How to transfer data from Switch 2 to Switch 2

To transfer data from Switch 2 to Switch 2, choose Begin System Transfer during initial setup on the new console. On the old console, go to System Settings, then System, then System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2. If you've already set up the new console and just need your game progress, use Transfer Your Save Data instead.

Prepare both Switch 2 consoles

These steps apply to system version 23.5.0, released on 10 November 2026. Connect both consoles to the internet and keep them close together. On the old Switch 2, open System Settings, then System, then System Update. On the new console, install the update when setup prompts you. Version 23.5.0 also lets you configure accessibility settings during first-time setup.

Use the full transfer when you're replacing the old console. It includes all users and can remove saves from the source, so check with everyone who uses it before starting. If you want to keep playing on both, use Save Data Cloud backups for supported games with an active Nintendo Switch Online membership, or move only the saves you want on the other console.

Run the full transfer during setup

On the new Switch 2, select Begin System Transfer when you reach the transfer screen. Insert your microSD Express card if you plan to use one, or select Skip. Choose Sign In to a Nintendo Account and use the account linked to the user starting the transfer on the old console. Select Next, put both consoles close together and select Done.

On the old Switch 2, go to System Settings, then System, then System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2. Select Next, then Done when the new console is ready. Choose whether to redownload software and bring over your screenshots and videos, then select Next. Once the consoles connect, choose Start Receiving Data on the new one.

Select OK on the old console when it finishes sending. The new Switch 2 restarts and finishes the transfer before you resume setup. Check that your users are present and open the games whose saves you need before handing over the old console. Allow time for digital games to download. Pair Bluetooth audio devices and recreate any custom button mappings on the new console.

Move selected saves after setup

Link the same Nintendo Account to a user on each Switch 2, connect both consoles to the internet and place them near each other. Sending a save removes it from the old console. If the new console already has progress for the same game, cancel the transfer to keep that progress. Choosing Overwrite Save Data permanently replaces it.

On the old console, open System Settings, then Data Management, then Transfer Your Save Data. Choose Send Save Data to Another Console and select the target system type. Pick the user and the game saves you want to move, then select Next and OK.

On the new console, open System Settings, then Data Management, then Transfer Your Save Data, and choose Receive Save Data. Select OK when the transfer finishes, then open the game with that user to check your progress. You can use this local save transfer without a Nintendo Switch Online membership.

Upload before a trade-in

Use a server transfer if you must hand over the old console before the new one arrives. This process factory-resets the old Switch 2 and removes all users' data. Make sure everyone is ready and check that you'll have the new console before the download deadline shown during setup. The server keeps the data for up to one year.

On the old console, go to System Settings, then System, then System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2. Select Next and choose the option that says you don't have the other console yet. Follow the prompts to upload, review the transfer details, then follow the factory-reset prompt. Retrieve the upload over the internet during initial setup on the new console, using the same Nintendo Account that started it.

If you've already handed over the old console, look for a server transfer you set up before the handover. You can also sign in with your Nintendo Account and download existing Save Data Cloud backups for supported games while your Nintendo Switch Online membership is active.