Guide · Updated October 10, 2026
The safest way to transfer Nintendo Switch data to Nintendo Switch 2 is a local system transfer while both consoles are beside you. Start the Switch 2 setup, stop at the System Transfer screen, sign in with the Nintendo Account linked to the old Switch, and then open System Settings > System > System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2 on the old console.
Use Nintendo’s server-transfer option only when you must trade in, sell, or give away the old Switch before receiving the Switch 2. A server transfer factory-resets the source console after the upload. Local transfer is Nintendo’s recommended method when you have both systems.
Switch to Switch 2 transfer: choose the right method
| Situation | Best method | Important consequence |
|---|---|---|
| You have both consoles | Local communication | Transfers during Switch 2’s initial setup; treatment of old saves varies by account and cloud-backup support |
| You must give up the old Switch first | Server transfer | Uploads the data, then initializes the old console and deletes its local data |
| You already finished setting up Switch 2 | Individual transfers or reset the target | A full system transfer requires Switch 2’s initial setup sequence |
| You only need a few saves | Manual save transfer or cloud backup where supported | Avoids moving every user and setting |
Nintendo’s official system-transfer instructions distinguish sharply between local and server transfers. Do not choose based on which sounds faster; choose based on whether you still have the old console and whether you want to keep using it.
What transfers to Nintendo Switch 2?
A full system transfer can bring over:
- Digital software purchase information, followed by redownloads on Switch 2
- Users and user settings
- Linked Nintendo Accounts
- Friends, play activity, and users you have played with
- Save data, with behavior depending on the transfer method and cloud-backup support
- Screenshots and videos stored in system memory
- Registered network information
- Parental Controls settings and app linkage
- Mii data
- HOME Menu icon order and software groups
- Virtual Game Card and Pass-Enabled Console status
Digital games are not instantly copied as complete installations in every case. Nintendo says they are downloaded to the Switch 2 after the transfer and initial setup, so leave time and storage space for redownloading. You can turn off automatic software redownload during the transfer and install selected games manually later.
What does not transfer?
Nintendo lists several settings that must be configured again:
- Bluetooth audio devices and settings
- Custom controller button mappings
- Time, time zone, region, and language
- GameChat settings
Physical games are not converted into digital ownership. Compatible Nintendo Switch game cards can be used according to Nintendo’s compatibility rules, but you still need the card to play a physical copy. Some Switch games are not supported or may have compatibility issues on Switch 2, so check Nintendo’s current compatibility page for a specific title.
Before you start the transfer
- Update both consoles. On the old Switch, open System Settings, select System, then System Update. The Switch 2 setup will also prompt for its required update.
- Connect both systems to power. A transfer is the wrong time to rely on a nearly empty battery.
- Connect both systems to the internet. Even the local method requires an internet connection.
- Confirm your Nintendo Account. At least one user on the old Switch must be linked to a Nintendo Account, and you need to sign in with that same account on Switch 2.
- Tell every user on a shared console. A system transfer includes all users, not only the person pressing the buttons.
- Move data to system memory where possible. Nintendo recommends moving as much data as possible from the old Switch’s microSD card before transferring.
- Check special save-data rules. Saves without cloud-backup support deserve extra attention because they may be moved rather than left on the source console.
How to transfer Switch data to Switch 2 locally
Use these steps when the old Switch and new Switch 2 are both available.
On the new Nintendo Switch 2
- Turn on Switch 2 and follow the initial setup.
- Connect to the internet and install the system update when prompted.
- Stop at the System Transfer screen and select Start System Transfer.
- If you have a microSD Express card for Switch 2, follow the prompt to insert it. Otherwise, select Skip.
- Select Sign In to a Nintendo Account.
- Use the same Nintendo Account linked to the user initiating the transfer on the old Switch.
- Select Next, place the consoles near each other, and select Done.
On the original Nintendo Switch
- Confirm the console is online and fully updated.
- Open System Settings from the HOME Menu.
- Scroll to System.
- Select System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2.
- Follow the account and confirmation prompts.
- Choose whether to redownload software and transfer album content as part of the process.
- Select Next, then wait for the systems to connect.
Return to Switch 2 and select Start Download when prompted. The Switch 2 restarts after receiving the data and finishes the process during setup. Select OK on the source Switch after it reports that sending is complete.
Will the transfer erase the old Switch?
A server transfer will erase it. After the upload completes, Nintendo requires you to start initialization. That factory-resets the source console and deletes data for all users.
A local transfer is more nuanced. Nintendo says save data supported by Save Data Cloud Backup remains on the source for users linked to Nintendo Accounts and is copied to Switch 2. Save data for unlinked users and games that do not support cloud backup may be deleted from the old Switch as it is moved.
Read the confirmation screen for every listed user and game before proceeding. If preserving a particular non-cloud save on the old system is essential, use Nintendo’s individual save-transfer guidance rather than assuming a full transfer creates two copies.
How to use server transfer before trading in your Switch
Server transfer is designed for the awkward situation where the old console must leave your possession before the Switch 2 arrives.
- On the old Switch, open System Settings > System > System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2.
- Select Next.
- Select the option indicating that you do not have the other system yet.
- Review the displayed download deadline carefully.
- Choose whether to include software redownload and album data.
- Select Upload Data.
- After the upload completes, follow Nintendo’s prompt to initialize the old console.
- During the new Switch 2’s initial setup, select Start System Transfer and sign in with the same Nintendo Account.
Nintendo stores uploaded transfer data for up to one year and shows an exact download deadline during setup and in Nintendo Account settings. “Up to one year” is not permission to ignore the displayed deadline.
Can you transfer after setting up Switch 2?
A full system transfer can only be retrieved during the Switch 2’s initial setup. If setup is already complete, Nintendo says the target must be initialized so you can repeat initial setup and retrieve the transfer.
If you do not want to reset the Switch 2, alternatives include transferring compatible save data individually, downloading cloud backups with an eligible Nintendo Switch Online membership, signing into your Nintendo Account, and manually redownloading games. These approaches do not reproduce the complete system-transfer result.
Can the old microSD card be used in Switch 2?
Not as normal expansion storage. Nintendo Switch 2 uses microSD Express cards and is not compatible with standard microSD cards for expanded game storage.
During transfer, Nintendo may ask you to insert the old microSD card temporarily into Switch 2 to import screenshots and videos. That does not turn the card into a compatible Switch 2 storage card. If you want expanded storage for games on the new system, buy a compatible microSD Express card.
Do your digital games transfer?
Your purchase relationship is tied to the relevant Nintendo Account, and compatible digital games can be redownloaded on Switch 2 after the transfer. The process does not guarantee that every original Switch game works perfectly on the newer hardware. Nintendo notes that hardware differences can leave some games unsupported or not fully compatible.
Select games also offer paid Switch 2 Edition upgrade packs, while others receive free updates. A system transfer does not automatically grant every paid upgrade; check the product page for each game.
Common transfer mistakes to avoid
- Finishing Switch 2 setup too quickly: the full transfer belongs in the initial setup flow.
- Using server transfer when both consoles are available: it needlessly initializes the source system.
- Forgetting other users: a full transfer affects everyone on the shared Switch.
- Assuming all saves use cloud backup: some games handle saves differently.
- Expecting installed games to appear instantly: digital software may still need to download.
- Buying a standard microSD card for Switch 2 games: expanded storage requires microSD Express.
- Ignoring the server deadline: uploaded data is not stored forever.
The safest transfer plan
If possible, keep the original Switch until the Switch 2 is in your hands. Update both systems, connect them to power and the internet, begin the transfer during Switch 2’s initial setup, and use local communication. Check non-cloud saves before confirming and wait until games finish downloading before deciding the move is complete.
Nintendo’s official Switch 2 transfer guide confirms that digital games, certain save data, users, and settings can move over, while compatible original Switch games remain playable. The detailed support page should be your final reference if a particular account or save displays a warning.
Instructions were checked against Nintendo’s US support documentation on October 10, 2026. System menus and transfer behavior may change with firmware updates.
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