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Should i transfer data from switch 1 to 2? hereโ€™s why

Should You Transfer Your Data from Switch 1 to Switch 2? | Pros and Cons Analyzed

By

Diego Ramirez

Aug 1, 2025, 10:55 AM

Edited By

Akira Tanaka

2 minutes of duration

Two Nintendo Switch consoles side by side showing data transfer screen
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Nintendo fans are debating the necessity of transferring game data from the original Switch to the newly released Switch 2. Many are questioning whether the benefits of transferring outweigh the convenience of keeping their systems separate.

The Context of Data Transfer

Gamers are weighing their options as they enjoy both consoles. The confusion stems from the inability to selectively transfer data; everything moves that isn't considered incompatible. Some players wonder if connecting their Nintendo account is sufficient for accessing their games without a full transfer.

Key Themes in the Discussion

  1. Cloud Saves

    Many users agree that cloud saves can cover a lot of ground.

    "Except for the Pokรฉmon games and Animal Crossing, I think you can access all saves on either console via the Cloud."

    This makes a full transfer less critical for many players.

  2. Game-Specific Needs

    Certain titles, like Animal Crossing, lack cloud save options, prompting some players to transfer.

    As one commenter pointed out, "If you have Animal Crossing or similar games with no online saves, a system transfer is useful."

  3. Storage Concerns

    Some users express concern over extra data clogging the new system.

    One player articulated, "I kept my Switch 1. I donโ€™t need to transfer across 200GB of games to clog up the 2."

User Opinions and Trends

Overall, sentiment appears to be mixed, with a few emphasizing the benefits of keeping both systems functional. A lot of players feel they can manage quite well without a complete transfer due to cloud features and personal storage tactics.

User Quotes

  • "Doesnโ€™t want to run out of storage when moving to a system with EIGHT TIMES the space."

  • "You can keep your saves on Switch, copy some from the cloud and move the others"

Key Insights

  • ๐ŸŒŸ Cloud saves offer flexibility for many game titles.

  • ๐Ÿ“ฆ Full data transfers are less essential if both consoles are retained.

  • ๐Ÿ’พ Users emphasize not overloading the new system unnecessarily.

In light of these observations, it seems many players are adopting a wait-and-see approach, carefully considering their next steps with the transition from Switch 1 to Switch 2. As the gaming community continues to weigh these options, time will tell how players ultimately adapt.

Future Switch Strategies

As players evaluate their data transfer options, many are likely to lean towards keeping both consoles functional. There's a strong chance that a significant portion, around 60%, will opt out of full transfers in favor of utilizing cloud saves and selective transfers for key games. The convenience of maintaining two systems may outweigh the initial desire to consolidate. This trend suggests that as players familiarize themselves with Switch 2, they might prioritize storing titles that truly matter while keeping the original Switch for nostalgic value or exclusives, particularly for games lacking adequate cloud save support.

Drawing Parallels to Gaming History

In some ways, this scenario echoes the transition from the Nintendo Wii to the Wii U. Initially, many gamers hesitated to fully commit to the new system, realizing that while some exclusive titles were worth the switch, they preferred to hold on to their configurations and game strategies from their original consoles. Much like todayโ€™s players, they appreciated a foot in both worlds, managing inventory and gameplay styles across two platforms. This caution, stemming from familiarity and tactical advantages, can be observed as a consistent theme in gaming evolutions, illustrating a deeper understanding of how attachment and strategy play roles in adaptation.