One of the first things you're asked to do while setting up the Nintendo Switch 2 is whether you want to transfer your Nintendo Account to the Switch 2. The console includes a handy walkthrough for how to handle the transfer, but you do need to set aside a decent chunk of time and be in a place where you can have your original Switch and Switch 2 close together.
We've explained how to transfer your account to Switch 2 below, along with how to get your account data later if you don't transfer during the setup.
Here's what you need before starting the transfer.
When you first boot up your Nintendo Switch 2 and connect it to the internet, a system message informs you that you can transfer data from your Switch to Switch 2. You can choose to start the transfer, ignore it--which Nintendo only recommends if you don't have an original Switch--or get more information about how the transfers work. You'll also need to sign in to the Nintendo Account whose data you want to transfer on the Switch 2, which you can do with a QR code Nintendo provides during the process or by entering the email and password associated with the account.
Transferring your data takes all user accounts on the original Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Accounts they're tied to, downloads, and save data to the Switch 2. Some games, including demos, Pokemon games, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons, can only exist on one console, so the process will take them from your original Switch and relocate them to your Switch 2. Everything else will remain on the original Switch, so you can still play it there if you want to.
Follow the prompts on the Switch 2, until it directs you to the original Switch. Then:
If that last option isn't there, you'll need to update your Switch and restart it.
Plug both consoles into their power sources, and proceed with the transfer. The process takes roughly 30 minutes or longer, depending on how many accounts you're transferring.
The catch is that if you don't transfer your account when you first set your Switch 2 up, you can't transfer it later. Unlike the original Switch, which has options to transfer accounts between Switch, Switch Lite, and the Switch OLED models, the Switch 2 only lets you transfer during the system setup process.
That might sound like an issue if you don't have your original Switch handy during the Switch 2 setup. However, Nintendo says you can add a new user later and link your Nintendo Account to it. Virtual games, profiles, and cloud save data are tied to Nintendo Accounts, so the same data will still be available on your Switch 2. Just make sure you don't downloaded anything on the setup Switch 2 account first. If you link your Nintendo Account to the initial Switch 2 user account, the former will override the latter.
You can have your Nintendo Account on multiple systems, and a single Switch 2 can have up to eight accounts linked to it.
You'll also have the option to transfer screenshots and videos from Switch to Switch 2, but you'll need the microSD card from your original Switch for this one--not the Switch 2-specific microSD Express card. You can transfer media at any time after setting the system up, though, so there's no hassle around it like with transferring account data.
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We've explained how to transfer your account to Switch 2 below, along with how to get your account data later if you don't transfer during the setup.
How to transfer your Switch data to Nintendo Switch 2
It's easier to transfer data during setup, but you can get your account on the Switch 2 later as well.Here's what you need before starting the transfer.
- A wireless internet connection and your internet password, so your Switch 2 can connect to your wi-fi network
- The latest software update for the original Switch
- Power adapters for both systems and room to plug them in near each other--literally right next to each other, ideally
- You'll likely need the original Switch power cable for this process. In our testing, the Switch didn't recognize USB-C power sources that should have worked
- At least 30 minutes for the process to complete
When you first boot up your Nintendo Switch 2 and connect it to the internet, a system message informs you that you can transfer data from your Switch to Switch 2. You can choose to start the transfer, ignore it--which Nintendo only recommends if you don't have an original Switch--or get more information about how the transfers work. You'll also need to sign in to the Nintendo Account whose data you want to transfer on the Switch 2, which you can do with a QR code Nintendo provides during the process or by entering the email and password associated with the account.
Transferring your data takes all user accounts on the original Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Accounts they're tied to, downloads, and save data to the Switch 2. Some games, including demos, Pokemon games, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons, can only exist on one console, so the process will take them from your original Switch and relocate them to your Switch 2. Everything else will remain on the original Switch, so you can still play it there if you want to.
Follow the prompts on the Switch 2, until it directs you to the original Switch. Then:
- Open the "settings" menu on the original Switch
- Select the "system" submenu
- Navigate to the bottom, and choose "System transfer to Switch 2"
If that last option isn't there, you'll need to update your Switch and restart it.
Plug both consoles into their power sources, and proceed with the transfer. The process takes roughly 30 minutes or longer, depending on how many accounts you're transferring.
How to transfer Switch data after setting up Switch 2
Transferring media requires the microSD card you used for your original Switch.The catch is that if you don't transfer your account when you first set your Switch 2 up, you can't transfer it later. Unlike the original Switch, which has options to transfer accounts between Switch, Switch Lite, and the Switch OLED models, the Switch 2 only lets you transfer during the system setup process.
That might sound like an issue if you don't have your original Switch handy during the Switch 2 setup. However, Nintendo says you can add a new user later and link your Nintendo Account to it. Virtual games, profiles, and cloud save data are tied to Nintendo Accounts, so the same data will still be available on your Switch 2. Just make sure you don't downloaded anything on the setup Switch 2 account first. If you link your Nintendo Account to the initial Switch 2 user account, the former will override the latter.
You can have your Nintendo Account on multiple systems, and a single Switch 2 can have up to eight accounts linked to it.
You'll also have the option to transfer screenshots and videos from Switch to Switch 2, but you'll need the microSD card from your original Switch for this one--not the Switch 2-specific microSD Express card. You can transfer media at any time after setting the system up, though, so there's no hassle around it like with transferring account data.
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