What does transfer save data mean on switch?
Quick answer
This page answers What does transfer save data mean on switch? quickly.
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
▶
Transferring save data on a Nintendo Switch means moving a save data file per game, per account from one Switch system to another, allowing you to pick up where you left off in your game on a different console. This feature enables you to transfer user information and save data, including Nintendo eShop purchases, from one Switch to another, requiring both systems to have system menu version 8.0.0 or higher, be connected to the Internet, and be near each other.
Transfer Save Data FAQs
General Transfer Save Data Questions
- What happens when you transfer save data on Switch?: Once the transfer is complete, the save data file on the source system is deleted, and both systems must have system menu version 8.0.0 or higher, be connected to the Internet, and be near each other.
- Does transferring data on the Switch delete it?: Caution, your save data will be deleted on the source console, and save data is stored on the console you’re currently using.
- What does Switch transfer do?: Transferring user information and save data allows you to move your user profile along with all its associated save data and Nintendo eShop purchases from one Nintendo Switch system to another.
- What does save data mean on Switch?: Save data is linked to your Nintendo Account, so you can access it by signing in, and if you move to a new system, you can pick up right where you left off in your game by downloading your data.
Transfer Save Data Between Switch Consoles
- Will I lose my game progress if I get a new Switch?: Caution, your save data will be deleted on the source console, and save data is stored on the console you’re currently using, so you’ll need to transfer the save data each time you use a different console.
- Does save data transfer to a new Switch?: You can move (transfer) your user information and save data from an old console to a new one, and there are two types of transfer: transferring a user and associated save data, and transferring only save data.
- Do you need both switches to transfer save data?: You should have both the source and destination consoles to hand, and ensure that both the source and destination consoles meet the following requirements, including being connected to the Internet and being near each other.
Save Data Storage and Transfer Requirements
- Can you transfer save data without the original Switch?: It’s shared with all users, and therefore cannot be transferred, and Caution, your save data will be deleted on the source console.
- Do I really need a transfer switch?: Without a transfer switch, you have to manually connect your generator to the equipment you want to power, which is much less efficient and less effective.
- Will I lose my Animal Crossing Island if I get a new Switch?: If you have enabled island backup, you will be able to restore the last saved version of your island and all residents on a replacement Nintendo Switch console.
Transfer Save Data and Nintendo Account
- Can you have the same save data on two switches?: If you have multiple consoles, you can transfer your latest save data from one console to another so you can keep playing from where you left off, but some save data cannot be transferred.
- Does Switch save data transfer to SD card?: As your save data is a valuable record of your progress in games, it’s saved to the system memory in order to keep it safe, and it’s never stored on the microSD card or game cards.
Transfer Save Data Process and Requirements
- How long does it take to transfer save data on Switch?: The systems will now begin exchanging data, which may take up to or over 30 minutes depending on the amount of save data you have, and make sure both consoles are plugged into an official power supply for the duration of this transfer.
- Is it easy to transfer data from Switch to Switch?: From the HOME Menu, select System Settings, then Users, and then Transfer Your User Data, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the transfer.
- Why won’t my Switch transfer save data?: Ensure both consoles are connected to the Internet, verify that both consoles have the latest system update installed, verify that the same Nintendo Account is linked to a user on each console, and ensure both consoles are near each other.