Moving from Switch to Switch 2

The Switch 2 is designed to inherit from the original Switch, and most of your library comes with you. There are a few specifics worth getting right.

How do I transfer data from Switch to Switch 2?

Nintendo provides a system transfer that moves your user, saves and settings across. Both consoles need to be updated, connected to the internet and near each other.

1. Update both consoles to the latest system version.
2. On the Switch 2, start the system transfer during initial setup, or later from System Settings > Users.
3. Follow the prompts on both consoles — you will confirm on the old one and the new one.
4. Wait for it to complete without turning either console off.

Your Nintendo Account is the important part. Digital games are tied to the account, not the console, so signing in on the Switch 2 with the same account gives you access to redownload everything you own.

Will my Switch games work on Switch 2?

Almost all of them, yes.

Physical cartridges work directly — put the cartridge in and play.

Digital games transfer through your Nintendo Account; sign in and redownload.

The reverse is not true: Switch 2 exclusive games do not run on the original Switch. As more of them release, the gap widens.

A small number of Switch 1 games have compatibility notes, so if a specific title matters to you, it is worth checking before assuming.

Storage — the part that catches people

The Switch 2 has 256GB of internal storage, far more than the original. But for expansion it requires microSD Express cards specifically.

Your old microSD card from the original Switch will not work for Switch 2 games. This is not a setting or a formatting issue — it is a different, faster card standard, and an ordinary microSD simply cannot hold Switch 2 games.

Budget for a new card if you buy digitally. Look for microSD Express on the packaging; the logo is the thing to check, not the speed class ratings you may be used to.

Before you sell the old console

Deregister it as your primary console, sign out of your Nintendo Account, and factory reset it. Do the transfer first and confirm everything arrived.

We buy selected used consoles in cash — bring the old Switch to a branch and we will inspect and quote it, which can fund part of the new one.

See our Nintendo Switch page for consoles, cards and accessories, or call 16280 if you want help checking which microSD Express card suits you.