in a massive open-world adventure.
- Wield new and returning abilities to craft solutions, vehicles, and weapons.
- Discover the mystery behind the spreading gloom threatening the kingdom.
- Use the ZELDA NOTES app to share, compare, and earn daily bonuses.
- On the old console, select the user linked to the Nintendo Account that owns the backup.
- Confirm that the latest TOTK save has been backed up. Nintendo supports automatic and manual backup; use the save-data cloud controls for that user and game to check or start a backup.
- On the destination console, add or select a user linked to the same Nintendo Account.
- Open the save-data cloud controls for TOTK and download the backed-up save. The first download for a title must be started manually, even if automatic downloads are enabled.
- Check that the downloaded save is the one you intend to use: it replaces the destination console’s current TOTK save and cannot be undone.
Nintendo says cloud backups become inaccessible if the Nintendo Switch Online membership expires. Renewing within 180 days restores access to previous backups. A user already linked to one Nintendo Account cannot be relinked to a different account. Nintendo’s Save Data Cloud guidance
Do not use a microSD card or game card to move the save
Switch save data is stored in the console’s system memory. It cannot be copied to a microSD card or carried on the game card, and copying the game software does not transfer its save. Packaged and downloaded copies of the same game can generally use the same save data, subject to exceptions; you still need to transfer or download the save itself. Nintendo’s data-management guidance
Rank #2
- The Legend of Zelda - Tears of the Kingdom
Know the Switch 2 Edition save limitation
Nintendo distinguishes the original Switch game from the Switch 2 Edition. The second save file created in the Switch 2 Edition cannot be transferred back to the original Switch version. Do not assume that a save created in that edition can be moved in both directions. Nintendo’s TOTK compatibility page · Nintendo’s Zelda Switch 2 Edition page
Quick Recap
Rank #4
![The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51PuJ83o9KL._SL160_.jpg)
- Ultrahand: Using the new Ultrahand ability, Link can pick up, move, and rotate almost any object, and can even attach objects together to create bridges, vehicles, and more!
- Fuse: Magically fuse almost any object to Link’s current weapon, shield, or arrow to increase durability, damage, or even add a new effect. Experiment with lots of different combinations to come up with surprising—and sometimes hilarious—results!
- Ascend: Add a new dimension to your exploration with Ascend, which gives Link the ability to pass through solid objects above him. Rise up through ceilings, hillsides, and even certain enemies to create seemingly impossible shortcuts.
- Recall: Use Recall to make objects in motion move backward through time, letting Link ride fallen boulders skyward, recover thrown weapons, or send projectiles back where they came from.
Rank #3
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom /Switch
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