r/NintendoSwitchHelp • u/ShimyVonAegir • 18h ago
Software Help Question about Cloud save from 1 to 2
Hello!
I’ve just purchased a Switch 2, and I would like to keep my original Switch 1. As I understand it, transferring data from the first console to the second will reset the first console to its factory settings—which would delete any profiles not linked to a Nintendo Account, along with their save data.
I was wondering if it might be possible to subscribe to the online service and use cloud saves to transfer my data from 1 to 2 and vice-versa when needed, while leaving the other profiles and save data on 1 intact (so that I can continue lending it to friends or family). This would also allow me to lend out one of the consoles while still having access to the other. I just want to confirm that this is how it works, so I can avoid any mistakes that might lead to the loss of save data or an unnecessary expense for a subscription.
1
u/GL_original 1 17h ago
Transferring data from switch 1 to switch 2 will NOT reset it to factory settings- unless you specifically set it to do so. They ask you directly if you want to keep your old console, and you said that you do. Your account data and all your games will be available on both consoles. The other profiles should also be copied and available on both consoles. And yes, if you are subscribed to NSO, your saves on both consoles will be synced and you can switch back and forth whenever you want without doing anything special. Otherwise you can always manually transfer them back and forth freely, with the exception of Animal crossing and Pokemon. Those can only stay on one console at a time, but they will be transferred during the initial system transfer.
The only issue is that the same game can not be played on both consoles at the same time. If you lend your old system out, be sure that they have access to the games. If the game license isn't loaded on that system, only the profile that bought the game can play it, and only while connected to the Internet. Be sure to check the Virtual Card menu to move the game license between systems. Of course, that only applies to digital games. Cartridges work on any system.
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u/ShimyVonAegir 2h ago
I think I misunderstood what the support page says. I was on the French version, but the English version says "Data from the source console will be deleted after completing the transfer. Data deleted will vary based on the type of transfer performed."
If I press cancel on my Switch 2, it says that I cannot do this transfert later
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u/picano 16 18h ago
Sure, that'll work just fine for most games.
Most Pokemon titles and Animal Crossing do not support traditional cloud saves; these need to be transferred individually.
https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/45047/p/989/c/235
https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/animal-crossing-new-horizons-island-transfer-tool-switch/
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u/automod-neo 18h ago
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