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Choose the transfer method based on the destination console and what you need to move: use Transfer Your User Data to move a complete profile between Switch-family consoles, Transfer Your Save Data to move selected game saves, or Switch 2’s System Transfer during its initial setup. These are different processes, and some remove data from the old console.
Choose the right transfer method
| What you want to move | Method | What you need | Effect on the source console |
|---|---|---|---|
| A complete user profile between Switch-family consoles | Transfer Your User Data | Both consoles online and nearby; the source user linked to a Nintendo Account | The transferred user, associated saves, and software purchased with that user are no longer available there |
| One or more selected game saves between nearby consoles | Transfer Your Save Data | Both consoles online and nearby; the same Nintendo Account linked to a user on each | The sent save is deleted from the source; Nintendo Switch Online is not required |
| Users and eligible data from Switch to Switch 2 | System Transfer during Switch 2 initial setup | An internet connection and at least one source user linked to a Nintendo Account; choose local transfer or server upload | Local transfer removes some saves; server upload initializes the original Switch |
Nintendo’s procedures and requirements described here were checked on October 5, 2026. Menu names or requirements may change with system updates.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Nintendo Switch 2 System | $499.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy-Con - Handheld Gaming Console | $323.72 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Red Joy-Con (Renewed) | $194.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Nintendo Switch Lite - Turquoise | $229.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Nintendo Switch – Neon Red and Neon Blue Joy-Con (Renewed) | $200.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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Move a complete user profile between Switch-family consoles
Use this route when the destination is another original Switch-family console and you want to move a user rather than select individual game saves. Nintendo requires the consoles to be online, close enough for local communication, and running system menu version 4.0.0 or later.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems- On the source console, open System Settings > Users > Transfer Your User Data and follow the prompts.
- When asked which system to use, identify the source console.
- On the destination, open the same menu and identify it as the target system.
- Follow the on-screen instructions on both consoles until the transfer completes.
The source user must be linked to a Nintendo Account. Do not link that same account to a user already set up on the target before starting; the transfer process links the account as part of moving the user. The target must have room for the incoming user: Nintendo says it can have no more than seven users before the transfer and must have enough internal memory.
#1 Best Overall
- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
After completion, the transferred user information, associated save data, and software purchased with that user are no longer available on the source. This standard user transfer does not include save data shared by all users. Animal Crossing: New Horizons islands and game save data, or an individual resident, require the game’s separate transfer process.
Move selected save data between nearby consoles
Choose this when you want to move a particular game’s save without transferring the full user profile. The same Nintendo Account must be linked to a user on each console, and both systems need internet access and must be near each other. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is not required for this direct console-to-console transfer.
Rank #2
- 6.2” LCD screen
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
- Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario & friends
- On the sending console, open System Settings > Data Management > Transfer Your Save Data.
- Choose the option to send save data to another console, then select the game and follow the prompts.
- On the receiving console, open the same menu and choose the option to receive save data.
- Complete the prompts on both systems. If the destination already has save data for that software, cancel or choose whether to overwrite it when prompted.
This is a move, not a copy: once sent, the save is deleted from the source console. Check that you selected the intended destination and game before confirming.
Transfer from a Switch to Switch 2
Nintendo’s Switch 2 System Transfer is a separate process offered during the console’s initial setup. Nintendo states: “An active internet connection is required and at least one user profile with a linked Nintendo Account is required on the Nintendo Switch system to perform a System Transfer.” Tell everyone who uses the old console before starting, because the transfer includes all users’ data.
Rank #3
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- 6.2” LCD screen.
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
Local transfer when you have both consoles
Choose local transfer if the old Switch will be available while you set up Switch 2. Follow the System Transfer prompts during initial setup and keep both consoles available for the process.
- Nintendo says the transfer includes users, user settings, signed-in Nintendo Accounts, friends, play activity, and users played with.
- Digital software is downloaded to Switch 2 after initial setup, so an internet connection is needed for those downloads.
- For linked users, save data for games that support Save Data Cloud Backup remains on the old Switch and is copied to Switch 2 during local transfer.
- Saves for users not linked to Nintendo Accounts, and saves for games that do not support Save Data Cloud Backup, are deleted from the old console after transfer.
Those differences matter if other people use the source console or if a game’s save is not backed up to the cloud. Some Switch games may not be supported or fully compatible with Switch 2; Nintendo says compatibility work is ongoing with publishing and development partners, so a transfer is not a guarantee that every game will run identically.
Rank #4
- Compact, lightweight handheld system
- Available in a range of fun colors
- Online and local wireless multiplayer
- Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario & friends
Server transfer if you will give up the old Switch first
Use the server option if you will not have the source console when setting up Switch 2—for example, if you are trading it in, selling it, or giving it away. Upload the transfer from the old Switch using a Nintendo Account, then retrieve it on Switch 2 during initial setup with the same account. Nintendo says the old Switch is initialized after the upload completes, so do not upload until you are ready for it to be reset.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Nintendo keeps uploaded transfer data for up to one year. The exact download deadline appears during setup and in Nintendo Account settings; retrieve the data before that displayed deadline. If Switch 2 setup is already finished, Nintendo points users to individual save-data transfer for a suitable existing Switch user/account pairing rather than the initial-setup System Transfer.
Best Value
- One player can use a Joy-Con in each hand
- Two players can each take one
- Multiple Joy-Con can be employed by numerous people for a variety of gameplay options (additional Joy-Con sold separately)
- Slip a set of Joy-Con into a Joy-Con grip accessory, mirroring a more traditional controller. Or, select an optional Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
If the old console is unavailable
You can sign in to your Nintendo Account on the new console and download digital games associated with the account. Recovering a save is a separate matter: cloud recovery requires an active Nintendo Switch Online membership and an existing backup for a game that supports Save Data Cloud.
If the missing console held a save that was not backed up, the reviewed Nintendo support guidance does not establish a recovery method for that save. Do not assume that downloading the game or signing in restores its progress.
Quick Recap
Check before you start
- Confirm whether you need a whole user profile or only selected saves; the menu paths and source-console effects differ.
- For a Switch 2 destination, decide whether you can keep the old console during initial setup or need to upload and reset it beforehand.
- Check for game-specific transfer instructions, especially for Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
- For cloud recovery, confirm that the relevant save was backed up and that your Nintendo Switch Online membership is active.
- Allow time and internet access for digital software downloads after Switch 2 setup; Nintendo does not publish a reliable general transfer-duration estimate.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
