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How to transfer backups to a new Nintendo Switch Console
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How to transfer backups to a new Nintendo Switch Console

Amine Sahal
by
January 26, 2020
Nitendo Switch backup

If you’ve purchased a second console from the Nintendo Switch family, you may want to transfer your backups from your first console to your new device. Here we explain everything you need to know about the procedure and the information you need to take into account to ensure that the operation goes smoothly.

Do you have more than one Nintendo Switch console and want to use a backup saved on one of the consoles from another device? Then you’ve come to the right place.

What you need to know before you start transferring backups between Nintendo Switch consoles

Now that the Switch Lite and Nintendo Switch have come together, users are more inclined to own multiple consoles in the line-up. That’s why it’s good to be able to retrieve backups from your old console. But before we get started, there are a few things you should consider.

First of all, please note that both consoles must be from the Nintendo Switch family and be in close proximity to each other. They must also have console software version 8.0.0 or later. You do not need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, however. The option we’re going to use allows us to select only one backup file at a time. It means that you will have to repeat the process for each backup you wish to transfer.

Another important information is that the transferred data is not copied. Once the transfer is complete, the backup file selected on the source console will clear. It is a “cut and paste” operation, not a “copy and paste.” You cannot retrieve the backup from a friend or anyone else. The transfer only works between users associated with the same Nintendo Account.

How to transfer your backups to your new Nintendo Switch Console from your old to your new Nintendo Switch Console

Now that the basics are clear, we can get to the serious stuff. So here’s the procedure for transferring a savegame from one Nintendo Switch to another.

On the first console (where the savegame is saved):

  • On the source console, go to the Home Menu
  • Then select Console Settings, then Data Management, and finally Transfer Backup Data.
  • Choose to Send backups to another console
  • Select the user to whom you want to transfer the data.
Nintendo the user to whom you want to transfer the data.
  • The list of games and software available for transfer appears, choose the one for which you want to transfer the backup to another Switch console.
The list of games Switch console.
  • To complete the operation, choose to Send backup data
  • The process will send the file and automatically deleted it from the source console.

On the second console (where the backup should reside) :

  • On the target console, go to the Home menu
  • Go to Settings and search for Data Management and then Transfer Backup Data.
  • Select Receive Saved Data and place the two consoles close together.
Receive saved data Nintendo Switch
  • If backup data for the same software already exists on the target console, you will be asked to choose whether to cancel the transfer or overwrite the existing backup data to proceed with the transfer. Please note that overwritten data cannot be recovered later.
  • Select OK when the transfer completes.

That’s it, that’s it! You can now play on your second console based on the progress made with the first.

As a reminder, the Nintendo Switch Online subscription allows you to take advantage of the cloud backup feature, in addition to the possibility of playing online and enjoying a catalog of retro games. It’s definitely worth the investment: you can expect to pay $3.99 for a monthly subscription and $19.99 for 12 months.

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