How to transfer your save data to a nearby Nintendo Switch

Description:

Instructions on how to transfer your save data for a specific game from one Nintendo Switch console to another.

Important:

  • This feature allows you to move one save data file per game, per user, from one Nintendo Switch family console to another console that is nearby.

  • It does not create a copy of your save data. Once the transfer is complete, the save data file on the source console is deleted.

  • A Nintendo Switch Online membership is not required to use this feature.

Additional Information:

  • Save data can only be transferred between users that are linked to the same Nintendo Account.

  • Both consoles must have system version 8.0.0 or higher, must be connected to the internet and must be near each other.

Complete These Steps:

On the Target Console
  1. From the HOME Menu, select “System Settings” > “Data Management” > “Transfer Your Save Data”.

  2. Select “Receive Save Data” and place both consoles near each other.

    Transferring save data menu

    Important:

    • If there is existing save data for the same software on the target console, you can either cancel the transfer or select “Overwrite Save Data” to continue.

    • Keep in mind that, once deleted, overwritten save data cannot be recovered.

  3. Once the save data transfer is complete, select “OK”. You can now resume your game on the target console


On the Source Console
  1. From the HOME Menu, select “System Settings” > “Data Management” > “Transfer Your Save Data”.

  2. Select “Send Save Data to Another Console”, then select the user whose save data file you wish to transfer.

    Save data user selection

  3. Select the save data file for the software title you want to send to another console.

    Select software file wanting to be sent

  4. Select “Send Save Data”.

    Important:

    Once sent, the save data file will be deleted from the source console.

    Delete save data once sent