What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Sign in to the replacement console with the same account that bought your games, update both systems, and use the platform’s transfer or redownload tools. Your digital licenses normally stay with that purchasing account, but save files are a separate migration task. Check game and DLC compatibility, back up saves, and keep the old console intact until you have tested everything on the new one.
What transfers—and what does not
A digital library is not one single file. It consists of account entitlements, downloadable game data, downloadable content (DLC), save files, and sometimes console settings. Each part can use a different transfer method.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Item | Where it is tied | Typical action on the new console | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital game license | The purchasing platform account | Sign in to that same account and open the game library or eShop redownload area | Signing in with a different account does not normally grant access to the purchase |
| Game installation | Internal storage or an attached storage device | Transfer the data over the network, connect compatible storage, or redownload it | Redownloading uses internet bandwidth and storage space |
| Save data | Local console storage and, where supported, cloud storage | Use a platform save-transfer tool or restore a cloud backup | Some local transfers remove the source copy; not every game supports cloud saves |
| DLC and add-ons | Usually the purchasing account, with title and region restrictions | Sign in to the purchasing account, then redownload or verify the add-on inside the game | A game can be compatible while a particular add-on is not |
| Settings and user profiles | The source console and linked account | Use the platform’s full system-transfer process where available | A full transfer may remove moved profiles or data from the old console |
Nintendo states that “Game save data and your digital games and downloadable content are tied to your Nintendo Account.” PlayStation similarly exposes purchased digital games through the same account’s destination Game Library. In both ecosystems, the account is the key to restoring purchases; it is not enough to move an SD card, USB drive, or console profile without authenticating that account.
Prepare both consoles before moving anything
1. Confirm the purchasing account
- Verify the email address, sign-in name, password, and any two-step verification method for the account that bought the games.
- If several people used the old console, identify which account purchased each game and DLC item. A family member’s profile may have played a title without owning its license.
- Do not create a new account on the replacement console and expect the old purchases to appear there.
2. Update system software
Install available system updates on both consoles before starting a transfer. Different firmware versions can prevent the transfer utility from appearing or interrupt a migration. Keep both systems connected to reliable power throughout the process.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
3. Check compatibility
Look up each important title on the platform’s current compatibility list. Sony documents supported PlayStation 4 games on PlayStation 5 but warns that some functionality may be absent. Nintendo advises checking software compatibility when moving from a Switch console to Switch 2. Compatibility can also differ for accessories, regional versions, multiplayer features, and DLC.
4. Decide how to protect saves
List the games whose progress matters before you reset or sell the old console. A license transfer does not automatically prove that a save has moved. Use the platform’s local transfer feature when both consoles are available, or upload saves to supported cloud storage first. Check whether each title supports cloud backup; support is not universal.
5. Prepare the connection and storage
- Connect both consoles to the same reliable network when using a direct transfer utility.
- A wired connection can improve transfer speed. For a PlayStation same-network transfer, Sony says a commercially available LAN cable can make the process faster.
- Have enough free internal storage on the new console for the games you intend to install.
- For PlayStation, a USB extended-storage drive can provide access to transferred game data. Confirm its current capacity and PS4/PS5 compatibility before relying on it.
Transfer a PlayStation 4 library to PlayStation 5
The official PlayStation procedure moves data from the old console while preserving access to digital purchases through the same account. You can also redownload games directly on the PS5 if moving the installation would take longer than downloading it.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteRank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Run the console-to-console transfer
- Turn on the PS4 and PS5 and sign in to both with the same PlayStation account.
- Update the system software on both consoles.
- On the PS4, synchronize your trophy information before starting. Unsynchronized trophies are account records that may not yet be reflected online.
- Connect both consoles to the same network. A commercially available LAN cable can speed the transfer when both systems are using the same network.
- On the PS5, open Settings > System > System Software > Data Transfer.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to select the PS4, choose the data to move, and begin the transfer. Keep both consoles powered on until the PS5 reports completion.
- Afterward, open the PS5 Game Library. Digital games that were not copied can be downloaded from the destination library while you remain signed in to the purchasing account.
The transfer utility can move more than game installations, but the exact selectable categories can vary with system software and the source console’s contents. Read each confirmation screen instead of assuming that every profile, setting, or save will be copied.
Use USB extended storage correctly
A compatible USB extended-storage drive can let the PS5 access transferred PlayStation game data without downloading every title again. PS4 games can be played from compatible extended storage. PS5 games stored on USB extended storage must be copied to the PS5’s internal console storage before they can be played. The USB drive is therefore a way to stage or archive installations, not a substitute for moving PS5 games into internal storage.
Redownload instead of transferring installations
If you no longer have the PS4, or if a network transfer is inconvenient, sign in on the PS5, open Game Library, select a purchased title, and choose the download option. This restores the license from the account and fetches a current installation. You still need to migrate saves separately; downloading the game alone does not recreate your progress.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Move PlayStation saves and cloud data
PlayStation Plus cloud storage can upload saves from the old console and download them to the new one. On the source console, upload the relevant saved data to cloud storage; on the destination, use the saved-data management controls to download it. Keep the old local save until you have opened the game on the PS5 and confirmed that the expected progress is present.
Sony distinguishes saves created by streamed games from saves created by downloaded games. Do not assume that progress from a streamed session is automatically available to a downloaded installation. Check the saved-data location and the game’s own behavior before deleting the source copy.
- Open the transferred or downloaded game only after the save download has completed.
- Check the profile, chapter or level, inventory, settings, and any locally stored modes that matter to you.
- If a save is missing, stop using the old console as a test device and recheck which account and storage location created it.
Transfer a Nintendo Switch library to Switch 2 or another Switch
Nintendo recommends a system transfer when replacing a Switch with a Switch 2. A full transfer can move Nintendo Accounts, user profiles, save data, and eShop purchases. Because moved information can be removed from the original console, do not begin until you have completed any independent backups you need and are ready to leave the source system untouched while the transfer runs.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
When both consoles are available
- Update both consoles and connect them to the internet.
- Place the consoles near each other and connect the users to the same Nintendo Account on the appropriate systems.
- Start Nintendo’s system-transfer process from the console settings and identify which device is the source and which is the destination.
- Review the transfer summary. It can include Nintendo Accounts, user profiles, save data, and eShop purchases.
- Confirm the transfer and leave both consoles powered on until Nintendo reports that it is finished.
- On the new console, sign in, open the software library or eShop redownload controls, and test the games and add-ons you use.
A full system transfer is different from merely signing in. The transfer can remove the moved information from the original console, so treat the old device as unavailable until you have verified your games and saves on the new one.
When the original Switch is unavailable
If the old console is lost, damaged, or already gone, sign in to the Nintendo Account on the replacement console and redownload eligible software. This restores access to purchases attached to that account, but it cannot recover a save that existed only on the missing console. A Nintendo Switch Online Save Data Cloud backup can restore supported titles when one exists.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Understand Nintendo’s multi-console rules
Nintendo digital games and DLC remain tied to the Nintendo Account that acquired them. Virtual game cards can be loaded on up to two consoles. On other consoles, the Online License setting requires an internet connection and limits access for other users. If several people share a household library, decide which console should hold the virtual game cards and which users need to be online before launching a title.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Transfer Nintendo save data safely
Nearby save-data transfer
Nintendo’s nearby save-data feature is designed for two consoles that are close together. Both need internet access, and the users must be linked to the same Nintendo Account. Nintendo says this local feature does not require Nintendo Switch Online.
- Connect both consoles to the internet and keep them near each other.
- Open the system settings and choose the save-data transfer option on the source and destination consoles.
- Select the user and game save to send, then choose the receiving console.
- Confirm the transfer on both systems and wait for completion.
- Launch the game on the destination console and verify the progress before changing anything on the source.
Nintendo says the save file is deleted from the source console after it is sent. That makes this a move, not a copy. If you need a fallback, use Nintendo Switch Online Save Data Cloud for titles that support it before performing the nearby transfer.
Cloud restore for supported games
With Nintendo Switch Online, supported titles can back up save data to the service and restore it on another console signed in to the same Nintendo Account. Support varies by game, so check the game’s save-data-cloud status rather than assuming every title is included. Local nearby transfer does not require the membership; the membership is relevant here only as a cloud-save option.
Redownloads, DLC, and storage decisions
When redownloading is the better choice
- The original console is unavailable.
- The old installation is corrupted or no longer needed.
- You have a fast, uncapped connection and limited time to troubleshoot a direct transfer.
- You want a clean installation that matches the replacement console’s current software.
Redownloading does not repurchase a title when the destination uses the original purchasing account. It does consume download time and storage, and it does not move local saves.
When a direct transfer is useful
- You have a large library and want to avoid downloading every game again.
- The old console still works and both systems can stay on the same network.
- You want to move installed patches or data that would take a long time to fetch.
Check DLC separately
After installing a base game, open its add-on or downloadable-content management screen and confirm that each owned item is installed. DLC can depend on the game edition, account, and region. A game appearing in the library is not proof that every expansion, currency pack, or bonus item is available.
Troubleshoot the common failure points
The game is missing from the library
- Sign out and back in with the account that made the purchase.
- Check whether the title was bought by a different household account.
- Refresh the library or eShop redownload view after the console finishes its account sync.
- Check regional or edition differences before assuming the license disappeared.
The game launches but the save is missing
- Confirm that the correct user profile is active.
- Check whether the save was transferred locally or restored from cloud storage.
- For PlayStation, distinguish streamed-game saves from downloaded-game saves.
- For Nintendo, verify that the title supports Save Data Cloud if you are looking for a cloud backup.
- Do not delete the old console’s data until the destination save opens correctly.
The transfer stops or is extremely slow
- Install pending system updates and restart both consoles.
- Use a wired connection where the platform supports it; Sony specifically documents a LAN cable as a speed aid for same-network PlayStation transfers.
- Keep the consoles close to the network equipment and avoid heavy streaming or downloads on the same connection.
- If the transfer repeatedly fails, move the account and saves first, then redownload games individually from the destination library.
DLC is not recognized
- Verify that the DLC was purchased by the signed-in account.
- Install the base game’s latest update before testing the add-on.
- Check that the game and DLC belong to compatible regional editions.
- Use the console’s restore-license, redownload, or virtual-game-card controls where applicable.
The new console has no space
- Install only the games you plan to play first and queue the rest.
- Use compatible extended storage for PlayStation game data when appropriate.
- Remember that PS5 games stored on USB extended storage must be copied to internal console storage before play.
- Keep enough free space for updates; a game that technically fits may still fail to patch when storage is nearly full.
Verify the migration before resetting the old console
- Sign in to the purchasing account on the new console and confirm that the expected library appears.
- Open several downloaded games, not just one, and verify that they start under the intended user profile.
- Load at least one save from each important game and check current progress.
- Open a game with DLC and confirm that the add-on is installed and usable.
- Check multiplayer or online features that require the account to be linked and authenticated.
- Confirm that any USB storage or virtual game cards are configured as intended.
- Only after these checks should you deactivate, factory-reset, sell, recycle, or give away the old console.
Keeping the source console available is the simplest protection against an avoidable loss. A digital license can usually be restored by signing in again, but a local save that was never copied or backed up may not be recoverable after a reset.
Quick Recap
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.
