How to Move your User and Game Data to a New Nintendo Switch

Hi, this detailed video shows you how to transfer game saves and user data from one Nintendo Switch to another Nintendo Switch. This is useful if perhaps a 'family owned' Nintendo Switch has 5 users on it and one of those users buys their own Switch. The user data and game saves can be moved from the 'family' Switch to the new Switch and they can play their games from the previous stage they were on. If they are half way through Doom or Zelda then they will still be half way through the game.
Many thanks Vince

[@eeskaatt]

while everyone is reviewing games, vince is doing videos of the important and essential ones. kudos man

[@bananatrust12346]

Ye

[@leandrogoncalvesfouchonet2103]

Ah je donne dormi

[@sanabashir8763]

The only HELPFUL Nintendo switch settings helper

[@Greengobler]

Agreed i dont do any of this stuff but still

[@hexeryy]

@@Greengobler also offer

[@SSGSativa]

Agreed. This vid is 2 years old and still the best transfer vid I've found in the past 3 weeks.

[@adamshachar5521]

Yeah he doesnt boast us with him telling us to like and subscribe

[@rhinacerritos4899]

Ghhdhd

[@xayners]

Thank you so much for explaining this thoroughly. I had transferred my user and save data to a new switch but because I couldn't find the data on my switch without putting the game cart in I panicked because I thought I lost my save data.

[@evanmagayanes2101]

Thank love

[@bertobop1795]

Thank you Vince! I know I’m late but I want to move my data over to another Switch and this was very helpful!

[@princessmarthajandio]

Thank you, Mr. Vince for making this very thorough video. I understand I have some pricey preparations to make before buying a new Switch and moving my belongings on to that system. My brother and I bought two separate digital games that we share with our younger brother, and knowing ahead time about the complications of the buyer no longer being on that Switch makes me realize I'll need to buy my own copies of the games my brother bought, and vice versa for him. It's a killjoy, but at least I know ahead of time. Thanks again, Mr. Vince.

[@lloydclapp5186]

Thanks Vince you have just made a 10yr old very happy, he got new Switch for Xmas and we didnt know how to move his stuff from one to the other.

[@brandonhoffman8777]

Oh my god, when I did this, I thought the target console has to all ready have a different account, then the one you had on the other switch, I wish I had this video back then

[@SlartiMarvinbartfast]

Thanks Vince, very useful. Would love it if we could properly backup the save game files to an sd card but thats up to Nintendo. Hate the thought of losing game progress due to faulty Switch, loss, theft, and so on.

[@Mymatevince]

Yes, that would be nice and a cloud save option when they start charging for the online service. Hopefully in later years it may happen :-)

[@SlartiMarvinbartfast]

i hope its a lot soon than later years, its something that we need now.

[@SUPABROS]

M Jons You can't. You have to format the data if you use another ad card

[@radiantblack1360]

They do have Cloud Saves now, but only for Switch Online subscribers and not all games can use cloud saves. Games such as Pokemon Sword and Shield, Let's Go Pikachu and Eevee, Super Dragon Ball Heroes World Mission, Splatoon 2, and Animal Crossing New Horizons cannot use Cloud save backup and apparently both Super Dragon Ball Heroes World Mission and Animal Crossing New Horizons cannot use save transfer to another Switch unless it's a full save transfer. So you still have to worry about those saves if your Switch gets broken, lost, stolen, etc.

[@RattyCharles]

@@Mymatevince He read the futurs

[@Gethan_Erman]

I have to restart Zelda because my phone led switch broke and that’s why I have a new one and I was so close to finishing the game....... I’m sure people reading this feel my pain

[@loganfanabigfan4156]

What happened to the neon red

[@loganfanabigfan4156]

What did a do with the glove

[@abandonedchannel7881]

I don't know man or girl I think it die

[@tamergames7342]

Logan fan A big fan ya where is the neon red joy con

[@harkiratsingh4877]

He said it broke

[@nathanalexis2839]

Where is the other joycon?

[@XFinitium]

First time i did this i freaked the hell out cause i didn't saw the games . Then i realize that i need to download them from the Eshop. Thanks for helping my out!

[@Vulpine_King]

Instead of deleting the games. You can homebrew it, and save data on their, then transfer that data to the game on the other switch, but both have to be homebrewed.

[@TarikA]

Sorry if I missed that point but let's think of the following case: Your son is playing an eShop game that YOU (not your son) bought on the source console as you showed off. Now you're transfering your son to a new Switch. As he didn't buy the game yet I wonder whether we will be able to: - continue his save game if he buys this game on his account as well? (that means the save is being transfered although he doesn't own an own copy) - continue his save game if he buys it as a cartridge and put it in? (assuming the game we're talking about is available as a retail version as well) Especially the second question is interesting as I wonder whether a save file is the same for digital and physical games as long as it is the exact same game (like Zelda BotW).

[@Mymatevince]

Good questions. For cartridge games the save file will definitely work in the above scenario but I do not know about digital. I presume it would work with digital as well based on it working on cartridge. Maybe someone reading this has tested it and can confirm the answer.

[@GreatOni]

Someone has the answer ??

[@TheFrantastic]

Yes to both questions. Regardless of physical or digital versions, the save data is always in the memory, independent from the software. So, even if you delete the game or transfer the save data using the method of the video, as long as the save data is there it will be fine.

[@Fizzi_]

just to clarify if someone is watching this video now : The save data is now saved in the cloud as long as you have a nintendo switch online subscription

[@vibez13]

you can transfer your data quickly on the account setup when you start up the switch for the first time although, it will give you options saying if you want to keep your data on your old switch or not

[@astralisoffthechain8588]

Would the SNES online save also transfer to 2nd switch? Trying to transfer over so I can play super Metroid on the lite switch.

[@michaelepica3564]

pretty sure nintendo switch online would do that

[@e_oi]

Thanks for the vid Even tho this vid is 3 years old This will come in handy when i want to transfer my switch data and user And most of all Thanks i had most nights with a lot of worries and thoughts but this mostly fixed my Anxiety And have a Good day

[@e_oi]

And one more thing if you come across and hopefully see my comment upon these 300+ comments and your 3 year old video Umm when i transfer my data do i have to get a new sd card so i can have extra storage bc im mostly concerned about this... thanks anyways

[@draconicproductionsinactiv5717]

I think if there is only 1 user on source console and when transferring user to target console, it would initialize source console.

[@kamgamed3655]

Ok...but where are the Pikmins?!?!?!

[@slug9712]

I guess since they don’t have the game on the switch they did’t bother and prob it was hard for them

[@gofastersideways6235]

It would of been funny if it was added because one of them stubbed they foot and crashed the swich🤣🤣🤣

[@corbinnickle440]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@corbinnickle440]

That was with the 3d s why would they have it on the Nintendoswitch

[@xploit7707]

i wish the transfer was so more colourful like the wii u transfer from the wii

[@steveng4806]

Very helpful did just pre order a new switch and really needed this tutorial

[@porkbrainsoda]

Thank you!!! Informative and well detailed!!!

[@Usagi2380]

where is the other joy-con

[@theironrail5135]

道神恵 he broke it. He said in the video.

[@alexig1025]

Adam Richardson if it tells me the page has been blocked by copyrights then ur a scammer 😂

[@daviddobrzycki]

道神恵 broken

[@fortnitegaming840]

道神恵 It

[@rachaellindley8518]

Very helpful, thankyou so much 👍

[@pryfalls]

Thanks VINCE very epic !!

[@leahkuhn4595]

Are you able to trust link your old account to a new device? What if you no longer have the original device?

[@spookyubers1202]

You just saved my bacon. I just completed splatoon 2 dlc on my switch lite. I am getting a regluar switch on my birthday.

[@ytmm1]

So if I got a new switch and I didn’t feel like losing all my progress I could just pick up where I left off on my new switch?

[@Mymatevince]

Yes, as long as you keep the old Switch to do the transfer. Then you can get rid of the old Switch.

[@ChrisMhris]

Chching

[@rodrigon5769]

if u switch with a physical game, where does the saved data go?

[@samonastevens4066]

Where's the other Joy-con on the New Switch?

[@Shadomz]

I got a error message on my brand new animal crossing switch:( I was trying to transfer my user from my switch lite to my switch and I did everything right but it showed an error message

[@hungrybird2196]

There is something I don’t understand... It will remove only the user data right? I mean if I want to give my cousin an account that I don’t use then when I transfer the data my other accounts will be saved?

[@maximrodin3912]

Best information 4:01

[@justtcritic]

Vince you help my ASS alot Thanks thats a sub

[@nathanmead140]

Nintendo should be able to do something like Google's google play games cloud saves. I just keep my contacts and settings backed up on the internet with android's sync stuff in (homescreen>management folder>settings>accounts and sync)

[@Nathan-gc4he]

How does this work with the cloud? Is there any difference with save data?

[@blasphemylord6663]

What happened to the other joycon did you eat it? 5ought it was a cherrry?

[@mr.twannab]

What about physical games? Will my data still be saved?

[@Gojo-827]

This helped so much I am getting a new one

[@aiodensghost8645]

Yay, it's NOT like the Nintendo 3DS where you can only transfer your network ID 5 times before your stranded on that 3DS!! Which honestly isn't so bad, since I haven't broken but one Nintendo 3DS (technacally, my sister broke it when she dropped it, but being the big brother, I'll take the blame.)

[@ericcartman1425]

I love your channel so much!!!!

[@MinecraftTNTRunner64]

Thank you so much for making this video

[@OCAJOS312E]

Thank god for switch online allowing you to save it on cloud.

[@sheammohamed1928]

I love your videos

[@Duncan1974]

I can’t transfer my Luigi’s Mansion 3 game play from my lite to my main switch...just keeps saying “transfer cancelled” ...every other game is fine ...

[@AlejandroHernandez-rd2fr]

What if you don't have the source console?

[@sakuraistrashanduseless4082]

What if u got a new switch and don’t have ur old switch

[@Coolgiy67]

KneeGrow you can still get ur account but ur save data is gone

[@spirallboyz]

@@Coolgiy67 will it still have the nintendo online service?

[@ekeshow]

Have you got nintendo online and using the cloud? Then I assume you can get your data from the cloud onto a new console...

[@Amsel_616]

@@ekeshow Yeah for the like 10 Nintendo games that support Cloud Save

[@Romario.24z]

@@Coolgiy67 will my fortnite account still be linked

[@rhymepolar]

Does the DLC Carry over

[@RouterRoidz]

I bought a preowned switch and the right joy con had the sync issue. I didn't bother transferring cuz I didn't do much on my cartridge based games or downloaded games when I bought a new switch

[@cpcaviation-rfs9136]

Is there any way to transfer save data between users on one switch?

[@blainezagames4424]

THATS WHAT IM TRYING To FIND

[@AlluringBagel]

Whaaaaat? It’s just a bar? That’s BORING. Where’s the pikmin at?

[@kingknockout5737]

Wait what if we have an SD card? How do we transfer that? I have most of my game data saved there

[@splat8888]

I think it will work the same as long as you have the SD card in your console while you're transferring the save data to the new one

[@FernaMorata]

Thank you !! :)

[@flipperskate6729]

?how come there's only one joycon

[@SUPABROS]

Marco Gonzalez he broke or lost one

[@blasphemylord6663]

Marco Gonzalez he said he broke it

[@pokefan1145]

So say I transfer my data from an old switch to a new one. I have my data on the new switch. So say my old switch just breaks, doesn't work anymore, completely busted. That means my data won't be on the new switch? It'll just be deleted?

[@DanieL-sq9hd]

And what i need to do with the micro sd card? Where i put them? In the source console old switch or the new nintendo switch???? Please help.

[@Tsukasasfavouriteboyfriend]

I have two ac adapters but one of them are broken so I only have one. Is there a way to do it without using two ac adapters?

[@johncooper6198]

Will this work the same way for fortnite. Please answer me.

[@RedBullAddict-_-]

Does it transfer play time aswell

[@jewelisIcon]

Idk 🤷‍♀️

[@EJ-ut1ln]

What if u have a sd card

[@dripdemon9449]

Idk why but my switch and my moms switch lite won't transfer my moms switch says click transfer but my switch doesn't see it could somebody help me?

[@keanolinders11]

Is this possibole on a switch lite??

[@Cordonvnkk]

how do u transfer your data if your nintendo broke and u want the data on your new switch

[@undeadnightmaredemodragonk6772]

Hey guys! Just asking! If u know, is there a way to transfer save data to the other Switch when 1 of them is broken? Again, I'm just asking!

[@hideepogaming3682]

You are gud at dis

[@jeffery9208]

Was Nintendo switch online present during this time

[@Donutdonut476]

Why do you have a red joy con for his knee on switch

[@angelp65]

Thanks,Vince l have a nintendo account

[@acostro3845]

My brother and i are sharing a switch... he has bought all the games on his account and we just split the money. Do i get my save data from the games, and can i innstall them for free, or do i have to purchase them again? Please answer i am wondering if i am going to buy my own switch and he keepsnthe old one. I still want the games we have ln the switch we have now to be transfered to a new on via my user, and the old one still have the games but my save data is gone and my brothers save data is still there to be used???

[@somerandombean3204]

just a question, can you transfer data when the switch is NOT set up

[@xxxveri_cool_namexxx9610]

What about a light and a regular switch doing that

[@ohhlxmi]

my sister bought my game on her acc and it was a digital purchase can i add their acc and get it again?

[@pantylover5294]

Thanks

[@GRFan632]

What are you doing with 2 Nintendo Switch consoles.

[@8bityoshii]

So if I download all my transferred data and transferred my accounts to the new switch, can I wipe my old switch so I can give it to my relatives or will wiping everything on the old switch also remove everything on my new one? sorry if my question is dumb I just get worried that all my games will be gone

[@joonas2696]

Does this work with only one switch?

[@alisonbleiweiss1854]

Thanks for telling me this

[@Caseyplaysroblox]

I want the pikmin or the tv dudes that were in the wiiu to wiiu transfer

[@AshthePiggyPro]

Is there a way to do this with only 1 Nintendo Switch?

[@cheloveker220]

Let's say I don't have a switch yet.. BUT my frieng has one. If I make a Second account on his switch, which will be mine. Then buy a bunch of games (Black friday, yay). Will I be able to get that account with all of the games on my switch, when I get it? So I could download them.

[@nitrix3470]

i have a question if anyone wants to help me do you need to transfer games that dont use cloud and is digital on the old switch to the new one before you transfer the user data or when the user data gets transferred will it just be in redownload

[@foxyplayz42]

Does it get your game saves I have golden Mario on Mario kart 8 and I don’t want to loose it

[@GastonGamerz]

When i go to user, it only says "transfer your user". It doesnt have "and save data". I have the latest system update but idk why it doesnt have "and save data"

[@agsboozingshorts]

Thanks you vince

[@roycat752]

My old switch completely froze and wouldn’t turn back on so we took it back and got a new one. Is there any way to do it without the old switch

[@sauceman6457]

So you mentioned that if you had a family switch, and one of the users wanted to transfer their save data from the digital games they could. But, it didn't work for me, because it said that only the user that bought the digital games from the Nintendo eShop can play them on the other Switch. Is there any workaround for this?

[@1tboffcial]

I got a broken switch but I. Getting a new one for Christmas well I alr have it but I can’t open iy

[@bryaned1328]

Hi do you know if the transfer will transfer fortnite account aswel as lost my sons details and trying to transfer his stuff to his new switch as one with account on it is damaged

[@BinaryGamer556]

Where is another joycon on new switch ?

[@willfleming6812]

Hi vince were both switches on the same nintendo account

[@Jellyfish-pfgMinecraft545]

I Love You Vince

[@edsonsanchez_sh1nra]

My sister has been playing BotW on my console with another user. She's now interested on getting a switch of her own because i showed her this vid. but I only saw the save data of DIGITAL games be transferred. So i am just gonna ask if i transfer my account to her new switch, will the save datas of physical games also be transferred??

[@victoriasecretangell]

Im confused in the ac adapter part

[@asterin1162]

can we still do it if the source console only works in TV mode???

[@zilijia]

if i used an unlinked user to play and later linked to an account，what happen to the saves？

[@Lazr1026]

They would still be saves

[@DanieL-sq9hd]

Where do I put the micro sd card while I transfer users? Should I put it in the current nintendo switch or in the new nintendo switch?

[@habanero958]

Works with The game card too?

[@splat8888]

Will all my friend list and game hours transfer too???

[@debbiehennessy3738]

How to transfer with out the switch

[@GRFan632]

If you had a Nintendo Switch console, I would move my data.

[@jupiter486]

What happens If I already have my user on the new switch? The old one still has my data. Please help