System Transfer from Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch 2 (MT-10002)

What to do

• How to set up a system transfer using local communication

  Important

  • This process is not intended for transferring from one Nintendo Switch to another. See How to Transfer User and Save Data on Nintendo Switch for Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch transfers.
  • Once the transfer is completeall save data will be deleted from the source console. Software where a single save file is shared between userslike Animal Crossing: New Horizonscannot be transferred through a system transfer.

  Complete the following steps on the Nintendo Switch 2 console:

  1. Power on the console.
  2. Follow the initial set up steps on the device until the System Transfer screen.
     • Connect to an internet connection when prompted. An internet connection is required to complete the transfer.
     • Update the console to the latest system version when prompted using the on-screen instructions.
  3. Select Start System Transfer.
  4. If you have a microSD Express card you want to use with the consoleinsert it using the on-screen guide. Otherwiseselect Skip.
  5. Select Sign In to a Nintendo Account and sign in with the same Nintendo Account connected to the User on the Nintendo Switch that you'll be using to initiate the transfer.
  6. Select Next.
  7. Ensure both consoles are nearby and select Done.
  8. Complete the steps on Nintendo Switch below. Once the consoles connectselect Start Download.

  
  

  Complete the following steps on the Nintendo Switch console:

  1. Confirm the console is connected to the internet. An internet connection is required to complete the transfer.
     • How to connect Nintendo Switch to a wireless home network
       1. Place the Nintendo Switch console within 10 feet of the wireless router to ensure a strong wireless signal.
       2. Select Settings from the HOME Menu on the Nintendo Switch console.
       3. Select Internetand then Internet Settings . The Nintendo Switch will automatically search for near-by Wi-Fi signals.
       4. Select the appropriate network name (SSID) from the list.
       5. If prompteduse the onscreen keyboard to enter the network's wireless password .
       6. The Nintendo Switch will test the Internet connection. Once the test is completeselect OK to complete the process.

       For more informationsee How to Connect to the Internet Using a Wireless Network.

  2. Confirm your console is on the latest system version before performing the transfer.
     • How to check for the latest system update
       1. Select System Settings on the HOME Menu.
       2. Scroll down to the bottom of the System Settings menu and select System.
       3. Select System Update to start the system update process.
          • The system will check to see if an update is available.

       For more informationsee How to Perform a System Update on Nintendo Switch 2 or How to Perform a System Update on Nintendo Switch.

  3. Select Settings from the HOME Menu.
  4. Select System.
  5. Select System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2.
  6. Select Next.
  7. Select OK.
     • Message: "Software preinstalled on this system has not yet been registered."

       This message indicates that a full game download is available on your Nintendo Switch consoleand it has not yet been registered. Perform the following:

       1. Create a Nintendo Account and link it to your Nintendo Switchif you haven't already.
       2. Select Nintendo eShop on the HOME Menu to launch the Nintendo eShop.
       3. Select the Nintendo Account you want to register the game to.
       4. A message will appear indicating that the console includes a product you can register and download.
       5. Select Registration to proceed.
       6. A confirmation screen will appear. Select Save to register the game to your Nintendo Account.
          • The download will begin automatically. You can check the download status on the HOME Menu.

       For more information about registered full game downloadsread Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch and Digital Game Bundle - FAQ.

  8. Select if you'd like to "Redownload Software on Nintendo Switch 2" and "Transfer Album Data" as part of the system transfer.
  9. Select Done when your Nintendo Switch 2 is nearby and ready.
  10. Wait for them to connect.

  The Nintendo Switch 2 console will restart after the data has been receivedand then finish the transfer after restarting. You can then finish the initial console setup steps.

  Select OK on the Nintendo Switch once the data has finished sending.

• How to set up a system transfer on Nintendo Switch using the server

  Important

  • This process is not intended for transferring from one Nintendo Switch to another. See How to Transfer User and Save Data on Nintendo Switch for Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch transfers.

  We only recommend using this system transfer method if:

  • You will not have access to your Nintendo Switch console by the time you have your Nintendo Switch 2. All data on the Nintendo Switch will be deleted during this process.
  • You have confirmed you're getting your Nintendo Switch 2 before the "Download Deadline." The system transfer data will be deleted from the server on this date.

  Otherwiseplease wait until you have your Nintendo Switch 2 and perform a system transfer using local communication.

  Complete the following steps on the Nintendo Switch console:

  1. Select Settings from the HOME Menu.
  2. Select System.
  3. Select System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2.
  4. Select Next.
  5. Select OK.
  6. Select I don't have a Nintendo Switch 2 yet.
  7. Review the on-screen explanation and click Next when prompted.
     • Take note of the "Download Deadline" and ensure you cancel or complete the system transfer before then to keep your data.
  8. Select Next on the pop-up when ready to proceed.
     • You may need to enter in a Verification code for security.
  9. Select if you'd like to "Redownload Software on Nintendo Switch 2" and "Transfer Album Data" as part of the system transfer.
  10. Select Upload Data to perform the system transfer to the server.
  11. Select OK once the upload is complete.
  12. Review the system transfer information.
  13. Select OK.
  14. Select Start Initialization. The Nintendo Switch will be initialized and data on the console for all users will be deleted.
• How to retrieve a system transfer from the server onto Nintendo Switch 2

  The system transfer from the server can only be completed during the initial console setup on Nintendo Switch 2 using the Nintendo Account that transferred the save data to the server. Follow the on-screen prompts during the console set up to Start System Transfer. An internet connection is required to complete the transfer.

  • I have already completed the initial console setup on Nintendo Switch 2

    If you already created a new user on the Nintendo Switch 2 and linked it to a Nintendo Account you also have on Nintendo Switchyou are able to transfer your save data from the Nintendo Switch console using save data transfer. See How to Transfer Your Save Data for more information. If you have a Nintendo Switch Online membershipyou can also download the Save Data Cloud Backups you have uploaded for compatible software.

    If you wish to complete the system transfer from the serveryou will need to initialize the Nintendo Switch 2 console and complete the initial console setup again.

• How to check on the status of a server system transfer
  1. Visit the Nintendo Account website.
  2. Sign in to your Nintendo Account.
     • How to sign in to an NA using email address/sign-in ID and password
       1. Enter the email address or sign-in ID and password associated to your account.
       2. Click Sign in.
       3. If additional verification is neededfollow the prompts.
          • If you have registered a passkey with your Nintendo Account: you will be prompted to sign in using your passkey instead.
          • If you have set up 2-step verification: launch the Google Authenticator app on your smart deviceenter the code it displaysand click Authenticate.
          • If you're prompted to confirm your identity: an email with a verification code will be sent to the email address associated with your Nintendo Account. Locate the code in your email and enter it in the "Verification code" boxthen click Verify.

       For more informationsee How to Sign In to a Nintendo Account.

     • How to sign in to an NA using a passkey

       Passkeys can only be used to sign in on the device the passkey was registered on. If the device associated with your passkey is not availableuse one of the other methods to sign in.

       1. Select Sign in under "Passkey Sign-in".
       2. Perform the relevant steps on your device to use your passkey.

       For more informationsee How to Sign In to a Nintendo Account.

     • How to sign in to an NA using Google or Apple Account
       1. Click the button for the appropriate service (Google or Apple) and enter your login information if needed.
       2. If additional verification is neededfollow the prompts.
          • If you have set up 2-step verification: launch the Google Authenticator app on your smart deviceenter the code it displaysand click Authenticate.
          • If you're prompted to confirm your identity: an email with a verification code will be sent to the email address associated with your Nintendo Account. Locate the code in your email and enter it in the "Verification code" boxthen click Verify.

       For more informationsee How to Sign In to a Nintendo Account.

  3. Select Game Systems.
  4. Select System Transfers.
     • This section will show any system transfers linked to the Nintendo Account.
• How to cancel a server system transfer

  Important: The same Nintendo Switch console that set up the system transfer does not need to be used to cancel the system transfer and receive the data. If the system transfer was for a Nintendo Switch – OLED Model consolecancelling must also be done using a Nintendo Switch – OLED Model console.

  1. Power on the Nintendo Switch console.
  2. While the console is in the initial startup sequencefollow prompts until on the "Select Time Zone" screen.
  3. Press the Left or Right Stick and the + or – Button on the Joy-Con at the same time. Hold the button for at least two seconds.
  4. Select your time zone and continue to the next screen.
  5. Sign in with the Nintendo Account that set up the server system transfer.
  6. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the system transfer data being downloaded.
     • Original system settings will be restored as much as possible.
     • Virtual Game Card console registrationsdigital software downloadsand re-linking Parental Controls with the app will need to be completed separatelyafter completing set up.