Summary
As the release date for theNintendo Switch 2comes closer, Nintendo is rolling out an update to the original Switch to help move software to the new model. This is the second recent update to the eight-year-old console that is all about upgrading its interface to help it play nice with the newSwitch 2.
Set to release on June 29, 2025, the Nintendo Switch 2 will feature a number of improvements over the old Switch, including improved Joy-Con, more powerful hardware, new apps, andexclusive games likeThe Duskbloods. to make the upgrade from the old Switch to the new as seamless as possible, Nintendo is giving owners an update that could not have come at a better time to help facilitate the move.
Update 20.1.0 for the original Switch will rollout the ability to quickly and easily transfer data likecompatible games and apps from the Switch 1 to the Switch 2, according toNintendo. All hardware will now be equipped with this feature, including the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, and Nintendo Switch OLED Model. The article also states that “some data can be transferred to Nintendo Switch 2, but not all.”
System transfers will work in two different ways. The first willfactory reset the Switch 1, but will allow consumers to transfer the system details to a Switch 2. This way, consumers who are selling their original Switch to purchase a Nintendo Switch 2 can smoothly transition to the new console. All the stored system data is kept on Nintendo’s end until either a Switch 2 downloads it, is restored to the original Switch, or the download deadline of one year has passed. A Nintendo account is necessary for this process to work, but an active Nintendo Switch Online is not mentioned as a requirement.
Digital software
All users
Save data
Screenshots, videos
System settings
News data
Bluetooth audio settings
Time, time zone, region, language
No
The second entails a local migration directly between the Switch 1 and Switch 2. This transfer method is recommended if the Switch 1 is still available when consumersget their Nintendo Switch 2 console. The consoles will need to be in proximity to one another and connected to the internet to complete this transfer, as the system will need to connect to an account as well as download games from the eShop.
Nintendo Switch Update 20.1.0 Patch Notes
Note: If performing a system transfer from Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch 2 using local communication, the Nintendo Switch console will need to be updated to this latest system version to perform the transfer. SeeSystem Transfer from Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch 2for more information.
