Transferring data from one Switch to another is easy if you’re a Nintendo Switch Online subscriber. Otherwise, it’s a little more difficult. Follow the leader!
If you recently had a new Nintendo Switch, you can transfer all your data to this new console. While most of the hardware has remained the same since 2017, there are multiple versions of the Big N console today. You can go from a standard Switch to an OLED or Switch Lite.
The first time we had to transfer an account from one Switch to another was when V2 came out in 2019. This model differed from the original due to some processor improvements for greater autonomy.
Unfortunately, the way Nintendo manages accounts, in-game permissions, and save data, as Big N does, is quite limited and complicated. With this, the situation has improved significantly, since the transferred data is no longer necessarily deleted from the old switch, even if you wanted to keep it.
Today, after several system updates, the process has improved a lot. First of all, make sure the old and new Switch are up to date with the latest operating system. To do this, go to System Settings, then System Update.
If you unpack your Switch in order to transfer your data to it, you will need to do some basic setup in order to have Wi-Fi. Follow our complete guide. It also details the transfer of account and data, as well as some other key steps. But if you just want to transfer your data, read on.
Transfer your data if you are a Nintendo Switch Online subscriber
The easiest way requires a subscription to Nintendo Switch Online, which allows you to play online and store your saves online.
Sign in to your Nintendo Account on your new Switch.
Go to settings, data management, data backup to the cloud.
Make sure the Automatically back up backup data and Automatically download backup data check boxes are checked.
Go to Nintendo eShop and tap the icon in the top right corner.
On the account page, click “Redownload”to see the list of games you have downloaded to your new Swithc.
If the save data does not appear immediately, put the new Switch into sleep mode. The data must sync quickly.
Transfer your data if you are not a Nintendo Switch Online subscriber
If you’re not a Nintendo Switch Online subscriber, the process is a bit more complicated. Both consoles must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Go to Settings, then Users. Scroll down and select User Data Transfer and Backup. An important clarification: we are not yet talking about choosing a user for transfer. The “Transfer”button is located under all account icons.
Then choose if this is the source or target of your translation. In this case, it’s the source.
Then choose an account to transfer.
On the switch, repeat the operation, but select Target, not Source.
Transferring over the air between the two consoles is pretty fast, but there’s a catch: If you’re not a Nintendo Switch Online subscriber and don’t use the cloud save feature, your saved data will be deleted from the original. Switch.
Also note that this is a single account process. You will need to repeat the process for each account on your Switch, and each account will require a Nintendo Account.