Importing Switch saves to Nintendo Switch 2 is something you should automatically be able to do when you first set the system up. However, if you skip the transfer or don't have your original Switch with you, there is another way. It just takes a bit longer.
Our guide for how to transfer save data to Switch 2 explains each step of the process.
If you transfer your user data from the original Switch during the initial Switch 2 system transfer process, it imports your saves automatically. Once you have access to the main menu, you'll see your game library all queued up for download. You can cancel the downloads and prioritize what gets added to the system first, but whenever a game with save data associated with it finishes downloading, it'll have the latest save data from your user account with it.
This is true whether you're a Switch Online subscriber or not, as Switch save data is tied to user accounts--not Nintendo Accounts or the cloud. If you are a subscriber, your cloud backups are also transferred during the setup process.
If you skip the system transfer process when you get your Switch 2 up and running, the only way to import saves after that is by using Switch Online's cloud saves. You'll need an active subscription--the Expansion Pack add-on isn't required for cloud saves--and bear in mind that you'll need to connect your Switch to the internet to upload your saves to the cloud.
Then, follow these steps:
Your download might already include the most recent save stored in the cloud, but if not, do this:
Start the game, and you're good to go.
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Our guide for how to transfer save data to Switch 2 explains each step of the process.
How to import save data during Switch 2 setup
Save data is included in your system transfer.If you transfer your user data from the original Switch during the initial Switch 2 system transfer process, it imports your saves automatically. Once you have access to the main menu, you'll see your game library all queued up for download. You can cancel the downloads and prioritize what gets added to the system first, but whenever a game with save data associated with it finishes downloading, it'll have the latest save data from your user account with it.
This is true whether you're a Switch Online subscriber or not, as Switch save data is tied to user accounts--not Nintendo Accounts or the cloud. If you are a subscriber, your cloud backups are also transferred during the setup process.
How to import save data after Switch 2 setup
Account-based cloud saves are your only other transfer option after the initial system setup.If you skip the system transfer process when you get your Switch 2 up and running, the only way to import saves after that is by using Switch Online's cloud saves. You'll need an active subscription--the Expansion Pack add-on isn't required for cloud saves--and bear in mind that you'll need to connect your Switch to the internet to upload your saves to the cloud.
Then, follow these steps:
- Add the Nintendo Account tied to the Switch Online subscription to your Switch 2.
- From the eShop, download the games you want to retrieve your save data for.
Your download might already include the most recent save stored in the cloud, but if not, do this:
- Highlight the game icon on the main menu, and press the "+" button for extra options.
- Select "save data cloud," and download the save data you want.
Start the game, and you're good to go.
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