Choose the transfer method based on what you’re moving and which console you’re moving to. A user transfer moves a profile and its associated data; a save-data transfer moves a game save; supported cloud saves can be downloaded to another console; and Nintendo Switch 2 offers a whole-system transfer during its initial setup. These methods do not all move the same data, and save transfers can remove the source copy.
Choose the right transfer method
| Method | What it moves | When to use it | Source-console result |
|---|---|---|---|
| User Transfer | A user, linked Nintendo Account, user settings, friends, play activity, and associated save data | Moving to another Nintendo Switch family console when you want the user and associated data moved together | Use Nintendo’s transfer flow; some saves are exceptions. See Nintendo’s Switch transfer guidance. |
| Save Data Transfer | A selected game’s save data only | Moving one save between consoles, including to Switch 2 after its initial setup | The transferred save is removed from the source; an existing target save for that game is overwritten. See Nintendo’s save-data transfer instructions. |
| Save Data Cloud | The latest cloud-backed save for a supported game | Keeping both consoles and downloading a supported save to another console | The source console is not the transfer target; cloud support varies by game. See Nintendo’s Save Data Cloud guidance. |
| Switch 2 whole-system transfer | Saves and other system data and settings described by Nintendo’s process | Moving from Switch-family hardware to Switch 2 during Switch 2’s initial setup | Source-data handling depends on the transfer route; local transfer is recommended when keeping the old console. See Nintendo’s Switch 2 transfer guidance. |
For a standard Switch-to-Switch replacement, use User Transfer if you want the user and associated information moved together. Use Save Data Transfer for an individual game save, or cloud download if you’re keeping both consoles and the game supports it. For Switch-to-Switch 2, use whole-system transfer during initial setup; if setup is already complete, use the save-data transfer route for eligible saves.
Move a user to another Switch-family console
Nintendo’s user-transfer process is intended for moving a user and associated data to another console in the Nintendo Switch family. Before starting, have both consoles available, connect them to the internet, update their system software, and ensure the source user is linked to the Nintendo Account you intend to move. Keep the consoles connected to AC power while transferring. Follow the prompts in Nintendo’s user-transfer instructions, since menu names can vary by system language and software version.
This is not a promise that every kind of console data moves. Nintendo distinguishes transferable from non-transferable items, and some game saves have special rules. Screenshots, video captures, microSD contents, and other setup tasks should be handled separately rather than assumed to be included.
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- 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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Transfer one game save
On a Nintendo Switch-family console, open HOME Menu → System Settings → Data Management → Transfer Your Save Data, then follow the on-screen prompts to send or receive a save. For this method, the corresponding users on the two consoles must use the same Nintendo Account, and both consoles need an internet connection. Nintendo’s step-by-step instructions cover the sending and receiving flows.
- It is a move, not a backup: Nintendo removes the transferred save from the source console.
- The destination save can be replaced: If a save for that game already exists on the destination, the transfer overwrites it.
- Some titles are exceptions: A game may not allow transfer through the general save-data feature. Check the title’s current official support information before proceeding.
Use Save Data Cloud if you’re keeping both consoles
Nintendo Switch Online Save Data Cloud lets you download a backed-up save to another console for games that support the feature. It is useful when you want to keep using both consoles, rather than move a save off the original with a direct transfer. Cloud support is not universal: check the specific game’s eShop product information or Nintendo’s Save Data Cloud support page. For a game without cloud saves, use direct save-data transfer where the title permits it.
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Transfer from Switch to Switch 2
During Switch 2 initial setup: whole-system transfer
Nintendo Switch 2 has a whole-system transfer option during initial setup. Nintendo describes local communication as the direct route for sending saves and various settings from Switch-family hardware to the new Switch 2. If you intend to continue using the old console, Nintendo recommends local transfer; its guidance says data remains on that console in that case. Other transfer circumstances can involve data being deleted from the source, so check Nintendo’s current Switch 2 transfer steps before choosing a route.
Nintendo also documents a temporary server-upload option for people who must give up the source console before they have the destination. Because whole-system transfer is tied to initial setup, choose the appropriate route before completing Switch 2 setup. Nintendo’s overview describes whole-system transfer as sending save data and various settings together to a new Switch 2 using local communication; it should not be confused with the standard Switch User Transfer procedure.
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After Switch 2 setup: transfer an eligible save
If Switch 2 initial setup is already complete, Nintendo provides a separate save-data transfer route. Both consoles must be connected to the internet, and the corresponding users must be logged in with the same Nintendo Account. This moves a save, deleting it from the source; some titles cannot use the ordinary transfer feature. Follow Nintendo’s Switch 2 save-transfer instructions for the current steps and title limitations.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Handle Animal Crossing: New Horizons separately
Animal Crossing: New Horizons stores one island save per console, shared by that console’s users. The ordinary user-transfer and save-data-transfer functions cannot move this shared island save. Use Nintendo’s dedicated Animal Crossing: New Horizons Save Data Transfer service to move an island or eligible player data; the Island Representative cannot be transferred as an individual player.
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If you use Switch 2 whole-system transfer, Nintendo says the island save transfers as part of that process, so a separate island transfer is not needed for that route.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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Check what still needs attention after the transfer
- Confirm that the intended user can sign in and access their games and saves on the destination.
- Move or review screenshots and video captures separately; do not assume they were included in the user or save transfer.
- Check microSD card contents and follow Nintendo’s guidance for using the card with the new console.
- Complete any Virtual Game Card setup and game-specific steps listed in Nintendo’s replacement-console checklist.
- Keep the old console until you have checked the destination. Before selling, giving away, or disposing of the old console, Nintendo advises initializing it and removing the microSD card. Initialization erases console data, and software data stored on the card becomes unusable.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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