Nintendo has rolled out a significant pre-Switch 2 update for the original Switch, introducing features such as shareable Virtual Game Cards, future GameShare support for select games, and new color options for certain app icons. Additionally, the release notes include various other enhancements, one of which may benefit those looking to sell or trade their original Switch ahead of the Switch 2’s launch on June 5.
For those planning to purchase a Switch 2, there is now a feature that allows you to upload your Switch’s system transfer data to a dedicated server, after which the original console will be fully reset. This data can only be retrieved on a Switch 2 linked to your Nintendo Account, so be sure to have a pre-order secured, or be confident you can obtain one before your data is deleted from Nintendo’s server. According to Nintendo’s FAQ, your original Switch data will be retained for up to a year after the upload.
To use this feature, go to the System Settings app, then navigate to the System option. Select “System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2,” and choose the option that states “I don’t have a Nintendo Switch 2 yet.” Be sure to note the “Download Deadline” provided.
The upload will include a backup of all your games, DLC, user accounts, save data, screenshots, video clips, and system settings. However, please note that news data, Bluetooth settings, as well as time, language, region, and timezone settings will not be included in the upload, although these are relatively easy to reconfigure.
