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Upgrading to aSwitch 2not only gives you access to a lot of new features and games, but also allows you to pick up right where you left off with games from yourSwitch 1if you want. Even for games you haven’t played in a while, it’s important to protect your old save files in case you ever want to go back and play them.
It’s recommended that one of the first things you do with your new Switch is to transfer over your data from yourSwitch 2, letting you pick up right where you left off with your older games while still giving you the ability to play newer ones. Here’s how to transfer over your oldSwitch 1data to your new Switch 2.
How To Transfer Data From Switch 1 To Switch 2
Before getting started,make sure yourSwitch 1is up to datewith any current software updates.
Plug in your newSwitch 2using the AC power adapter and follow the on-screen prompts to get your Switch 2 set up for the region you live in, language, wifi, and get the most recent software update to make sure the console is working. After that, you’ll be given the option to transfer your oldSwitch 1information over to your newSwitch 2, select, “Start System Transfer” to get started.
If you use a microSD, you can simply move it from your old Switch to yourSwitch 2during this next screen to speed up the process; otherwise, select skip to keep going. You’ll next need toconnect yourSwitch 2to your Nintendo account, which can be done on the system itself or using a QR code that will appear on screen.
After connecting your Nintendo account to your Switch 2, it’s time to start the transfer.Plug yourSwitch 1andSwitch 2into a power sourceusing the AC power cords, and place your Switches next to each other. In yourSwitch 1, follow the steps below to start the transfer:
After clicking through the confirmation screens, you’ll get alist of game save datathat is getting transferred over, not just copied. These save profiles will be deleted from yourSwitch 1and moved to yourSwitch 2; otherwise, all other data will just be copied over. Start the download, and all data will be moved over to yourSwitch 2. Next, you’ll be given the option to transfer screenshots and videos from yourSwitch 1to yourSwitch 2, butthis requires a microSD cardto download everything onto, then physically transfer it over to yourSwitch 2.
After completing all this, yourSwitch 2will have all your save data, and any games you currently have on your Switch 1will start downloadingonto yourSwitch 2. It’s important to know thatthis does not wipe or factory reset yourSwitch 1, so you’ll need to do that separately.
