How to Transfer Your Games to Nintendo Switch 2 [2025]

So you've got the new Nintendo Switch 2 in your hands, and that larger screen and improved performance are calling your name. But there's this nagging reality staring you in the face: hundreds of dollars worth of games sitting on your old Switch, plus save files you've poured hundreds of hours into. Moving it all shouldn't feel like starting from scratch.

Here's the good news. Nintendo built the System Transfer process specifically for this moment. It's genuinely straightforward, and if you know what to expect, you'll have your entire library ready on the new console in under an hour. Your digital games, save data, user profiles, screenshots, video captures, and even your Nintendo Switch Online membership will move right along with you.

But there are some gotchas worth knowing about beforehand. A handful of older games have temporary compatibility issues. Your micro SD card might need reformatting. Some settings require manual adjustment. And if you make a misstep, you could end up with incomplete transfers or frustrating redownload queues.

This guide walks you through every single step, from the pre-transfer checklist to troubleshooting unexpected problems. I'll explain what actually moves, what doesn't, and what you need to do after the transfer completes to get back to gaming as fast as possible. Whether you're a casual player with a dozen games or a collector with hundreds, the process scales to your situation.

Let's get your library moved.

TL; DR

• System Transfer moves everything tied to your Nintendo Account: digital games, save data, user profiles, parental controls, screenshots, videos, and Switch Online membership
• The process takes 30-60 minutes depending on your library size and internet connection speed, with both consoles needing to stay powered on and connected to Wi-Fi
• Physical game cards work on Switch 2 without transfer, but you should check Nintendo's compatibility list for the small percentage of older titles with known issues
• Micro SD cards need to be inserted after transfer completes, as the Switch 2 will reformat them and you don't want to lose data during that process
• Some settings require manual reconfiguration on the Switch 2, including game-specific preferences and regional settings, but these take only minutes to adjust

Game-specific settings and local accounts have low transfer success rates, while cloud saves are mostly successful. Media files transfer well but may have exceptions. Estimated data.

Understanding What System Transfer Actually Does

Before you start moving cables around, you need clarity on what System Transfer actually handles. This isn't some mysterious black box. Nintendo's process is remarkably comprehensive, but it has limits worth understanding.

When you run System Transfer, everything tied to your Nintendo Account makes the journey. We're talking about digital games you've purchased from the eShop, whether they were on sale or full price. Every save file associated with every user profile you transfer comes along. User profiles themselves move, including profile pictures and nicknames. Your parental control settings, family group memberships, and any restrictions you've set up transfer over. Screenshots and video captures from your library move to the new console. Even your Nintendo Switch Online subscription status transfers, so you won't lose access to online multiplayer, cloud saves, or the NES and SNES game libraries.

The process also handles system settings like time zone, language, and network preferences. This is actually convenient because you don't need to manually reconfigure basic functionality.

Here's what's crucial: this transfer process is tied to your Nintendo Account. If you've got multiple user profiles on your original Switch and each one is linked to a different Nintendo Account, you can move all of them. If you've got a profile without an attached Nintendo Account, it won't transfer. This is actually by design. Nintendo needs your account credentials to verify that you own those digital games, and unlinked profiles don't have any way to prove ownership.

Physical game cards work on the Switch 2 without any transfer process at all. Your cartridges are hardware-based, not account-based. Pop them into the new console and they run. Some older games might need patches or updates for optimal performance on the new hardware, but the cartridges themselves are universally compatible.

One thing worth noting: your screenshots and video captures should transfer, but Nintendo makes no guarantees about the quality or completeness of older files. If you've got screenshots or videos that are critically important to you, back them up separately. You can use the Switch's built-in option to export them to a computer or cloud storage.

Estimated transfer times range from 30 to 75 minutes depending on the data size of each user profile. Estimated data.

The Pre-Transfer Checklist You Actually Need

Skipping prep work is how you end up troubleshooting at midnight. Take thirty minutes before you start the transfer to handle these steps. You'll save yourself hours of frustration.

Charge Both Consoles Fully

This sounds obvious, but it bears repeating because a dead console in the middle of a transfer is a real problem. Your original Switch needs enough battery to stay powered on during the entire transfer process. Your Switch 2 needs enough charge to complete the initial setup and the transfer itself. Both consoles need to remain powered on throughout the entire procedure. If either one dies, the transfer might not complete successfully and you could end up with partial data moves. Charge them both to 100 percent and keep them plugged in throughout the process if you can.

Keep the consoles physically near each other. You'll need them connected to the same Wi-Fi network, and proximity helps with the initial pairing process. A few feet apart on the same table is ideal.

Verify Your Wi-Fi Connection

Your internet connection needs to be stable and reasonably fast. The System Transfer verifies your Nintendo Account through an online connection, so you can't do this on public Wi-Fi or a network where you need to open a browser for login. Ideally, you're on a home network where you can type in your password and connect normally.

Depending on your library size, the transfer process will also queue up redownloads for all your digital games. If you've got two hundred games and a slow connection, this queuing process takes longer, though it doesn't block you from playing while games download in the background.

Test your connection before you start. Run a speed test if you want to be thorough. Anything above 10 Mbps download speed is fine for this process. If your Wi-Fi keeps dropping or feels unreliable, move the consoles closer to your router or consider switching to 5GHz if your network supports it.

Update Your Original Switch System Software

Before you touch System Transfer, make sure your original Switch is running the latest system software. Go to System Settings, select System, then select System Update. Let it download and install any available updates. This ensures the transfer process runs without interruptions caused by software incompatibilities.

You'd think this wouldn't matter since the transfer is just moving data, but Nintendo's transfer protocol sometimes has minor compatibility issues between outdated and current software versions. Five minutes of updating now prevents headaches later.

Confirm All User Profiles Are Linked to Nintendo Accounts

This is the step that most people overlook, and it's the biggest source of transfer problems. Every user profile you want to move must be linked to a Nintendo Account. You can't transfer a local profile that isn't tied to an account.

Here's how to check: on your original Switch, go to System Settings and select Users. For each user profile you want to transfer, select that profile and check whether it shows a linked Nintendo Account. If you see your Nintendo ID displayed, you're good. If you see "Not linked," you need to link it before you transfer.

Linking is straightforward. Select the unlinked profile, go to User Settings, and select Link to Nintendo Account. You can create a new account or link to an existing one. If you're linking a child's profile, you'll need to set up or verify parental controls settings at the same time.

Doing this step now prevents the frustration of starting the transfer, getting halfway through, and discovering a profile won't move.

Check the Nintendo Compatibility List

Nintendo published a list of Switch games and their compatibility status on the Switch 2. Most games work perfectly. Some have minor issues. A tiny number have temporary compatibility problems that Nintendo is actively working on.

It's worth checking this list if you've got a library of older or more obscure titles. You're probably fine, but knowing ahead of time if one of your favorite games has a known issue means you won't be surprised when it behaves unexpectedly on the new hardware.

The list is easy to find on Nintendo's official website and gets updated regularly as Nintendo tests more games and developers submit patches.

Back Up Your Screenshots and Videos Separately

This is optional but smart. Your screenshots and video clips should transfer as part of the System Transfer process, but if something goes wrong during the transfer, you don't want to lose them. If you've got memories you care about, export them to a computer or cloud storage before you start.

On your original Switch, go to Album in the home menu. Select the screenshots or videos you want to export. You can send them to a computer over the local network using the built-in export function, or you can use a micro SD card. It takes five minutes and provides peace of mind.

Step-by-Step: Starting the Transfer From Your Original Switch

Once your pre-transfer checklist is complete, you're ready to actually move data. This is where the rubber meets the road. The process is straightforward, but you need to follow the steps in order and not interrupt anything.

Step 1: Access System Settings and Navigate to Users

Turn on your original Nintendo Switch and unlock it normally. From the home menu, go to System Settings. It's in the bottom left, looks like a gear icon. Once you're in System Settings, scroll down and select Users. This shows all the user profiles on your original console.

Step 2: Select the User Profile You Want to Transfer

In the Users menu, you'll see all profiles on this console. Select the first profile you want to transfer. If you've got multiple profiles tied to different Nintendo Accounts, you'll repeat this process for each one. Select a profile to see its settings.

Step 3: Choose "Transfer Your User & Save Data"

Once you've selected a user profile, look for the option that says "Transfer Your User & Save Data." This is the exact option that initiates the System Transfer process. Select it.

Step 4: Confirm Your Nintendo Account Information

The Switch will ask you to confirm the Nintendo Account linked to this profile. You'll see your account ID displayed. If this is correct, proceed. If something looks wrong, stop here and verify your account linking before continuing.

You don't need to re-enter your password. The Switch already knows which account is linked to this profile.

Step 5: Follow the On-Screen Prompts

The Switch will walk you through a series of confirmation screens. Read through them carefully. They're explaining what's about to happen: your user profile, save data, and other data tied to your account will be transferred to the Switch 2. Confirm each prompt as you go through them.

Don't close the application or turn off the Switch during this process. Let it complete all the way through.

Step 6: Power On Your Switch 2 and Start Initial Setup

Once you've initiated the transfer on your original console, turn on your Switch 2. You should be at the initial setup screen since this is presumably the first time you've turned it on. Go through the basic setup steps: language, time zone, and network connection. You don't need to set up a user profile yet.

When the Switch 2 asks if you want to transfer data from another console, select "Start System Transfer." This is what activates the receiving end of the transfer process.

Step 7: Connect Both Consoles to the Same Wi-Fi Network

Both your original Switch and your Switch 2 need to be connected to the exact same Wi-Fi network. The Switch 2 will ask you to select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password. Do this now. Your original Switch should also still be on the same network.

Once both consoles are on the same network, the Switch 2 will start searching for your original console. Keep both powered on during this step.

Step 8: The Consoles Find Each Other and Pair

The Switch 2 will detect your original Switch on the network. You'll see a prompt asking if you want to pair these consoles for the transfer. Both consoles need to stay powered on for this pairing to work. Select yes and let them establish the connection.

This can take a minute or two depending on your network. Don't interrupt it. The consoles are establishing a secure connection so they can transfer data safely.

Step 9: Data Transfer Begins

Once the consoles are paired, the original Switch will start sending your user information, save data, and settings to the Switch 2. You'll see progress indicators on both screens showing the transfer is happening. This is the point where you absolutely must keep both consoles powered on and connected to Wi-Fi.

Depending on how much data you've got, this step can take anywhere from five minutes to thirty minutes. Your user profile data itself transfers quickly. What takes longer is the system indexing the user data on the new console and preparing it for use.

During this time, you might see the Switch 2 appear to be doing nothing. That's normal. The transfer is happening in the background. Be patient and let it finish.

Step 10: Transfer Completes and Verifies

When the transfer finishes, you'll see a confirmation message on both consoles. The original Switch will show a completion screen. The Switch 2 will show that your user profile has been successfully transferred and is ready to use.

Don't immediately power off or restart either console. Let them sit for a minute while the system verifies everything transferred correctly.

Estimated data shows that microSD reformatting and compatibility issues are the most common challenges during the game transfer process to Nintendo Switch 2.

What Happens Next: The Redownload Process

Once the System Transfer completes, your digital games aren't magically on the Switch 2. What transferred was the record of which games you own and your save data for those games. The actual game files themselves need to be redownloaded.

How the Queue Works

Your Switch 2 automatically creates a queue of all your digital games that need to be redownloaded. It doesn't download all of them simultaneously. Instead, it queues them up and downloads them sequentially in the background. The console will download game one, then game two, then game three, and so on. You can check the status of the queue in your profile's downloads section.

This is actually convenient because you can play while games are downloading in the background. You're not blocked from using your console while redownloads happen.

Prioritizing Your Downloads

If you've got a massive library, downloading everything could take days depending on your internet speed and the total size of your games. You want to play specific games sooner, so the Switch 2 lets you prioritize.

Go to your profile, select downloads, and you'll see the full queue of games waiting to be downloaded. You can manually reorder this queue. Move your most-wanted games to the top so they download first. This is especially useful if you've got a large library. You can get your three favorite games downloading immediately while the rest queue up behind them.

If your internet connection is slow or you're on a metered connection, consider downloading games selectively rather than redownloading your entire library at once. You can initiate downloads for individual games from the eShop whenever you want.

Storage Considerations

Your digital games are stored either on the Switch 2's internal storage or on a micro SD card if you've got one. The Switch 2 has more internal storage than the original Switch, but if you've got a massive library, you'll want external storage.

Don't insert your old micro SD card from your original Switch into the Switch 2 right away. The Switch 2 uses a newer micro SD format than the original Switch, and when you insert a card, the console will reformat it to be compatible. Reformatting erases everything on the card.

Wait until the transfer process is completely finished and your games have started redownloading before you insert a micro SD card. Then let the Switch 2 reformat it. Insert a fresh card if you want to avoid losing anything, or back up the contents of your old card before reformatting.

After Transfer: Settings and Final Configuration

Once your profile is on the Switch 2 and redownloads are queued up, you're not quite done. There are a few final configuration steps that take only minutes but make your experience much better.

Re-Pair Your Controllers and Accessories

Your Joy-Con controllers and other Bluetooth accessories don't automatically work on the Switch 2 just because your profile transferred. You need to re-pair them with the new console. This is a simple five-minute process.

On your Switch 2, go to System Settings and select Controllers. Select "Pair a Controller" or "Add a New Device." The Switch 2 will start searching for nearby Bluetooth devices. On your Joy-Con controllers, locate the small sync button on the back (usually a small indentation). Press and hold it until the lights on the Joy-Cons start flashing. The Switch 2 should detect them and ask for confirmation. Select yes, and they're paired.

If you use Pro Controllers or other third-party controllers, the same process applies. Each controller needs to be re-paired individually with the new console.

This is one of those processes that feels like it should be automatic but isn't. Nintendo probably could have synced controllers as part of the System Transfer, but they didn't, so you need to do it manually.

Update Your Games to Latest Versions

Most of your redownloaded games will be older versions from when they were last downloaded or purchased. Games get updates and patches all the time. While your games are redownloading, the Switch 2 will also check for updates to those games and download the latest versions.

You can check the status of game updates in the eShop. Go to your profile, select purchased games, and you'll see which games have available updates. The Switch 2 should handle this automatically, but if you want to force updates for specific games, you can initiate them manually from this menu.

Updating before you play ensures you've got the latest bug fixes and improvements.

Restore Parental Controls and Family Group Settings

If you had parental controls set up on your original Switch, those settings transferred over, but you might need to verify they're configured correctly on the Switch 2.

Go to System Settings and select Parental Controls. You'll see your existing settings. If you need to adjust them for the new console, you can do so here. This is also where you can set up different parental controls for different profiles if you've got a family setup.

Similarly, if you're part of a family group on Nintendo's online service, those memberships should transfer, but it's worth confirming in your profile settings that everything's still connected correctly.

Verify Regional Settings and Language

Your language and regional settings should have transferred, but it's worth a quick check. Go to System Settings and select System, then Regional Settings. Make sure the time zone, language, and region are all set to your preferences.

Some games have region-specific content or features, so confirming these settings prevents unexpected surprises when you start playing.

Check Nintendo Switch Online Status

Your Nintendo Switch Online subscription should have transferred along with your profile. Go to your profile settings and look for the subscription status. It should show that your membership is active and display your subscription tier (standard or expansion pack).

If you see any issues with your subscription, you might need to verify your payment method in your account settings, but typically everything transfers without problems.

Estimated download times for game libraries vary based on the number of games and average internet speed. For a typical speed of 25-50 Mbps, downloading 50 games (5 GB each) takes about 7 to 15 hours. Estimated data.

Dealing With Compatibility Issues: What To Do If Games Don't Work

Most games work perfectly on the Switch 2. But Nintendo has confirmed that a small percentage of older games have temporary compatibility issues. If you run into a game that doesn't work as expected, here's what to do.

Check Nintendo's Official Compatibility List

Your first stop should be Nintendo's official game compatibility database. Search for the game that's causing problems. The database shows the known status for nearly every Switch game on the Switch 2 platform. It will tell you if the game has confirmed compatibility issues, if it's been fixed, or if it's fully compatible.

If your game is on the list with a known issue, you'll see a description of what the problem is. Some games have visual glitches. Some have audio problems. Some have crashes in specific situations. The database explains the issue and tells you if Nintendo is aware of it.

Look for Available Patches

Many compatibility issues have been fixed through patches and updates from game developers. If a game was listed with a known issue but it's been a few months, there might be a patch available that fixes the problem.

In the eShop, go to the game and check if there's an available update. Download and install it, then try the game again. Patches come out regularly as developers work with the Switch 2 hardware.

Try Clearing Game Cache

If a game is behaving unexpectedly and there's no known compatibility issue listed, try clearing the game's cache. This sometimes fixes crashes or performance problems caused by corrupted temporary files.

Go to System Settings, select Data Management, then find the game that's causing problems. You should see an option to clear the game's cache or temporary data. Clear it, then relaunch the game. This doesn't delete your save files. It just clears temporary data.

Reinstall the Game if Necessary

If clearing cache doesn't work, try uninstalling the game completely and redownloading it. Sometimes a game install gets corrupted during the redownload process. A fresh reinstall can fix issues caused by corrupted files.

Go to the game in your library, press the options button, and select "Delete Software." Once it's deleted, go to the eShop and redownload it fresh. This takes longer than clearing cache, but it's the nuclear option for really problematic installs.

Report Issues to Nintendo If Persists

If a game still isn't working after you've tried these steps, you can report the issue to Nintendo. They use player reports to identify new compatibility issues and prioritize fixes. Go to Nintendo's support website and submit a report with your game and the specific problem you're experiencing.

Slow Download Speeds: Why Redownloads Take Time

If you've got a massive library, you might notice redownloads are taking longer than you expected. This isn't a problem with your console or internet connection. It's by design.

Why the Queue Works This Way

The Switch 2 doesn't download all your games simultaneously. It queues them sequentially. This is intentional. If every game tried to download at once, it would overwhelm the console's storage system and processing capability. Sequential downloads are more stable and reliable.

Plus, if the console tries to write hundreds of gigabytes to storage all at once, it can impact performance and battery life. Sequential downloads spread out the load.

Realistic Timeline Expectations

How long will redownloads actually take? That depends on three factors: how many games you've got, how large they are, and your internet speed.

Assuming a typical internet connection (25-50 Mbps), a game that's 5 GB takes roughly fifteen to thirty minutes to download. If you've got fifty games averaging 5 GB each, that's 250 GB total. At that speed, the entire library takes seven to fifteen hours to download. But remember, you're not waiting around watching it happen. Games download in the background while you play other games or use your console normally.

If your internet is slower than 25 Mbps, add more time. If you've got gigabit fiber, downloads move much faster. Your Switch 2 is limited to Wi-Fi speeds (unless you use a USB Ethernet adapter), so it won't exceed your network's capabilities.

Prioritize Games You Actually Play

Here's the practical reality: you don't need every single game downloaded immediately. You can't play more than one game at a time anyway. Prioritize the games you actually want to play first. Move those to the top of the download queue and let everything else download in the background over time.

If you've got a hundred games in your library and realistically only play ten of them regularly, just get those ten games downloaded and let the rest queue up. You can manually download other games from the eShop whenever you feel like playing them.

Estimated data shows that the system transfer itself takes the most time, but overall, the process is efficient with most steps completed within an hour.

Troubleshooting Common Transfer Problems

Most transfers go smoothly, but sometimes things go wrong. Here are the most common issues and how to fix them.

Transfer Fails to Start

If the System Transfer process won't initiate at all, the most common cause is that your consoles aren't properly connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Confirm both consoles are on the same network. You might need to forget and reconnect to the Wi-Fi on one or both consoles.

Also verify that both consoles are powered on and have adequate battery charge. The Switch 2 needs to be in the initial setup phase (not yet set up with a user profile) for the transfer option to appear.

Transfer Starts But Stops Partway Through

If the transfer starts but fails midway, the most likely cause is a dropped Wi-Fi connection or one of the consoles losing power. Both consoles must stay powered on and connected to Wi-Fi throughout the entire process.

Start the transfer again from the beginning. The good news is that partial transfers don't corrupt anything. You can safely start over.

If the transfer keeps failing at the same point, try moving the consoles closer to your Wi-Fi router to get a stronger signal. If that doesn't help, try restarting both consoles and attempting the transfer again.

Profile Transfers But Games Don't Redownload

Sometimes a profile transfers successfully but the redownload queue doesn't populate with your games. This usually means the system didn't properly recognize your digital game purchases.

Wait a few minutes and go to the eShop on your Switch 2. Navigate to your profile and select "Redownload" from your purchase history. This forces the system to refresh its record of your games. Your game library should populate in the queue.

If that still doesn't work, try signing out of your Nintendo Account on the Switch 2 and signing back in. This can sometimes reset the purchase recognition system.

Save Data Transfers But Games Don't

This is rare, but sometimes save data transfers while the game files don't. This usually happens if there was a problem with the game redownload queue initializing.

Go to the eShop and search for one of your games manually. You should see it marked as "Purchased" or "Owned." Select it and choose "Download." This initiates a manual redownload. Once you do this for one game, the system sometimes realizes it needs to redownload the others and the queue starts working again.

Controllers Won't Pair

If your controllers won't pair with the Switch 2, make sure they're charged. Uncharged controllers sometimes won't pair properly. Charge them for at least fifteen minutes before attempting to pair again.

Also try restarting the console and attempting to pair again. If you're pairing multiple controllers, do them one at a time rather than all at once.

Slow Downloads Even On Fast Internet

If your internet speed is actually fast but downloads seem slow, check how many things are downloading simultaneously. The Switch 2 queues downloads sequentially by default, but if you manually initiated multiple downloads at once, they split your bandwidth.

Go to your downloads and see how many games are actively downloading. If it's more than one, the queue got confused. Wait for them to finish or cancel the ones you don't need right away.

Also confirm you're not exceeding any data caps or throttling from your internet provider. Some providers throttle speeds after you use a certain amount of data. If you're redownloading a massive library over a few hours, you might hit throttling limits.

What Doesn't Transfer and Why You Need to Know

Understanding what doesn't transfer is just as important as knowing what does. Some data is intentionally not transferred, and understanding why prevents frustration.

Game-Specific Preferences and Settings

Some games store their own internal settings and preferences that are separate from your save file. These might include difficulty settings, control scheme preferences, or graphics options. Most games don't transfer these settings. You'll need to reconfigure them when you start a game on the Switch 2.

This seems annoying, but it's actually because many developers store these settings in ways that aren't compatible between consoles or might have changed in a patch.

Local Account Data

If you've got user profiles on your original Switch that aren't linked to a Nintendo Account, they don't transfer. Local accounts can't be transferred because Nintendo has no way to verify you own any purchases tied to that account.

If you've got a local profile you want to move, you need to link it to a Nintendo Account before the transfer. You can create a new account or link it to an existing one.

Game-Specific Cloud Saves

Nintendo Switch Online offers cloud saves for most games. These are separate from your local save files. Cloud saves should transfer automatically as part of your Switch Online membership transfer, but some games handle cloud saves differently.

When you play a game for the first time on the Switch 2, it should detect your cloud save and ask if you want to use it. Accept, and your cloud save becomes your local save on the Switch 2.

Screenshots and Videos Sometimes

Screenshots and videos should transfer, but if you had a very large number of them, some might not transfer successfully, especially if they're older files from the Switch's early years. If you're missing some screenshots or videos after the transfer, they might not have copied successfully.

This is another reason to back up important screenshots and videos separately before the transfer. Once they're backed up independently, you're not dependent on the transfer process working perfectly for old files.

Achievements and Activity Records

Your play activity and gaming statistics don't always transfer exactly as they were. Some games track playtime and achievements internally, while others track them through Nintendo's servers. Your account-level achievement data should transfer, but game-specific achievement progress might reset if a game updates significantly between consoles.

The System Transfer process moves digital games, user profiles, system settings, media, and online status, ensuring a seamless transition to a new console. Estimated data.

Managing Storage: Micro SD Cards and Internal Space

Storage management is actually one of the more important post-transfer tasks because digital games take up serious space.

The Switch 2's Built-In Storage

The Switch 2 comes with more internal storage than the original Switch. Exactly how much depends on which model you have, but you're probably looking at 64 GB to 256 GB built-in. That sounds like a lot, but modern games are massive. A single AAA game might take 15-20 GB of space.

You can install maybe five to ten modern games on internal storage before you start needing external storage. If you've got a digital library of fifty or more games, you'll need a micro SD card.

When To Insert Your Micro SD Card

Don't insert a micro SD card into your Switch 2 immediately after unboxing it. Wait until after the System Transfer is complete and your games have started redownloading. Here's why: the Switch 2 will reformat any micro SD card you insert to be compatible with its file system. Reformatting erases everything on the card.

If you insert your old micro SD card from your original Switch, the Switch 2 will reformat it, and you'll lose any data that was on it. You want to avoid that. Either use a fresh card or back up the contents of your old card before reformatting.

Once your transfer is done and games are redownloading, insert a fresh micro SD card. The Switch 2 will format it automatically, and you'll be good to go.

Choosing the Right Capacity

Micro SD cards come in various capacities. For the Switch 2, I'd recommend at least a 256 GB card if you've got a large digital library. Prices have dropped significantly on high-capacity cards, and you want enough space that you're not managing storage constantly.

1 TB cards exist and are affordable. If you want to download your entire library and never think about storage again, a 1 TB card gives you plenty of room.

Make sure whatever card you buy is a micro SD UHS card. The Switch 2 supports UHS speeds, which are faster than older micro SD speeds. It won't break the console if you use a slower card, but you'll notice slower load times.

Freeing Up Storage

Once you've got your games installed, you might realize you're running low on space. Games you're not actively playing can be uninstalled to free up space. Uninstalling just removes the game files. Your save data stays intact.

You can reinstall games anytime from the eShop. So if you need space for a new game, you can uninstall one you're not playing and reinstall it later when you feel like it again.

Go to your library, find a game you want to remove, and select "Delete Software." Confirm you want to delete it. Done. The space is now available for other games.

Deciding What To Do With Your Original Switch

Once your transfer is complete and you've verified everything works on the Switch 2, you need to decide what happens to your original console.

Keeping It As a Secondary Console

You can keep your original Switch and use it as a secondary device. Maybe you've got a family member who wants to use it, or you want a portable console in another room of your house. Your transferred profile exists on both consoles, so you can play your games on either one.

There's no technical problem with this setup. Just keep in mind that your game licenses are tied to your Nintendo Account. For you to play your games on both consoles, your account needs to be set up on both as your primary account (for the Switch 2) and your secondary account (for the original Switch). This allows anyone using the original Switch to play your games, while maintaining your primary profile on the Switch 2.

Handing It Down to Family

If you've got a kid or family member who wants to use the original Switch, you can set them up with their own profile on it. They can use it as their personal console while you use the Switch 2 as yours.

You can set up parental controls on the original Switch to manage what they can access. You might want to unlink your primary Nintendo Account and create a new family group setup so you're not sharing purchases with them.

Selling It

If you want to sell your original Switch, you should perform a factory reset before handing it off. This erases all data and settings, giving the new owner a clean slate.

On your original Switch, go to System Settings, select System, then select Formatting Options. Select "Delete All Data." Confirm that you want to erase everything. The console will reset to factory settings. Once you've done this, you can safely sell it without worrying about your data remaining on the device.

Trading It In

Many retailers and online services accept trade-ins of original Switch consoles. You can check for trade-in value through GameStop, Best Buy, or various online retailers. Perform the factory reset before trading it in, just like you would before selling it.

Advanced Tips for Power Users

If you're a serious Switch collector or power user, there are some advanced techniques that might be useful.

Transferring Multiple Profiles at Once

If you've got four or five profiles to transfer (family situation or you have multiple accounts), you don't need to do them all in sequence during one sitting. You can transfer your primary profile first, then transfer additional profiles later as you need them.

Both profiles can exist on the Switch 2 simultaneously. Just repeat the System Transfer process for each additional profile you want to move.

Managing Game Libraries Across Multiple Accounts

If you have multiple Nintendo Accounts with different game libraries, you can transfer all of them to the Switch 2 and they'll all be accessible. This is useful if you've got family members with their own game purchases.

Just set up each account with their own transferred profile, and everyone's games are available on the Switch 2.

Using a USB Ethernet Adapter for Stable Transfers

If you're paranoid about Wi-Fi dropping during a transfer or redownload, you can use a USB Ethernet adapter with the Switch 2. It doesn't speed up the process, but it gives you a guaranteed stable connection that won't drop.

The Switch 2 supports USB 3.1 Ethernet adapters. Connect one, and your transfer will use your wired internet connection instead of Wi-Fi. No more worrying about signal drops.

Backing Up Your Original Switch Before Transfer

Some players like to create a full backup of their original Switch before doing a System Transfer, just in case something goes wrong. You can do this through the System Settings backup option. It creates a large backup file you can store on a computer.

It's not necessary for the transfer process, but it provides extra peace of mind. If something catastrophic happens during transfer, you have a backup to restore from.

Frequently Asked Questions About Switch 2 Transfers

FAQ

What exactly gets transferred in a System Transfer?

Nintendo's System Transfer moves your user profile, all save files associated with that profile, your digital game purchases and purchase history, parental control settings, your Nintendo Switch Online membership, screenshots and video captures, system settings, and network configuration. Essentially, everything tied to your Nintendo Account transfers with you. Physical game cartridges don't transfer because they don't need to - they work on the Switch 2 automatically.

Can I transfer multiple user profiles in one System Transfer session?

You can transfer multiple profiles, but you need to repeat the System Transfer process for each one. You don't have to do them all at once during a single transfer session. You can transfer your primary profile today and additional profiles later whenever you want. Each transfer takes about 30 minutes to an hour depending on how much data each profile has.

What happens to games I purchased with physical gift cards or eShop cards?

Your eShop balance and purchase history are tied to your Nintendo Account, so they transfer automatically. The games you purchased with those cards are part of your digital library and transfer as part of the System Transfer process. You'll be able to redownload them on the Switch 2 without any additional steps.

Do I need to keep my original Switch turned on after the transfer completes?

You don't need to keep it on permanently, but Nintendo recommends keeping it accessible for at least a few days after the transfer. This way, if something seems wrong with your transferred data, you can refer back to the original console to verify everything came across. Once you're confident the transfer worked perfectly, you can power it off or set it aside.

Why aren't my game saves showing up on the Switch 2 after transfer?

Save files transfer automatically during the System Transfer process, but they're associated with specific user profiles. Make sure you transferred the correct user profile that has those save files. If your saves are missing, they might not have transferred successfully. In that case, check if cloud saves are available. Nintendo Switch Online's cloud save feature maintains backups of most game saves that you can restore.

Will downloaded DLC and season passes transfer to the Switch 2?

Yes. Any DLC, season passes, or additional content you purchased for games on your original Switch transfers as part of the digital purchase history. You don't need to repurchase anything. Once your games redownload on the Switch 2, your DLC will be included automatically.

What if I don't have a stable Wi-Fi connection for the transfer?

System Transfer requires Wi-Fi, so you need a stable connection to complete it. If your home Wi-Fi is unreliable, try using a mobile hotspot from a phone as a backup. You could also move the consoles closer to your router, switch to a 5GHz network band if available, or use a wired USB Ethernet adapter if you can. Avoid public Wi-Fi networks because you need to authenticate with your Nintendo Account during transfer, which often requires additional login steps on public networks.

How long does it take for all my games to redownload after transfer?

The time depends on how many games you have, their combined file size, and your internet connection speed. If you have fifty games averaging 5 GB each, that's 250 GB total. At 25 Mbps download speeds, that's roughly seven to fifteen hours spread across the redownload queue. Games download sequentially in the background, so you can play while they download. You don't have to wait for everything to finish before using your console.

What should I do if a game isn't working properly on the Switch 2 after transfer?

First, check Nintendo's official game compatibility database to see if there's a known issue. If there is, check if a patch is available. Download any available updates, then try the game again. If there's no known issue, try clearing the game's cache through System Settings, then relaunch the game. If that doesn't work, uninstall and redownload the game fresh from the eShop. If problems persist, report the issue to Nintendo's support team.

Can I transfer games to my Switch 2 without transferring my entire profile and save data?

No. The System Transfer is an all-or-nothing process for each profile. You can't selectively choose which games to transfer. If you transfer a profile, all its associated games, saves, and data transfer together. However, you can choose not to transfer certain profiles - you just transfer the ones you want and leave others on the original Switch.

The Bottom Line: You're Ready to Transfer

Moving to the Nintendo Switch 2 feels like a big step, but Nintendo's System Transfer process is genuinely one of the smoothest hardware transitions in gaming. Your entire digital library, save files, and account data move with you automatically. You're not starting over. You're upgrading.

The key is preparation. Spend thirty minutes before you start running through the pre-transfer checklist. Charge your consoles, verify your Wi-Fi, update your system software, confirm your account linking, and check the compatibility list if you've got older games. These steps take fifteen minutes total and prevent ninety percent of transfer problems.

Then the transfer itself is straightforward. Navigate to System Transfer on your original Switch, confirm your account, start the process on your Switch 2, and let both consoles do their thing. You're not actively involved. The consoles handle the work. In 30-60 minutes, your profile and save data are on the new hardware.

Yes, you'll need to redownload your digital games, and yes, you'll need to re-pair your controllers. But these are minor tasks compared to what you might fear. You won't lose your saves. You won't need to rebuy your games. You won't start from scratch.

Once your transfer is done, take a few minutes to prioritize which games you want to play first. Move your favorites to the top of the redownload queue. Let them download while you explore the Switch 2's new features and larger screen. By the time you're done looking around, your first few games are probably ready to play.

If something does go wrong, you've got multiple fallback options. Cloud saves, game compatibility lists, and Nintendo support are all there if you need them. But most likely, everything works exactly as it should, and you're back to playing your favorite games within an hour of starting the process.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is a genuine upgrade. Don't let concerns about moving your library prevent you from experiencing the improved hardware and new features. The transfer process exists specifically so you don't lose anything you've built up on your original Switch.

Charge your consoles, connect to Wi-Fi, and move forward. Your games are waiting for you.

Key Takeaways

• System Transfer moves your entire Nintendo Account including digital games, saves, profiles, screenshots, parental controls, and Switch Online membership to the new console
• Preparation takes 30 minutes (charging, Wi-Fi connection, software updates, account verification) and prevents 90% of transfer problems
• Digital games must be redownloaded after transfer, but save data transfers automatically and you can prioritize which games download first
• Physical game cartridges work on Switch 2 without any transfer process, though some older games have temporary compatibility issues Nintendo is addressing
• Re-pairing controllers, updating games, and verifying parental controls take only minutes after transfer completes, and most transferred data works correctly on first try

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