Table of Contents

What Happens to My Games If I Buy a New Switch?

Quick answer

This page answers What happens to my games if I buy a new 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.

If you’re upgrading to a new Nintendo Switch, fear not! Your games aren’t lost in the ether. Digital games purchased through the Nintendo eShop are tied to your Nintendo Account, meaning you can redownload them on your new console. Physical game cartridges can simply be inserted into your new Switch, and you’re good to go. The trickiest part is dealing with save data, which requires a bit of planning and potentially a Nintendo Switch Online subscription for cloud saves.

Understanding the Switch Ecosystem

Before diving into the nitty-gritty, it’s helpful to understand how the Nintendo Switch handles games and data. There are two main types of games:

Digital Games: These are purchased and downloaded directly from the Nintendo eShop. They are linked to your Nintendo Account, not a specific console.
Physical Games: These come on cartridges that you insert into the Switch. While the game itself is on the cartridge, your save data is not.

Your save data, which represents your progress in a game, is stored either on the Switch’s system memory or, in some cases, can be backed up to the cloud with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.

Getting Your Digital Games on Your New Switch

The process of getting your digital games onto your new Nintendo Switch is relatively straightforward:

Log in to your Nintendo Account: On your new Switch, go to System Settings > Users > Add User. Link your existing Nintendo Account.
Make it Your Primary Console: Go to the eShop on your new Switch. This will automatically make it your primary console. If it doesn’t, you may need to deregister your old console first.
Redownload Your Games: Once logged into the eShop with your Nintendo Account, you can access your purchase history and redownload any games you’ve previously bought.

Primary vs. Non-Primary Consoles

Understanding the concept of primary and non-primary consoles is crucial. A primary console allows any user on that console to play your downloaded games. On a non-primary console, only you (the account holder) can play the downloaded games, and you need an active internet connection to verify your access.

Transferring Save Data

This is where things can get a bit more complex. As mentioned, save data is stored on the Switch’s system memory, not on the game cartridges. Here are the main ways to transfer your save data:

User Data Transfer: This is the most comprehensive method and requires both your old and new Switch. On your new console, go to System Settings > Users > Transfer Your User Data. Follow the on-screen prompts. This will move all your user data, including save data, user profiles, and more. Make sure both consoles are near each other and connected to the internet.
Cloud Saves (Nintendo Switch Online): If you have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, many games support cloud saves. This automatically backs up your save data to the cloud. On your new Switch, simply download your save data from the cloud for each compatible game. Not all games support cloud saves.
Local Transfer (Individual Games): Some games allow you to transfer save data locally, one game at a time. Check the game’s options menu for this feature. Both consoles need to be near each other.

Important Note: Animal Crossing: New Horizons has a unique save data transfer process. You’ll need to download the Island Transfer Tool from the eShop and follow its instructions.

Using Physical Game Cartridges

Using physical game cartridges is the simplest aspect of transferring to a new Switch. Just take the cartridge out of your old Switch and insert it into your new one. The game will be ready to play. However, remember that your save data is not on the cartridge, so you’ll still need to address save data transfer as outlined above.

Preparing for an Upgrade

The best way to ensure a smooth transition to a new Nintendo Switch is to prepare in advance:

Subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online: This gives you access to cloud saves, which is the easiest way to back up your save data.
Back Up Save Data Regularly: Even with cloud saves, it’s a good idea to manually back up your save data periodically, just in case.
Note Which Games Don’t Support Cloud Saves: Some games don’t support cloud saves. For these, you’ll need to use the User Data Transfer method or local transfer.
Ensure Both Consoles are Updated: Before initiating any data transfer, make sure both your old and new Switch consoles are running the latest system software.

FAQs: Moving to a New Nintendo Switch

1. Do I have to rebuy digital games on a new Switch?

No. Your digital games are tied to your Nintendo Account, so you can redownload them on any Switch console where you’re logged in.

2. What happens to my save data when I get a new Switch?

Your save data is stored on the Switch’s system memory, not on the game cartridges. To transfer it, you can use the User Data Transfer feature, cloud saves (with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription), or local transfer (if the game supports it).

3. How do I transfer my entire user profile to a new Switch?

Use the User Data Transfer feature under System Settings > Users. This will move everything, including save data, user profile, and Nintendo Account information.

4. Can I use the same Nintendo Account on two Switch consoles?

Yes, but only one can be your primary console. On the non-primary console, only you can play your downloaded games, and you need an internet connection.

5. Will I lose my Animal Crossing: New Horizons island if I get a new Switch?

No, but the process is unique. You need to download the Island Transfer Tool from the eShop and follow its instructions. Ensure you’ve enabled island backup on your original console.

6. Do I need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to transfer save data?

Not always, but it makes it much easier. Nintendo Switch Online allows you to use cloud saves for compatible games. Without it, you’ll need to use the User Data Transfer feature or local transfer.

7. Can I transfer save data from a physical game to a new Switch?

Yes, the process is the same as with digital games. Your save data is stored on the console, not the cartridge.

8. What happens if my old Switch is broken and I can’t use the User Data Transfer?

If you have Nintendo Switch Online and have been using cloud saves, you can still retrieve your save data. Otherwise, data recovery from a broken console can be very difficult or impossible.

9. How do I deregister my old Switch as the primary console?

Go to the eShop on your new Switch. When you log in, it should prompt you to make it your primary console. If not, contact Nintendo Support for assistance deregistering the old console.

10. Can I transfer screenshots and videos to my new Switch?

Yes, screenshots and videos are stored on the SD card. You can simply remove the SD card from your old Switch and insert it into your new one.

11. What if a game doesn’t support cloud saves?

You’ll need to use the User Data Transfer feature or local transfer (if the game supports it) to move your save data.

12. Does the Nintendo Switch OLED transfer process differ from the original Switch?

No, the transfer process is the same for all Nintendo Switch models, including the OLED version.

13. What happens if I put my SD card from my old Switch into a new one?

The new Switch will recognize the SD card, and you’ll be able to access your screenshots and videos. However, games installed on the SD card will need to be redownloaded.

14. Can I share a physical game cartridge between two Switch consoles and have different save data on each?

Yes. Save data for physical games is stored on the console, allowing each Switch to have its own unique save file. You can support initiatives in games and educational design through organizations such as GamesLearningSociety.org.

15. Is there a limit to how many times I can transfer my user data?

There is no explicit limit stated by Nintendo, but excessive transfers in a short period could potentially raise flags with their system. It’s best to transfer only when necessary.

Conclusion

Upgrading to a new Nintendo Switch doesn’t have to be a daunting experience. By understanding how the system handles games and save data, and by taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure a smooth transition and continue enjoying your favorite games on your new console. Remember the importance of subscribing to Nintendo Switch Online and proactively backing up your save data. You can also follow the innovative work of groups like the Games Learning Society that uses design principles to make engaging games for educational purposes.