How to easily transfer all Nintendo Switch game saves to a new console?

Seamlessly Migrate Your Nintendo Switch Game Progress to a New System

Upgrading to a new Nintendo Switch, replacing a faulty one, or simply getting a new model like the OLED? One of the biggest concerns for any gamer is ensuring their precious game save data isn’t left behind. Fortunately, Nintendo provides a couple of robust methods to transfer all your user data and game saves to a new console. This guide will walk you through the simplest ways to make the transition smooth and stress-free.

Method 1: Transferring Your User and Save Data (Local Transfer)

This is the most comprehensive method for moving a user profile and all its associated save data (excluding some specific games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which has its own process) directly from one Switch console to another. Both consoles need to be physically near each other and connected to the internet.

Before You Begin:

• Ensure both consoles are updated to the latest system software.
• Both consoles must be connected to the internet.
• Have the source console (your old Switch) and the target console (your new Switch) nearby.
• Make sure the user account you wish to transfer is linked to a Nintendo Account.

Steps on the Source Console (Old Switch):

1. From the HOME Menu, select System Settings.
2. Scroll down the menu on the left and select Users.
3. Select Transfer Your User Data.
4. Select Next twice, then select Source Console.
5. Select Continue, then choose the user account you wish to transfer.
6. Confirm that you want to transfer this user and its save data. The console will now wait for the target console.

Steps on the Target Console (New Switch):

1. From the HOME Menu, select System Settings.
2. Scroll down the menu on the left and select Users.
3. Select Transfer Your User Data.
4. Select Next twice, then select Target Console.
5. Select Receive and wait for the transfer to complete.

Once the transfer is complete, the user and their associated save data will be removed from the source console and present on the target console. Game software data stored on an SD card will need to be redownloaded or reinserted, as save data is stored on the console’s internal memory.

Method 2: Using Nintendo Switch Online Save Data Cloud

For those with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, many game saves are automatically backed up to the cloud. This is a great way to retrieve saves if your old console is no longer accessible or if you just want to download specific game saves.

Prerequisites:

• An active Nintendo Switch Online membership.
• The user account on the new console must be linked to the same Nintendo Account as the old one.

Uploading Save Data (if not automatic):

Most games automatically upload save data to the cloud when connected to the internet. To manually check or force an upload:

1. From the HOME Menu, highlight the game you want to manage.
2. Press the + button to open Options.
3. Select Save Data Cloud, then Back Up Save Data.

Downloading Save Data on Your New Console:

1. On your new console, ensure you’ve linked your Nintendo Account.
2. From the HOME Menu, highlight the game you want to restore saves for.
3. Press the + button to open Options.
4. Select Save Data Cloud, then Download Save Data.

Important Note: Not all games support Save Data Cloud backups. Notably, games like Pokémon titles and Animal Crossing: New Horizons (before its specific transfer tool) do not use this feature due to potential exploits. Always check a game’s compatibility.

Method 3: Transferring Animal Crossing: New Horizons Save Data

Animal Crossing: New Horizons has a unique save data transfer process due to its single-island-per-console design. Nintendo released a separate “Island Transfer Tool” for this purpose.

Steps for ACNH:

1. On both your old and new Nintendo Switch consoles, download the free Animal Crossing: New Horizons Island Transfer Tool from the Nintendo eShop.
2. Launch the tool on both consoles and follow the on-screen instructions. You’ll designate one as the “source” and the other as the “target.”
3. The tool will guide you through moving your entire island, including your resident and all progress, to the new console.

This process ensures that your beloved island and villagers make the move safely, while protecting against save manipulation.

General Tips for a Smooth Transfer

• Keep Consoles Powered: Ensure both consoles are fully charged or plugged into AC adapters during the transfer process to prevent interruptions.
• Do Not Interrupt: Once a transfer begins, do not turn off either console, close the lid, or disconnect from the internet until it’s complete.
• SD Card Data: Game software downloaded to a microSD card will not transfer directly. You’ll need to redownload the software from the eShop on your new console, or simply insert the SD card (though you’ll still need to redownload games if they were linked to the old console’s encryption keys). Save data is never stored on the SD card.
• Verify After Transfer: Once done, launch a few games on your new console to confirm all your save data is present and working correctly.

Conclusion

Transferring your Nintendo Switch game saves to a new console doesn’t have to be daunting. By following these methods, whether it’s a direct user and save data transfer, leveraging your Nintendo Switch Online cloud backups, or using a dedicated tool for specific games like Animal Crossing, you can ensure all your hard-earned progress moves with you. Enjoy your new console with all your gaming memories intact!