• What system data can be transferred to Switch 2?
• What system data can't be transferred to Switch 2?
• How to prepare for a system data transfer
• How to transfer system data to Switch 2
• How transfer system data early for Switch 2

What system data can be transferred to Switch 2?

Below you'll find what system data can be transferred onto the Switch 2 as detailed on the official Nintendo UK website:

• Digital Software
• Downloaded onto Switch 2 after system data transfer and initial setup is complete. It does require an Internet connection.
• All Users
• Includes user settings, signed-in Nintendo Accounts, friends, play activity and information on users you've played with.
• Save Data
• Save data supported by Save Data Cloud backup for users linked to a Nintendo Account will remain on the home console and will also be copied onto the Switch 2.
• Save data for accounts not linked to a Nintendo Account and / or not supported by Save Data Cloud backup will be deleted from the home console after transferring.
• The save data on the home console will be deleted after the transfer and it will be returned to its factory settings.
• Screenshots and Videos
• Ones stored in the system memory will be transferred. Screenshots and videos stored on a MicroSD card can either be transferred onto the Switch prior to transfer or uploaded onto a PC using an SD card reader.
• Registered network devices, Parental Controls and Mii data
• Status as a console that can use virtual game cards
• Link with Nintendo Switch Parental Controls smart device app
• Pass-enabled console status
• Order of software icons on Home Menu and software group settings

As you can see transferring the system data is the only way to ensure the save data for games in the Pokémon franchise and Animal Crossing: New Horizons, along with others like Dark Souls Remastered, can be safely transferred onto the Switch 2. The downside is that you'll no longer be able to play on those specific save files on your old home console.

What system data can't be transferred to Switch 2?

Here is the system data which can't be transferred over to the Switch 2:

• Bluetooth audio settings
• Controller button mappings
• Time, including time zone
• Region
• Language
• News

It's also important to note that there's no option to transfer a single user. Due to this, if you're transferring system data to a Switch 2, you're going to transfer all of the accounts on your original console.

If you do want to transfer one account, then we recommend creating a new user on the Nintendo Switch 2 and connecting it to your Nintendo Account. After which, you'll have to manually transfer over all of your chosen games and save data.

How to prepare for a system data transfer: System data transfer requirements

Before you transfer system data onto the Switch 2, it's important to ensure you're properly prepared. This isn't as scary as it sounds, but it will help ensure your system data transfer completes without any issues

(Note: In the list below, we've referred to the console you're transferring the system data from as the home console.)

What you need to prepare:

• Home Nintendo Switch or Switch 2 console
• A user account on the home console linked to a Nintendo Account
• Home console is updated to the latest system version
• A destination Switch 2 console
• AC Power Adapter for both consoles
• Working internet connection

It's important to ensure both your home and destination consoles are fully charged before undertaking the system data transfer. We recommend having both powered by the AC Power Adapters to ensure there's no loss of power on either console during the process.

Secondly, if you're a fan of taking screenshots or videos on the Switch then you might want to ensure your favourites are stored on the Switch console itself. This is because the Switch 2 is only compatible with microSD Express cards and you'll potentially lose access to these files unless you upload them to a PC using an SD card reader.

Finally, it is possible to transfer your system data before getting your Switch 2. We cover this process further along in the guide, but a quick summary is that you'll basically place the data in Nintendo's online storage. Once you have your Switch 2, you'll then be able to transfer it onto your new console. Just make sure you truly want to do this - the process will return your current console to its factory settings. Again, we cover this in more detail further along in the guide.

How to transfer system data to Switch 2

If you want to transfer system data onto your Switch 2, then you'll do so when completing the initial setup steps for your new console. We recommend ensuring you're properly prepared as we've outlined above before doing so to save yourself some time.

(Note: In the instructions below, we've referred to the console you're transferring the system data from as the home console.)

You begin the transfer process on Nintendo Switch 2:

1. Turn on the Switch 2.
2. Complete the initial set up instructions for the console, which will include connecting to the Internet.
3. Select 'Begin System Transfer' when prompted.
4. If you have a microSD Express card, then enter it when prompted. This will cause the console to momentarily reset.
5. You can skip this step if you don't have this memory card.
6. Sign into the same Nintendo Account as the one on the console you wish to transfer the system data from.
7. Select 'Next'.
8. Place the consoles next to each other.

At this point, you need to switch over to your home console (either Switch or Switch 2):

1. Ensure the home console is connected to the Internet.
2. Select 'Settings' from the Home menu.
3. Select 'System' from the left-hand menu.
4. Select 'System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2'. It's located at the bottom of the 'System' menu.
5. Select 'Next'. This screen will also tell you what save data stored on your home console will be transferred to the Switch 2. This can include games from the Pokémon franchise and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
6. Select 'OK'.
7. Select 'Done' after ensuring the home console is close to the Switch 2.

Once these steps have been completed, you'll need to wait for the consoles to connect.

The Switch 2 will then reset after the data has been received and complete the transfer after said reset.

Once the system data transfer is complete, you continue with setting up your Switch 2!

Just keep in mind that your system data no longer exists on the old home console. You can still use this console and should still be logged into your Nintendo Account, but any save data stored on the console (for Pokémon games etc.) will have transferred to the Switch 2. You should still be able to access your Nintendo Cloud saves, but may need to redownload certain games and updates.

How transfer system data early for Switch 2

There is a way to prepare your system data for transferring if you don't have a Switch 2. It's important to note, however, this process will return your current console to its factory settings. This is because you'll be storing it on Nintendo's online storage rather than directly transferring the system data across to your Switch 2.

Personally, I'd recommend waiting until your new Switch 2 arrives before doing the system transfer, but, if you're worried your current console might break before then, this is a good work around.

This process is completed on your current / home Switch console and completed by following these steps:

1. Ensure the home console is connected to the Internet.
2. Select 'Settings' from the Home menu.
3. Select 'System' from the left-hand menu.
4. Select 'System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2'. It's located at the bottom of the 'System' menu.
5. When prompted select 'I Don't Have a Nintendo Switch 2 Yet'.
6. Upload system data to online servers.

Once the system data is sitting happy on the online servers, you'll be given a deadline for how long until said data expires. This is typically a year. Now all you need is a Switch 2 and you'll be able to download the data straight onto it!

If you change your mind, then go to your account on the official Nintendo website and locate the 'Consoles' menu. Here you'll find the option to delete your system transfer, which will return the data to its original console.

Hope this has helped you transfer system data onto the Switch 2!