Nintendo Support

System Transfer from Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch 2 (MT-10002)

Information and steps relating to setting up a system transfer from a Nintendo Switch console to a Nintendo Switch 2 console.

Information

Data on a Nintendo Switch console can be transferred to a Nintendo Switch 2 console using a system transfer during the initial setup process for the Nintendo Switch 2 console.

You can perform a system transfer by uploading your Nintendo Switch console's data to the server or using local communication between the source and target consoles. Some data can be transferred to Nintendo Switch 2, but not all. Data from the source console will be deleted after completing the transfer. Data deleted will vary based on the type of transfer performed.

The following is transferred:

Digital Software

Digital software will be downloaded to the target Nintendo Switch 2 console after the system transfer and initial console setup processes are complete. An internet connection is required to complete software downloads.

All Users

All users, user settings, signed-in Nintendo Accounts, friends, play activity and information on users you have played with will be transferred.

Save Data

During a system transfer via local communication, save data that is compatible with the Save Data Cloud service and that belongs to users who are linked to a Nintendo Account will remain on the Nintendo Switch console and will also be copied to the Nintendo Switch 2 console. Save data for users who are not linked to a Nintendo Account and save data for games that are not compatible by the Save Data Cloud service will be deleted from the Nintendo Switch console after transferring.
- After uploading data for a system transfer via the server, the source Nintendo Switch console will be restored to factory settings. This deletes all data on the console and resets it to the default state.

Screenshots and Videos

Screenshots and videos saved to the system memory will be transferred. If screenshots and videos were saved to a microSD card on the Nintendo Switch console, you may be prompted to temporarily insert the microSD card to transfer the data. Note that microSD cards that are compatible with Nintendo Switch are not compatible with Nintendo Switch 2 for game data. Nintendo Switch 2 is compatible with microSD Express cards, which are faster at reading and writing data compared to microSD cards.

Registered network devices, Parental Controls, and Mii data

Registered network devices, Parental Controls and Mii data will be transferred.

Other settings

Status as a console that can use virtual game cards
Link with the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls smart device app
Pass-enabled console status
The order of software icons on the HOME Menu and software group settings

What is and isn't transferable from Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch 2?

The following can be transferred:

Digital software
- Digital software will be downloaded to the target Nintendo Switch 2 console after the system transfer and initial console setup processes are complete. An internet connection is required to complete software downloads.
All users
- All users, user settings, signed-in Nintendo Accounts, friends, play activity and information on users you have played with will be transferred.
Save data
- During a system transfer via local communication, save data that is compatible with the Save Data Cloud service and that belongs to users who are linked to a Nintendo Account will remain on the Nintendo Switch console and will also be copied to the Nintendo Switch 2 console. Save data for users who are not linked to a Nintendo Account and save data for games that are not compatible by the Save Data Cloud service will be deleted from the Nintendo Switch console after transferring.
- After uploading data for a system transfer via the server, the source Nintendo Switch console will be restored to factory settings. This deletes all data on the console and resets it to the default state.
Screenshots and videos
- Screenshots and videos saved to the system memory will be transferred. If screenshots and videos were saved to a microSD card on the Nintendo Switch console, you may be prompted to temporarily insert the microSD card to transfer the data. Note that microSD cards that are compatible with Nintendo Switch are not compatible with Nintendo Switch 2 for game data. Nintendo Switch 2 is
  
  compatible with microSD Express cards
  , which are faster at reading and writing data compared to microSD cards.
Registered network devices, Parental Controls and Mii data
- Registered network devices, Parental Controls and Mii data will be transferred.
Other settings
- Status as a console that can use virtual game cards
- Link with the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls smart device app
- Pass-enabled console status
- The order of software icons on the HOME Menu and software group settings

The following cannot transferred:

Bluetooth audio settings

Bluetooth audio devices and settings will not be transferred. See How to Pair and Manage Bluetooth Audio Devices on Nintendo Switch 2 to add devices to Nintendo Switch 2.

Controller button mappings

Custom controller button mappings will not be transferred. Controller button mapping can be set through the System Settings on Nintendo Switch 2.

Time, time zone, region, language

This information will be configured manually during initial console setup.

Performing a system transfer from a Nintendo Switch console to a Nintendo Switch 2 console using local communication requires both consoles to be within close proximity to each other to perform the transfer. This method should be used if you already have a Nintendo Switch 2 console.

Save data will be deleted from the source console after completing the transfer. If you share the console with multiple users, all users' data will be included when completing a system transfer using local communication. Ensure that all users are informed and ready before starting the system transfer.
Users who are not linked to a Nintendo Account and save data for games not compatible with the Save Data Cloud service will be deleted from the Nintendo Switch console and moved to your new Nintendo Switch 2 console. You will not be able to transfer your data back to your original Nintendo Switch console.

This system transfer method is recommended if you will still have your Nintendo Switch console when you get your Nintendo Switch 2 console.

If you want to keep users not linked to a Nintendo Account and save data for games not compatible with the Save Data Cloud service on the Nintendo Switch console, you may prefer to transfer save data for individual users instead of completing these steps.

Performing this type of system transfer from a Nintendo Switch console to a Nintendo Switch 2 console will upload the data from the Nintendo Switch console to a dedicated server. The data is stored until you download it to a Nintendo Switch 2 console, cancel the transfer and restore it to a Nintendo Switch console or until the storage expiry date has passed.

When using the option to upload your data to the server:

A Nintendo Account is required. The user who performs the system transfer setup process will need to sign in to set up the transfer.
After the upload to the server is complete, the source Nintendo Switch console will be restored to factory settings. This deletes all data on the console and resets it to the default state.
- If you share the console with multiple users, all user data will be included when completing a system transfer to the server. Ensure that you and all other users are ready to have the console restored to factory settings before completing the system transfer upload.
Once uploaded to the server, the data from the Nintendo Switch console will be stored on the server for up to one year. The storage expiry date will be displayed when setting up the transfer and later in your Nintendo Account settings. You can complete the system transfer to your Nintendo Switch 2 console or cancel the transfer within that time.

This system transfer method is recommended if you will not have your Nintendo Switch console when you get your Nintendo Switch 2 console, for example if you're intending to trade in, sell or give away your previous console. Otherwise, a system transfer via local communication is recommended.

What to do

Important:

This process is not intended for transferring data from one Nintendo Switch console to another. See How to Transfer User and Save Data on Nintendo Switch for Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch transfers.
Once the transfer is complete, all save data will be deleted from the source console. Software where a single save file is shared between users, like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, cannot be transferred through a system transfer.

Complete the following steps on the Nintendo Switch 2 console:

Turn on the console.
Follow the initial setup steps on the device until the system transfer screen is displayed.
- Connect the console to the internet when prompted. An internet connection is required to complete the transfer.
- Update the console to the latest system version using the on-screen instructions, if prompted.
Select Begin System Transfer.
If you have a microSD Express card you want to use with the console, insert it using the on-screen guide. Otherwise, select Skip.
Select Sign In to a Nintendo Account and sign in with the same Nintendo Account as the one linked to the user on the Nintendo Switch console that you'll be using to initiate the transfer.
Select Next.
Ensure that both consoles are close together, then select Done.
Complete the steps below on the Nintendo Switch console. Once the consoles are connected, select Start Receiving Data.

Complete the following steps on the Nintendo Switch console:

Confirm the console is connected to the internet. An internet connection is required to complete the transfer.
Confirm that your console has been updated to the latest system version before performing the transfer.
Open System Settings from the HOME Menu.
Select System.
Select System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2.
Select Next.
Select OK.
Select if you'd like to automatically download software data and send screenshots and videos as part of the system transfer.
Select Done when your Nintendo Switch 2 console is nearby and ready.
Wait for the consoles to connect.

The Nintendo Switch 2 console will restart after the data has been received, then finish the transfer after restarting. You can then finish the rest of the setup process on the console.

Select OK on the Nintendo Switch console once the data has finished sending.

Note: If your system transfer failed and you would like to perform it again, you will need to restore your Nintendo Switch 2 console to factory settings.

We only recommend using this system transfer method if:

You will not have access to your Nintendo Switch console by the time you have your Nintendo Switch 2 console. All data on the Nintendo Switch console will be deleted during this process.
You have confirmed that you're getting your Nintendo Switch 2 console before the storage expiry date. The system transfer data will be deleted from the server on this date.

Otherwise, please wait until you have a Nintendo Switch 2 console and perform a system transfer using local communication.

Complete the following steps on the Nintendo Switch console:

Open System Settings from the HOME Menu.
Select System.
Select System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2.
Select Next.
Select OK.
Select I Don't Have a Nintendo Switch 2 Console Yet.
Review the on-screen explanation and select Next when prompted.
- Take note of the storage expiry date and ensure that you cancel or complete the system transfer before then to keep your data.
Select Next on the pop-up when you are ready to proceed.
- You may need to enter a verification code for security reasons.
Select Send Data to the Server to perform the system transfer to the server.
Select OK once the upload is complete.
Review the system transfer information.
Select OK.
Select Start Restoring Factory Settings. The Nintendo Switch console will be restored to factory settings and data for all users on the console will be deleted.

The system transfer from the server can only be completed during the initial console setup process on the Nintendo Switch 2 console with the same Nintendo Account that was used to transfer the save data to the server. Follow the on-screen prompts during the console setup process to start the system transfer. An internet connection is required to complete the transfer.

If you already created a new user on the Nintendo Switch 2 console and linked it to a Nintendo Account you also have on the Nintendo Switch console, you can transfer your save data from the Nintendo Switch console using the save data transfer feature. See How to Transfer Your Save Data for more information. If you have a membership to Nintendo Switch Online, you can also download the Save Data Cloud Backups you have uploaded for compatible software.
If you wish to complete the system transfer from the server after the initial Nintendo Switch 2 console setup process has already been completed, you will need to restore the Nintendo Switch 2 console to factory settings and complete the setup process again.

Visit the Nintendo Account website.
Sign in to your Nintendo Account.
Select Consoles.
Select System Transfers.
- This section will show any system transfers linked to the Nintendo Account.

Important: The same Nintendo Switch console that was used to set up the system transfer does not need to be used to cancel the system transfer and receive the data. However, if the system transfer was for a Nintendo Switch – OLED Model console, cancelling must also be done using a Nintendo Switch – OLED Model console.

Turn on the Nintendo Switch console.
While the console is in the initial startup sequence, follow the prompts until the time zone selection screen is displayed.
Hold the Left Stick or Right Stick and the + or – Button on the Joy-Con controllers at the same time. Hold the buttons for at least two seconds.
Select your time zone and continue to the next screen.
Sign in to the Nintendo Account that was used to set up the system transfer via the server.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the system transfer data download.
- Original system settings will be restored as much as possible.
- Actions such as linking a console and/or loading virtual game cards, downloading digital software and linking to the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls smart device app will need to be completed separately, after the console has been set up.

Important:

This process is not intended for transferring data from one Nintendo Switch console to another. See How to Transfer User and Save Data on Nintendo Switch for Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch transfers.

Once the transfer is complete, all save data will be deleted from the source console. Software where a single save file is shared between users, like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, cannot be transferred through a system transfer.

Complete the following steps on the Nintendo Switch 2 console:

Turn on the console.

Follow the initial setup steps on the device until the system transfer screen is displayed.

Connect the console to the internet when prompted. An internet connection is required to complete the transfer.
Update the console to the latest system version using the on-screen instructions, if prompted.

Select Begin System Transfer.

If you have a microSD Express card you want to use with the console, insert it using the on-screen guide. Otherwise, select Skip.

Select Sign In to a Nintendo Account and sign in with the same Nintendo Account as the one linked to the user on the Nintendo Switch console that you'll be using to initiate the transfer.

Select Next.

Ensure that both consoles are close together, then select Done.

Complete the steps below on the Nintendo Switch console. Once the consoles are connected, select Start Receiving Data.

Complete the following steps on the Nintendo Switch console:

Confirm the console is connected to the internet. An internet connection is required to complete the transfer.

Confirm that your console has been updated to the latest system version before performing the transfer.

Open System Settings from the HOME Menu.

Select System.

Select System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2.

Select Next.

Select OK.

Select if you'd like to automatically download software data and send screenshots and videos as part of the system transfer.

Select Done when your Nintendo Switch 2 console is nearby and ready.

Wait for the consoles to connect.

The Nintendo Switch 2 console will restart after the data has been received, then finish the transfer after restarting. You can then finish the rest of the setup process on the console.

Select OK on the Nintendo Switch console once the data has finished sending.

Note: If your system transfer failed and you would like to perform it again, you will need to restore your Nintendo Switch 2 console to factory settings.

Nintendo Support

System Transfer from Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch 2 (MT-10002)

Information

What is and isn't transferable from Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch 2?

The following is transferred:

The following cannot transferred:

What is the system transfer using local communication?

What is the system transfer using the server?

What to do

How to set up a system transfer using local communication

Important:

How to set up a system transfer on Nintendo Switch using the server

How to retrieve a server system transfer onto Nintendo Switch 2

How to check on the status of a server system transfer

How to cancel a server system transfer

About Nintendo

Support

Parents

Community

What is and isn't transferable from Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch 2?

The following is transferred:

The following cannot transferred:

What is the system transfer using local communication?

What is the system transfer using the server?

How to set up a system transfer using local communication

Important:

How to set up a system transfer on Nintendo Switch using the server

How to retrieve a server system transfer onto Nintendo Switch 2

How to check on the status of a server system transfer

How to cancel a server system transfer

About Nintendo

Support

Parents

Community