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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →If you still have your old Switch, move an individual Zelda save with System Settings > Data Management > Transfer Your Save Data. This nearby-console transfer does not require Nintendo Switch Online, but it deletes the save from the old console. If the old Switch is gone, your recovery option is a compatible cloud backup tied to your Nintendo Account and an eligible Nintendo Switch Online membership.
Choose the transfer route that matches your situation
| Your situation | Use this route | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| You have both consoles and want to move one Zelda save | Transfer Your Save Data | Moves the selected save between nearby consoles; Nintendo Switch Online is not required. The source save is deleted. Nintendo’s individual save-transfer instructions. |
| You are replacing the console and want to migrate a user profile and associated content | Transfer Your User Data | This broader migration covers the user profile, associated saves, and purchases. The transferred user and associated data are no longer available on the source. Nintendo’s user-transfer instructions. |
| You no longer have the old console | Download a cloud save, if one exists | Requires a prior backup, support for Save Data Cloud in the exact Zelda game or edition, and the correct Nintendo Account with an eligible Nintendo Switch Online membership. The download replaces the target’s existing save for that game. Nintendo’s cloud-save guidance. |
These are different operations: an individual save transfer moves one save, while user transfer migrates a profile and associated content. A cloud download restores a backup if one was made; it is not a way to retrieve a save that was never backed up.
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Move one Zelda save between consoles
Nintendo’s nearby save-transfer route works even for games that do not support Save Data Cloud. Both consoles need an internet connection, must be near each other, and the users involved must be linked to the same Nintendo Account. Nintendo Switch Online is not required for this transfer. See Nintendo’s instructions for transferring save data to a nearby system.
- Prepare both consoles. Update both systems, connect each to the internet, and place them near each other.
- Check the account. Make sure the user on each console who is involved in the transfer is linked to the same Nintendo Account.
- Start the send flow on the old Switch. Open System Settings > Data Management > Transfer Your Save Data > Send Save Data to Another Console. Choose the user and the Zelda save you want to move.
- Receive it on the new Switch. Follow the receive prompts on the target console to complete the transfer.
- Check the result. The selected save is deleted from the source console when sent; the process does not leave a second copy there.
Recover a Zelda save when the old Switch is unavailable
Cloud recovery is possible only if the save was backed up before the old console became unavailable, the exact game and edition support Save Data Cloud, and you use the Nintendo Account associated with the backup and an eligible Nintendo Switch Online membership. Nintendo says the feature is supported by the vast majority of Switch and Switch 2 games, but compatibility is game-specific. Check the game’s eShop listing or product information rather than assuming every Zelda release or edition supports it. See Nintendo’s Save Data Cloud information and its instructions for downloading a cloud backup.
#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
- Confirm that the precise Zelda game or edition supports Save Data Cloud.
- Sign in on the new console with the Nintendo Account linked to the user whose save was backed up, and make sure the account has an eligible Nintendo Switch Online membership.
- Check whether the new console already has a save for that game. Nintendo warns that downloading a cloud backup replaces the existing save, and the overwritten data cannot be recovered.
- Download the backup using Nintendo’s cloud-save download instructions.
Important exception for Tears of the Kingdom on Switch 2
Nintendo’s product page for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition says the edition supports Save Data Cloud, but states: “Please note, the second saved data file created in the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition cannot be transferred to the original Nintendo Switch version of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom game to play.” This warning applies specifically to that second save file and that transfer to the original Switch version; it should not be assumed to apply to every Zelda title, save file, or transfer direction.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When a full user transfer is the better fit
If you are replacing your Switch and intend to move a user profile along with its associated saves and purchases, Nintendo documents a separate Transfer Your User Data process. Use it when that wider migration is what you want, rather than selecting an individual Zelda save. Nintendo says the transferred user and associated data are no longer available on the source after completion. The target cannot have more than seven users before this migration and must have enough internal memory for transferred data; these are requirements for user transfer, not for moving one save. Follow Nintendo’s user-transfer instructions.
Quick Recap
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.
Rank #4
- 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
Rank #3
- Play your way with the Nintendo Switch gaming system. Whether you’re at home or on the go, solo or with friends, the Nintendo Switch system is designed to fit your life. Dock your Nintendo Switch to enjoy HD gaming on your TV. Heading out? Just undock your console and keep playing in handheld mode
- This model includes battery life of approximately 4.5 - 9 hours.
- The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (games sold separately)
- Model number HAC 001( 01)
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
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