How To Import Game Save Data On Nintendo Switch 2

Transferring Save Files from one Nintendo Switch to another should ideally happen during initial setup. But if you missed that step or don’t have your original Switch at hand, there’s still an alternative method available, although it might take a bit more time.

Our guide for how to transfer save data to Switch 2 explains each step of the process.

How to import save data during Switch 2 setup

If you move your user information to the new Switch 2 during its initial transfer, it automatically imports your saves for you. Once you reach the main menu, you’ll find a list of games ready to be downloaded in order. You can pause these downloads and decide what gets installed first, but when a game that has save data from your account is fully downloaded, it will come with the most recent save data.

Regardless if you have a Switch Online subscription or not, your save data on the Switch is associated with individual user accounts rather than Nintendo Accounts or the cloud. However, if you do have a Switch Online subscription, your cloud backup data will be transferred during the setup process as well.

How to import save data after Switch 2 setup

If you choose not to go through the system transfer process when setting up your Switch 2, the only method available to move save data later on will be via Nintendo Switch Online’s cloud saves. To utilize this feature, you must have an active subscription (the Expansion Pack add-on isn’t necessary for cloud saves), and it is important to note that your Switch needs to be connected to the internet in order to upload your saved games to the cloud.

Then, follow these steps:

  • Add the Nintendo Account tied to the Switch Online subscription to your Switch 2.
  • From the eShop, download the games you want to retrieve your save data for.

Your download might already include the most recent save stored in the cloud, but if not, do this:

  • Highlight the game icon on the main menu, and press the “+” button for extra options.
  • Select “save data cloud,” and download the save data you want.

Start the game, and you’re good to go.

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2025-06-06 22:11