Transferring Save Files / eShop Purchases is a feature users have been begging for, and Nintendo finally obliged with the latest 8.0.0 update. Now you can move save files (and even eShop purchases) from one console to another — just be aware that the files will be deleted from the source console once they’re moved. You can move over individual user data, so there’s no risk of losing the wrong files.
Before you can start transferring files, you’ll need to do a little bit of setup. Both consoles must be updated to the latest Home Screen version, and one console needs to be linked to your Nintendo ID. You can link individual Profiles to your Nintendo ID from the ‘User’ Profile settings menu. You’ll link user profiles in the instructions below.
Once both consoles / user profiles are properly linked, you’ll be able to freely transfer save data between consoles. Learn the rest of the steps in the quick guide below.
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How To Transfer Save Files & eShop Purchases To Another Switch Console
To transfer save data / eShop purchases, you must have access to both consoles. Files can be transferred wirelessly, so there’s no need to hook anything up. Connect to the internet with both consoles, and you can begin the steps to transfer data.
NOTE: Consoles can’t have more than seven users. To successfully transfer, the ‘target’ console must have enough internal memory to download the save data.
Step #1: Transfer From The Source Console
The source console is the console with the data on it. This is the console you want to take the data from and move it onto a new console.
On the HOME menu, go to System Settings -> Users -> Select ‘Transfer Your User Data‘
Accept ‘Next’, then accept ‘Next’ again. Then select ‘Source Console’ to confirm that you want to transfer data from this console onto another. Select ‘Continue’ and move to the target console.
Step #2: Link User Profile On Target Console
The target console is the console without the user data you want on it. This is the console you want to move user data to from the source console.
On the HOME menu, go to System Settings -> Users -> Select ‘Transfer Your User Data‘
Accept ‘Next’, then accept ‘Next’ again. Then select ‘Target Console’ to confirm that you want to transfer data to this console from the source console.
You’ll be prompted to sign-in to your Nintendo ID. Sign-in using your Nintendo Account e-mail or Nintendo ID. Enter the Nintendo Account e-mail / Nintendo ID and password to sign-in. Press ‘Next’ and move back to your source console.
Step #3: Accept The Data Transfer
Return to the source console and select ‘Transfer’ — the transfer will begin. It shouldn’t take too much time. When the transfer is complete, select ‘End’ to complete the transfer, and you’ll now be able to access User Data on your alternate console.
And yes, you can move all User Data back and forth between consoles.
