You should be like me and upload all your Switch data this weekend

Summary

Upload virtually all Switch data to Nintendo’s server, excluding news, Bluetooth, and language settings.
The System Transfer feature allows data to be stored for one year, enabling easy transition to the new Switch 2.
The process entails selecting System > System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2 > Send Data to Server. Review data then reset the old system.

I’m irrationally excited for the launch of the

Nintendo Switch 2
, which, if you’re counting (and I am), is only 10 days away. However, even though I am genuinely so excited to play Mario Kart World and check out some of the other launch titles for the system (aside from

Welcome Tour)
, I still have a backlog of original Switch games that I’m planning on playing on the Switch 2 as well.

Fortunately, getting all my games, saving data, and more onto my new

Switch 2
is pretty easy, and I’m planning on setting aside some time this weekend to upload all my information so that when my friendly postal carrier brings me my console in just a few days, I’ll be ready to play as soon as possible.

If you, like me, are more than ready for the Switch 2 launch, I recommend taking some time as soon as you are able to use the Switch’s System Transfer feature to get all your data on a dedicated server ahead of receiving your new system. Here’s how.

4K Capability: Yes
Brand: Nintendo
Screen: 7.9-inch 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution LCD, HDR, 120Hz refresh rate (4K/60fps 3840 x 2160 pixel resolution when docked)
Game support: Switch 2, Switch 2 Edition, Switch
Storage: 256GB (microSD Express cards)
CPU: custom NVIDIA processor

Nintendo is gatekeeping these new Switch 2 details but I’m not

The launch of the Switch 2 is fast approaching, and here are some details about the console that are flying under the radar ahead of its release.

How to put all your Switch data on Nintendo’s dedicated server

The process may take a while depending on how much data you’re uploading

Link Image

Virtually all data from your Switch can be uploaded to Nintendo’s server, including games, save data, screenshots, system settings, and screenshots/video you’ve saved on your device.

The only data that Nintendo says cannot be uploaded are news data, Bluetooth settings and region/language settings (but these are all pretty easy to set up when you unbox your new unit). Because this process can take quite a while, I would ensure that your system is connected to power before getting started.

Once you’re ready, here’s how to upload your data:

Select Settings from the HOME Menu followed by System.
Select System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2 and then click Next.
Select OK and then I Don’t Have a Nintendo Switch 2 Yet.
Select Next on the following two screens. If you have two-factor authentication enabled, you will need to put in a verification code from your email/phone before you can press it on the last screen.
Select Send Data to the Server to perform the system transfer to the server.
Select OK once the upload is complete.
Review the system transfer information.
Select OK.

Once you’re done, you’ll be prompted to reset your system, which is perfect if you are planning on selling it or giving it away once you procure your Switch 2. However, if you’re planning on keeping both systems, it may be worth waiting to perform a physical data transfer using local communication between both consoles, as you’ll be able to keep the data on the source system as well as on the Switch 2.

Animal Crossing New Horizons characters on colored background.

Nintendo / Pocket-lint

The only title that you won’t be able to continue playing on your original system using this method will be Animal Crossing: New Horizons, as that game can only have save data on one system at a time, per Nintendo Wire. The server upload method is the only way to get data from this game onto the Switch 2.

Once you’re finished with the transfer, the data will be stored on Nintendo’s dedicated server for one year from the day you perform the transfer. If you don’t have a Switch 2 preordered, don’t do this just yet, as your data will be lost if you don’t transfer it within one calendar year.

Though I guess you could wait to do all of this in 10 days, if you are planning to get rid of your old Switch before June 5 or, like me, are just very impatient (and don’t want to worry about last-minute server issues from Nintendo), it is definitely worth taking the time this weekend (or next) to upload your data so you will be ready to play immediately when you get your console.