„I’m about to cry” Pokémon save files are being lost in Nintendo Switch 2 data transfer

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If you’ve just purchased the new Nintendo Switch 2 and you’ve played a Pokémon game on your old device, it might be wise to pause before transferring your data. With the arrival of the latest console, many gamers are moving their library and save data from their older system to the new one. This is usually an advantageous move, as Nintendo games are broadly compatible with the next console for the first time. However, some users have encountered a distressing issue.

A Reddit user lost 20 years and 1,000 hours of Pokémon in the transfer to Nintendo Switch 2

When I initially learned about the predicament some Nintendo Switch 2 owners faced with their lost Pokémon save files, it gave me a sinking feeling in my gut. Among the countless hours I spent on the original Nintendo Switch, Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Scarlet ranked high on my playlist. As any dedicated Pokémon and Nintendo enthusiast understands, while Pokémon may be confined to Nintendo hardware, they don’t always adhere to the same principles. The Pokémon Company often presents their updates independently, seldom gracing us during regular Nintendo Directs. The crux of this narrative is that unlike most Nintendo games, Pokémon boasts its own cloud service.

Initially reported by GamePro, a post on Reddit (which has since been removed) bore the title “I’m close to tears. 1000+ hours and 20 years of [Pokémon] are gone.” Unfortunately, this player claimed that they moved their Nintendo Switch library to a new Switch 2, but when they launched their Pokémon Scarlet game, their data had mysteriously vanished. This means thousands of hours spent over two decades, as well as the transferring of individual Pokémon across numerous games, were all erased.

It’s reassuring to know that not every Nintendo Switch 2 owner will encounter the issue I initially feared. When I performed the data transfer two weeks ago, I hadn’t started any of my Pokémon games yet, but I was worried about potential consequences. Surprisingly, both of my Pokémon save files seem to be intact. This situation might not affect everyone, but it’s certainly a possibility. If you’re concerned, I strongly suggest moving any Pokémon you don’t want to lose to Pokémon Home before initiating the transfer. Unfortunately, I can’t guarantee that your save file and in-game progress will be completely secure. However, you should at least be able to safeguard your team of Pokémon.

As a gamer, I recently stumbled upon a thread on Reddit where fellow players were sharing their frustrating experiences – much like mine. They’ve lost their valuable progress when transitioning to a new console, and one user even expressed their feelings by saying, “My heart hurts.” However, there was some light at the end of the tunnel as several users suggested reaching out to Nintendo Support, stating that they might have a save file tucked away somewhere. In fact, one user mentioned they had done so previously for a similar issue. So, if you ever find yourself in this predicament, don’t lose hope – there’s a chance that Nintendo Support can help you retrieve your progress!

With any luck, sharing this article could help out some Pokémon enthusiasts who might be facing difficulties. If you find yourself feeling anxious, take a moment to explore Pokémon Home. For those currently experiencing problems, there’s a possibility that your file can be recovered through Nintendo support. Good fortune to all Pokémon trainers! I’m uncertain whether the upcoming Pokémon Legends: Z-A will enable transfers from previous games, but I hope everyone gets the chance to continue with their teams.

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2025-06-24 03:02