If you plan to sell or trade in your Nintendo Switch to help afford upgrading to a Nintendo Switch 2, you can perform a system transfer by uploading your Nintendo Switch console data to a server.
This functionality was added in the latest Nintendo Switch system update version 20.0.0, ahead of the portable home console successor’s launch early next month.
The data from your Nintendo Switch console can be uploaded to a dedicated server, where it will be stored until you either retrieve it on a Nintendo Switch 2, cancel the system transfer and restore your data to a Nintendo Switch, or the Download Deadline has passed.
If you share your console with multiple users, each user’s data will be included when you complete a system transfer to the server.
Once uploaded, the source Nintendo Switch console will be initialised, meaning that all data on the console will be deleted and it will be reset to factory settings.
The data from your Nintendo Switch will be stored on the server for up to one year. This is displayed as a Download Deadline, and you can either complete the system transfer on your Nintendo Switch 2 or cancel the transfer within this timeframe.
Nintendo has confirmed that News data, Bluetooth audio settings and your time, time zone, region and language will not be transferred, and that digital software will be downloaded on the target Nintendo Switch 2 console after the system transfer and initial console set up is complete.
How to set up a system transfer on Nintendo Switch using the server
- Select Settings from the HOME Menu.
- Select System.
- Select System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2.
- Select Next.
- Select OK.
- Select I don’t have a Nintendo Switch 2 yet!.
- Review the on-screen explanation and click Next when prompted.
- Take note of the “Download Deadline” and ensure you cancel or complete the system transfer before then to keep your data.
- Select Next on the pop-up when ready to proceed.
- You may need to enter in a Verification code for security.
- Select Upload Data to perform the system transfer to the server.
- Select OK once the upload is complete.
- Review the system transfer information.
- Select OK.
- Select Start Initialization. The Nintendo Switch will be initialized and data on the console for all users will be deleted.
How to check on the status of a server system transfer
- Visit the Nintendo Account website or open the Nintendo Switch App on your smart device.
- Sign in to your Nintendo Account.
- Select Game Systems.
- Select System Transfers.
- This section will show any system transfers linked to the Nintendo Account.
How to cancel a server system transfer
Important: The same Nintendo Switch console that set up the system transfer does not need to be used to cancel the system transfer and receive the date. If the system transfer was for a Nintendo Switch – OLED console, cancelling must also be done using a Nintendo Switch – OLED console.
- Power on the Nintendo Switch console.
- While the console is in the initial startup sequence, follow prompts until on the “Select Time Zone” screen.
- Press the Left or Right Stick and the + or – Button on the Joy-Con at the same time.
- Sign in with the Nintendo Account that set up the server system transfer.
- Follow the on screen prompts to complete the system transfer data being downloaded.
- Original system settings will be restored as much as possible.
- Virtual Game Card console registrations, digital software downloads, and re-linking Parental Controls with the app will need to be completed separately, after completing set up.
