Nintendo’s Switch 2 is the latest console for handheld enthusiasts featuring various upgrades. Many of those purchasing the Switch 2 are likely to be current owners of the original Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, or Switch OLED.
With the Nintendo Switch 2 set to go on sale from June 5th, Nintendo has released a new firmware update for all of its existing Switch variants. This firmware now lets you transfer your system data from the old Switch to the new Switch 2. There are two ways that you can follow to share this data.
Let’s dive deep into the System Transfer feature, how you can get this feature, as well as how you can transfer data from your old Switch to the Switch 2.
How to Get System Transfer on the Nintendo Switch
To get the System Transfer option on your existing Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, or Switch OLED, you need to first update the firmware of your Switch. Here’s how you can do that.
- Connect your Nintendo Switch to the Wi-Fi network.
- Now, from the Home menu, select the System Settings option.
- Select System, followed by System Update.
- Now, your switch should search for updates. Once found, install the update and restart your Switch.
The firmware version that brings System Transfer is version 20.0.0, so make sure to install this or newer version. This new firmware brings in a lot of cool new features to your Switch, such as the ability to add virtual game cards, game share from the Switch 2 to other Switch variants.
Now that you know how you can get the new System Transfer feature on your switch, let’s dive into what data you can share, what you cannot, and how to make use of this brand-new feature when you get your hands on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Things you can transfer with System Transfer on the Nintendo Switch
Before we dive into how you can carry out the system transfer process from your existing Switch, let’s take a look at what can be transferred and what cannot be transferred.
What can be transferred?
- Digital software
- Games
- All users
- Save Data
- Screenshots and Videos
- System Settings
What cannot be transferred?
- News Data
- Bluetooth audio settings
- Time and Time Zones
- Regions and Language
How to Transfer Data to the Nintendo Switch 2
For the transfer process to work, you will need to have an active internet connection and a Nintendo Account. Without these two, you will not be able to use System Transfer on your Nintendo Switch.
- On your old Switch, select the Settings option from the Home Menu.
- Now, choose System, followed by System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2.
- Select Next and then choose OK.
- Here, you have to select the option that says I Don’t Have The Nintendo Switch 2 (for server transfer method).
- You will see an explanation on the screen telling you about what data will be transferred and what will not. Review the information and tap Next.
- There will be a Download Deadline. This means you can download or cancel the transferred data to your Switch 2 until the stated date.
- Select Next and enter the Verification Code.
- Finally, choose the Upload Data button. The data will not be uploaded on the server and it will consume internet data.
- Finally, select Start Initialization. This action will now erase all the data stored on the console for all users.
You can cancel a System Transfer
If you no longer want the system transfer process to take place, you can cancel it. You can use any Switch for this process. It doesn’t have to be the same Switch you used to upload data to the server. Here are these steps in case you change your mind.
- Turn on your Nintendo Switch.
- When you reach ‘Select Time Zone’ screen during initial startup, press the left or right stick and the + or – buttons on the Joy-Con at the same time.
- Now sign in with your Nintendo account. Make sure to use the same account that was used to setup the system transfer.
- A few on-screen instructions will appear on your screen. Follow them to cancel the System Transfer process.
- Once canceled, the original system settings will be restored to your Nintendo Switch.
Other components, such as virtual cards, parental restrictions, and digital downloads, will need to be set up annually by the Switch’s owner.
How to Check the System Server Transfer Status?
You can easily check the system transfer status using your smartphone or PC via a web browser. Just follow these steps.
- Open your favorite web browser and head over to the Nintendo Account website.
- Sign in to your Nintendo Account that has been used to begin the System Transfer to the Server.
- Once signed in, select Game Systems.
- Finally, select System Transfers. It will show the system transfer status if any that have been linked to the specific Nintendo Account.
Closing Thoughts
This concludes everything you need to know about the System Transfer and how you can make use of it to transfer data from your existing Nintendo Switch to your brand new Nintendo Switch 2. Are you upgrading to the Switch 2? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Images: Nintendo
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