How to Transfer Save Data to Another User on the Same Nintendo Switch: A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is: you can’t directly transfer save data between different user profiles on the same Nintendo Switch console. This is a limitation of the Nintendo Switch’s design, where save data is tied to the individual user profile it was created under. Unlike some other gaming platforms, there’s no built-in option to move or merge save files from one user to another on the same device.
While this may seem frustrating, understanding why this is the case and what you can do can help manage your expectations and your gameplay. This article will delve into the intricacies of user accounts, save data, and provide clarity on what transfer options are available.
Understanding User Profiles and Save Data
On your Nintendo Switch, each user profile is designed to be a separate entity. This allows multiple people to play games on the same console without interfering with each other’s progress. Each user has their own unique settings, game progress, and, importantly, their own save data. This save data is stored within the console’s internal system memory and cannot be transferred to a microSD card or another storage device. It’s also not readily accessible in a way that allows manual transfer between profiles.
Why Can’t I Transfer Save Data Between Users on the Same Switch?
The primary reason is to maintain the integrity of individual player experiences. Each profile is meant to be a self-contained gaming environment. Allowing save data transfer between profiles on the same device would open up avenues for potentially cheating, unfair advantages in multiplayer games, and the mixing of personal progress, which can lead to unwanted confusion.
What Can Be Transferred?
While you can’t move game saves between user profiles on the same console, you can transfer save data between Nintendo Switch consoles if you’ve linked a Nintendo Account to the user profiles on each console. This functionality allows you to move progress from one device to another, which is useful when getting a new Switch or wanting to switch between a home console and a Switch Lite. Additionally, purchases made under a Nintendo Account are accessible on the linked console(s).
Workarounds and Alternative Solutions
While direct save transfer isn’t possible, there are some alternative methods you might find helpful depending on the specific reason you wanted to transfer data.
Starting Fresh
The most common solution is to simply start a new game under the desired user profile. While this may not be ideal for games with a lot of progress, it’s often the only way to have a fresh save on another profile. This allows that user to enjoy the game from the beginning, at their own pace.
Using Cloud Saves for Games that Support It
If you have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, many games offer cloud saves. This enables you to back up your save data online. While you can’t directly move saves between users on the same console, if you happen to have multiple consoles and linked profiles on each, you could load saves to a different console and play on a different account. Note, this does not transfer the save to that account on the console you are on, only to a different console/account setup.
Family Groups and Primary Consoles
Understanding Nintendo Account family groups can also be helpful. While not directly related to save data transfer between users on the same console, they facilitate game sharing. When a family group member purchases a Nintendo Switch Online family membership, all family group members benefit. Also, games purchased on a primary console are playable by all users on that console.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I merge save data from different user profiles on the same Nintendo Switch?
No, you cannot merge save data from different user profiles on the same console. Save data is user-specific and locked to the profile it was created under.
2. Is it possible to transfer save data between Nintendo Switch users if they are linked to the same Nintendo Account?
While you can’t transfer save data between different user profiles on the same Switch console, you can transfer save data between users that are linked to the same Nintendo Account on different consoles, using the Transfer Your Save Data feature.
3. Can I use a microSD card to transfer save data between users on the same console?
No, game save data cannot be saved or copied to a microSD card. It is stored in the console’s system memory only.
4. Can game data and purchases be transferred between different Nintendo Accounts?
No, game data and purchases are tied to the Nintendo Account they were made on. They can’t be transferred to a different account.
5. How many user accounts can I have on a Nintendo Switch?
You can create up to 8 user accounts on a single Nintendo Switch console.
6. Can multiple users play the same digital game on one Nintendo Switch?
Yes, anyone that uses your primary Nintendo Switch console will be able to play games purchased with the primary account. On a non-primary console, the game can only be started by the account that owns it.
7. How do I set a console as my primary Nintendo Switch?
Access the Nintendo eShop on the console you want to make your primary, using the desired Nintendo Account. This console will then be automatically set as your primary console for that Nintendo Account.
8. What happens if I delete a user profile on my Nintendo Switch?
Deleting a user account also deletes all associated save data saved on the console for that profile.
9. Will I lose my digital games if I delete a user profile on my Nintendo Switch?
No, the games are attached to your Nintendo Account. They can be re-downloaded on any console you are logged into with that account.
10. What does deregistering a Nintendo Switch console do?
Deregistering a console allows you to set a different console as the primary console for your Nintendo Account. Each Nintendo Account can only have one primary console.
11. Can I transfer save data without another Switch console?
No, both consoles are needed to transfer save data. While you can access your Nintendo Account from any device, your save data will remain with the console it was saved on until a transfer occurs.
12. Can I transfer save data via SD card?
No, save data is stored only in the system memory and can not be moved to a SD card.
13. What is the difference between Users and Accounts on the Nintendo Switch?
User accounts are created locally on the console to track individual player settings and save data, whereas a Nintendo Account is a centralized online account used for purchases, online play, and cloud saves. User accounts can be linked to Nintendo Accounts.
14. What are the benefits of joining a Nintendo Account Family group?
Family groups allow up to 8 members to share a Nintendo Switch Online family membership and enable game sharing across the primary Switch on the shared account.
15. Why can’t I play a game on my Switch on a different account?
On a non-primary console, games are restricted to the Nintendo Account that purchased them. If you are on a non-primary console, only the user profile associated with the purchasing account can play the purchased games.
Conclusion
While the inability to transfer save data between users on the same Nintendo Switch can be inconvenient, it’s part of the system’s design to ensure individual player experiences are kept separate and secure. By understanding the differences between user profiles, Nintendo Accounts, primary consoles, and family groups, you can more effectively manage your game library, user accounts, and progress, and work within the confines of how the Switch functions. Hopefully, this comprehensive guide has answered your questions and empowered you to make the best of your Nintendo Switch gaming experience.