Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Do you have a new Switch 2? Transferring the data from your OG Switch to Nintendo’s latest hybrid console is a real Link to the Past, and we can show you how to do it.
Before you start
If you’ve already set up and been playing your Switch 2, the only way to transfer your Switch data is by resetting your Switch 2 to factory settings, which will wipe all its save data and downloads. Remember too, when data is transferred from the Switch, it will be deleted from that console. This applies to all profiles: you can’t just transfer your Switch profile to the Switch 2.
The Switch and Switch 2 must be connected to their AC adapters and powered You should also check that your Internet connection’s stable and can support both consoles.
Let’s make the Switch
First, power on your Switch 2 and follow the device’s initial set up steps. You should reach the System Transfer screen. Connect to an Internet connection when it tells you and update the console to the latest system version via the on-screen instructions. With this done, select Start System Transfer. It will prompt you to insert a microSD Express card if you want, but select Skip if you don’t.
Your next step is signing it to the Nintendo Account connected to the user initiating the transfer on the Nintendo Switch. Select Next, confirm both consoles are nearby, then select Done.
The next step you’ll hop back to your original Switch. Confirm it’s also connected to the Internet and fully updated. Go to Settings on the HOME Menu, then System and System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2. Hit Next, then OK, and making sure your Switch 2 is nearby, hit Done.
Once the consoles connect, select Start Download on the Switch 2. When the data’s been received, the Switch 2 will restart and complete the transfer, at which point it will resume the console setup process.
When the data’s been removed from the Switch and sent to the Switch 2, select OK on the Switch.
After transfer
Your user profiles, digital game purchases, save data, videos, screenshots, and parental controls (if any) should all have been removed from your Switch and transferred to your Switch 2! However, downloading the games to your new console may take a while longer.
If you’re concerned about losing game save data, consider subscribing to Nintendo Switch Online, even temporarily, so you can backup your saves with Nintendo’s Save Data Cloud System. Go to System Settings, Data Management, then scroll down and select Save Cloud Data, toggling it on.
With your save data backed up on Nintendo’s servers, you can download it again at leisure, even on other systems (though games like Pokémon and Animal Crossing don’t use cloud backup, so alternative backups will be needed).
Are you excited about your Switch 2, or waiting for a killer app to tempt you into a purchase? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Got questions about the video or Kingston products? COMMENT or contact us on SOCIAL MEDIA:
Twitter: twitter.com/kingstontech
Instagram: instagram.com/kingstontechnology
Facebook: facebook.com/kingstontechnology
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/kingston
SUBSCRIBE for more DIY in 5 videos, and receive updates on the latest in Kingston’s memory & storage development, plus guides on getting peak performance from your hardware:
youtube.com/channel/UCLlmpSSdRdFbd_p9oNPcGfA
0:00 Intro
0:40 Before you start
1:07 Let’s make the Switch
2:23 After transfer
Do you have a new Switch 2? Transferring the data from your OG Switch to Nintendo’s latest hybrid console is a real Link to the Past, and we can show you how to do it.
Before you start
If you’ve already set up and been playing your Switch 2, the only way to transfer your Switch data is by resetting your Switch 2 to factory settings, which will wipe all its save data and downloads. Remember too, when data is transferred from the Switch, it will be deleted from that console. This applies to all profiles: you can’t just transfer your Switch profile to the Switch 2.
The Switch and Switch 2 must be connected to their AC adapters and powered You should also check that your Internet connection’s stable and can support both consoles.
Let’s make the Switch
First, power on your Switch 2 and follow the device’s initial set up steps. You should reach the System Transfer screen. Connect to an Internet connection when it tells you and update the console to the latest system version via the on-screen instructions. With this done, select Start System Transfer. It will prompt you to insert a microSD Express card if you want, but select Skip if you don’t.
Your next step is signing it to the Nintendo Account connected to the user initiating the transfer on the Nintendo Switch. Select Next, confirm both consoles are nearby, then select Done.
The next step you’ll hop back to your original Switch. Confirm it’s also connected to the Internet and fully updated. Go to Settings on the HOME Menu, then System and System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2. Hit Next, then OK, and making sure your Switch 2 is nearby, hit Done.
Once the consoles connect, select Start Download on the Switch 2. When the data’s been received, the Switch 2 will restart and complete the transfer, at which point it will resume the console setup process.
When the data’s been removed from the Switch and sent to the Switch 2, select OK on the Switch.
After transfer
Your user profiles, digital game purchases, save data, videos, screenshots, and parental controls (if any) should all have been removed from your Switch and transferred to your Switch 2! However, downloading the games to your new console may take a while longer.
If you’re concerned about losing game save data, consider subscribing to Nintendo Switch Online, even temporarily, so you can backup your saves with Nintendo’s Save Data Cloud System. Go to System Settings, Data Management, then scroll down and select Save Cloud Data, toggling it on.
With your save data backed up on Nintendo’s servers, you can download it again at leisure, even on other systems (though games like Pokémon and Animal Crossing don’t use cloud backup, so alternative backups will be needed).
Are you excited about your Switch 2, or waiting for a killer app to tempt you into a purchase? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Got questions about the video or Kingston products? COMMENT or contact us on SOCIAL MEDIA:
Twitter: twitter.com/kingstontech
Instagram: instagram.com/kingstontechnology
Facebook: facebook.com/kingstontechnology
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/kingston
SUBSCRIBE for more DIY in 5 videos, and receive updates on the latest in Kingston’s memory & storage development, plus guides on getting peak performance from your hardware:
youtube.com/channel/UCLlmpSSdRdFbd_p9oNPcGfA
0:00 Intro
0:40 Before you start
1:07 Let’s make the Switch
2:23 After transfer
