System Transfers to Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, Nintendo Switch - OLED Model

Information and steps relating to setting up a system transfer with a Nintendo Switch 2 as the target console.

Important: See How to Transfer User and Save Data on Nintendo Switch for Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch data transfers.

Note: If network maintenance is about to begin or in progress, you will be prevented from performing a system transfer. Please try again later.

Information

A system transfer can be performed to transfer the data from a Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch console (source) can be transferred to a Nintendo Switch 2 console (target). The data can be retrieved during the initial setup of the target Nintendo Switch 2 console.

You can perform a system transfer by uploading your source console data to a server, or by using local communication between the source and target consoles. Data from the source console will be deleted after completing the transfer, what's deleted will vary based on the type of transfer performed.

What does and doesn't transfer with a system transfer?
Note: If the source console is a Nintendo Switch, we recommend you move as much data to system storage as possible before a system transfer.
- If you're unable to, you may be prompted to temporarily insert the microSD card into the Nintendo Switch 2 system to transfer screenshot and video data.
- Nintendo Switch 2 is not compatible with microSD card, but is compatible with microSD Express cards, which are faster at reading and writing data compared to microSD cards. You will need a microSD Express card if you want to use expanded storage with Nintendo Switch 2.
The following is transferred:
- Digital Software
  - Digital software will be downloaded onto the target Nintendo Switch 2 console after the system transfer and initial console set up is complete. Internet connection is required to complete software downloads.
  - This can be toggled "off" when setting up the transfer if you want to manually download software later.
- All Users
  - All users, user settings, signed-in Nintendo Accounts, Friends, Play Activity, and Users You Have Played With will be transferred.
- Save Data
  - If using the server for the system transfer:
  - After uploading data for a server system transfer, the source console will be initialized. This deletes all data on the console and resets it to factory settings.
  - If using local communication for the system transfer:
  - Save data that is supported by Save Data Cloud Backup for users with a linked to a Nintendo Account will remain on the source console and just be copied to the Nintendo Switch 2 console.
  - Save data for user accounts that are not linked to a Nintendo Account and save data for games not supported by Save Data Cloud Backup will be deleted from the source console after transferring.
- Screenshots and Videos
  - Screenshots and videos saved to the system memory will be transferred.
- Registered network devices, Parental Controls, and Mii data
  - Registered network devices, Parental Controls, and Mii data will be transferred.
- Other settings
  - Status as a console that can use virtual game cards
  - Link with the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls smart device app
  - Pass-Enabled Console status
  - The order of software icons on the HOME Menu and software group settings
  - Some additional information is transferred when a Nintendo Switch 2 is the source console
The following is not transferred:
- Bluetooth audio settings
  - Bluetooth audio devices and settings will not be transferred. See How to Pair and Manage Bluetooth Audio Devices on Nintendo Switch 2 to add devices to Nintendo Switch 2.
- Controller button mappings
  - Custom controller button mappings will not be transferred. Controller button mapping can be set through the System Settings on Nintendo Switch 2.
- Time, time zone, region, language
  - This information will be configured manually during initial console setup.
What is the system transfer using local communication?
Local communication performs a system transfer from the source to the target console when both consoles are within close proximity to each other. This method is recommended if you will have your source and target console at the same time.
- If you share the console with multiple users, all users' data will be included when completing a system transfer using local communication. Ensure all users are informed and ready before starting the system transfer.
- User accounts that are not linked to a Nintendo Account and save data for games not supported by Save Data Cloud Backup will be deleted from the Nintendo Switch console and moved to your new Nintendo Switch 2. You cannot perform a system transfer back to a Nintendo Switch console from Nintendo Switch 2.
If you want to keep save data for games not supported by Save Data Cloud Backup on the source console, you may prefer to transfer save data for individual users instead of performing a system transfer.
What is the system transfer using the server?
A system transfer using the server uploads the data from the source console to a dedicated server, then initializes the source console. The data is stored on the server until it's retrieved by you with a Nintendo Switch 2 console or the Download Deadline has been exceeded. If the source console is a Nintendo Switch, the server system transfer can also be canceled and restored to the source console.

When using the option to upload your data to the server:
- A Nintendo Account is required. The user that performs the system transfer will need to sign in to set up the transfer.
- After the upload to the server is complete, the source console will be initialized. This deletes all data on that console and resets it to factory settings.
  - If you share the console with multiple users, all users' data will be included when completing a system transfer to the server. Ensure all users are informed and ready to have the console initialized before completing the system transfer upload.
- Once uploaded to the server, the data from the source console will be stored on the server for up to 1 year. A Download Deadline date will be displayed when setting up the transfer and later in your Nintendo Account settings.
This system transfer method is recommended if you will not have your source console when you get your Nintendo Switch 2 console, such as if you're trading in, selling, or giving away your previous console. If you will have both consoles, a local communication system transfer is preferred.

What to do

Set up a system transfer using local communication
Important

Once the transfer is complete, all save data will be deleted from the source console.

Complete the following steps on the target Nintendo Switch 2 console:
1. Power on the console.
2. Follow the initial set up steps on the device until the System Transfer screen.
  - Connect to an internet connection when prompted. An internet connection is required to complete the transfer.
  - Update the console to the latest system version when prompted using the on-screen instructions.
3. Select Start System Transfer.
4. If you have a microSD Express card you want to use with the console, insert it using the on-screen guide. Otherwise, select Skip.
5. Select Sign In to a Nintendo Account and sign in with the same Nintendo Account connected to the User on the Nintendo Switch that you'll be using to initiate the transfer.
6. Select Next.
7. Ensure both consoles are nearby and select Done.
8. Complete the steps on source console below. Once the consoles connect, select Start Download.
Complete the following steps on the source console:
1. Confirm the console is connected to the internet. An internet connection is required to complete the transfer.
  - How to connect Nintendo Switch 2 to a wireless home network
    Place the Nintendo Switch 2 console within 10 feet of the wireless router so there will be a strong wireless signal.
    
    Select System Settings from the HOME Menu.
    
    Select Internet, and then Internet SettingsConfiguración de internetParamètres InternetConfigurações de internet. Your console will automatically search for nearby wireless network signals.
    
    Select the appropriate network name (SSID) from the list.
    
    Use the onscreen keyboard to enter the network's wireless password, if one is required.
    
    The connection will be tested. Once the test is complete, select OK.
    
    If the connection test fails, an error code and message will appear. Search for our support article on the error code for steps to troubleshoot the connection.
    
    For more details, please see How to Connect to the Internet on Nintendo Switch 2
  - How to connect Nintendo Switch to a wireless home network
    Place the Nintendo Switch console within 10 feet of the wireless router to ensure a strong wireless signal.
    
    Select Settings from the HOME Menu on the Nintendo Switch console.
    
    Select Internet, and then Internet Settings . The Nintendo Switch will automatically search for near-by Wi-Fi signals.
    
    Select the appropriate network name (SSID) from the list.
    
    If prompted, use the onscreen keyboard to enter the network's wireless password .
    
    The Nintendo Switch will test the Internet connection. Once the test is complete, select OK to complete the process.
    
    For more information, see How to Connect to the Internet Using a Wireless Network.
2. Confirm your console is on the latest system version before performing the transfer.
  - How to check for the latest system update
    Select System Settings on the HOME Menu.
    
    Scroll down to the bottom of the System Settings menu and select System.
    
    Select System Update to start the system update process.
    
    The system will check to see if an update is available.
    
    For more information, see How to Perform a System Update on Nintendo Switch 2 or How to Perform a System Update on Nintendo Switch.
3. Select Settings from the HOME Menu.
4. Select System.
5. Select System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2.
6. Select Next.
  - Message: "Software preinstalled on this system has not yet been registered."
    This message indicates that a full game download is available on your source console, and it has not yet been registered. Perform the following:
    
    Create a Nintendo Account and link it to your source console, if you haven't already.
    
    Select Nintendo eShop on the HOME Menu to launch the Nintendo eShop.
    
    Select the Nintendo Account you want to register the game to.
    
    A message will appear indicating that the console includes a product you can register and download.
    
    Select Registration to proceed.
    
    A confirmation screen will appear. Select Save to register the game to your Nintendo Account.
    
    The download will begin automatically. You can check the download status on the HOME Menu.
    
    For more information about registered full game downloads, read Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch and Digital Game Bundle - FAQ.
7. Select Done when your target Nintendo Switch 2 is nearby and ready.
8. Select if you'd like to redownload software and transfer album data/screenshots and videos as part of the system transfer.
9. Select Next.
10. Wait for them to connect.
The target Nintendo Switch 2 console will restart after the data has been received, and then finish the transfer after restarting. You can then finish the initial console setup steps.

Select OK on the source console once the data has finished sending.
Set up a system transfer using the server
We only recommend using this system transfer method if:
- You will not have access to your source console by the time you have your target Nintendo Switch 2 (such as during a trade-in). All data on the source console will be deleted during this process.
- You have confirmed you'll have your target Nintendo Switch 2 before the "Download Deadline." The system transfer data will be deleted from the server on this date.
Otherwise, please wait until you have your Nintendo Switch 2 and perform a system transfer using local communication.

Complete the following steps on the source console:
1. Select Settings from the HOME Menu.
2. Select System.
3. Select System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2.
4. Select Next.
5. Select I Don't Have the Other System Yet/I don't have a Nintendo Switch 2 yet.
6. Review the on-screen explanation and click Next when prompted.
  - Take note of the "Download Deadline" and ensure you cancel or complete the system transfer before then to keep your data.
7. Select Next on the pop-up when ready to proceed.
  - You may need to enter in a Verification code for security.
8. Select if you'd like to redownload software and transfer album data/screenshots and videos as part of the system transfer.
9. Select Upload Data to perform the system transfer to the server.
10. Select OK once the upload is complete.
11. Review the system transfer information.
12. Select OK.
13. Select Start Initialization. The source console will be initialized and data for all users will be deleted.
Retrieve system transfer data from the server onto Nintendo Switch 2
Follow the on-screen prompts during the inital console set up to Start System Transfer. Note, an internet connection is required to complete the transfer.
- Retrieving the system transfer data from the server can only be completed during the initial console setup on target Nintendo Switch 2. You must use the same Nintendo Account that initiated the system transfer.
- I have already completed the initial console setup on Nintendo Switch 2
  A system transfer to Nintendo Switch 2 can only be completed during the intial console setup. If you wish to complete the system transfer from the server, you will need to initialize the target Nintendo Switch 2 console and complete the initial console setup again.
  
  If you don't want to initialize your target console, you can cancel your server system transfer and restore data to the source console, then transfer save data manually.
  - See How to Transfer Your Save Data for steps on transferring save data.
  - If you have a Nintendo Switch Online membership, you can also download the Save Data Cloud Backups you have uploaded for compatible software.
How to check on the status of a server system transfer
1. Visit the Nintendo Account website.
2. Sign in to your Nintendo Account.
  - How to sign in to an NA using email address/sign-in ID and password
    Enter the email address or sign-in ID and password associated to your account.
    
    Click Sign in.
    
    If additional verification is needed, follow the prompts.
    
    If you have registered a passkey with your Nintendo Account: you will be prompted to sign in using your passkey instead.
    
    If you have set up 2-step verification: launch the Google Authenticator app on your smart device, enter the code it displays, and click Authenticate.
    
    If you're prompted to confirm your identity: an email with a verification code will be sent to the email address associated with your Nintendo Account. Locate the code in your email and enter it in the "Verification code" box, then click Verify.
    
    For more information, see How to Sign In to a Nintendo Account.
  - How to sign in to an NA using a passkey
    Passkeys can only be used to sign in on the device the passkey was registered on. If the device associated with your passkey is not available, use one of the other methods to sign in.
    
    Select Sign in under "Passkey Sign-in".
    
    Perform the relevant steps on your device to use your passkey.
    
    For more information, see How to Sign In to a Nintendo Account.
  - How to sign in to an NA using Google or Apple Account
    Click the button for the appropriate service (Google or Apple) and enter your login information if needed.
    
    If additional verification is needed, follow the prompts.
    
    If you have set up 2-step verification: launch the Google Authenticator app on your smart device, enter the code it displays, and click Authenticate.
    
    If you're prompted to confirm your identity: an email with a verification code will be sent to the email address associated with your Nintendo Account. Locate the code in your email and enter it in the "Verification code" box, then click Verify.
    
    For more information, see How to Sign In to a Nintendo Account.
3. Select Game Systems.
4. Select System Transfers.
  - This section will show any system transfers linked to the Nintendo Account.
Cancel a server system transfer when a Nintendo Switch 2 was the source console

You are unable to "cancel" a system transfer when a Nintendo Switch 2 was the source console. Follow the steps above for "How to retrieve a system transfer from the server onto Nintendo Switch 2" using the Nintendo Switch 2 console you used to set up the server system transfer.
Cancel a server system transfer when a Nintendo Switch was the source console
Important: The same source console that set up the system transfer does not need to be used to cancel it and retrieve the data, but if the source console was a Nintendo Switch – OLED Model, then a Nintendo Switch – OLED Model console needs to be used when cancelling.
1. Power on the source console.
2. While the console is in the initial startup sequence, follow prompts until on the "Select Time Zone" screen.
3. Press the Left or Right Stick and the + or – Button on the Joy-Con at the same time. Hold the button for at least two seconds.
4. Select your time zone and continue to the next screen.
5. Sign in with the Nintendo Account that set up the server system transfer.
6. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the system transfer data being downloaded.
  - Original system settings will be restored as much as possible.
  - Virtual Game Card console registrations, digital software downloads, and re-linking Parental Controls with the app will need to be completed separately, after completing set up.