If you’re lucky enough to have your hands on the Nintendo Switch 2, congratulations, but there are a few things to do before you dive into games.
Released June 5 globally, along with Mario Kart World as a huge launch title, the Switch 2 is a significant upgrade to the original console with a lot more power, allowing it to run games like Cyberpunk 2077.
To make it easier for you to prepare your Switch 2 to play, we’ve outlined everything you need to do to set up the console and transfer data from the original Switch.
How to Set Up Nintendo Switch 2
Setting up the Nintendo Switch 2 isn’t as simple as plug-and-play, and you must take a few steps before you can jump into any games.
You’ll need your wireless internet connection and Nintendo Account login information handy to set up your device.
You need to update your Switch 2 system on day one to play it, which requires an internet connection. You also need your Nintendo Account information to access purchases and cloud saves from the original Switch console.
Next, plug in your Switch 2 to an AC Adapter, as you require uninterrupted power while installing new updates, and download the Switch 2 day-one system update.
Once these steps are complete, your Nintendo Switch 2 is ready to fire, but you’ll probably want to transfer over everything from your original Switch console.
How to Transfer Data to Nintendo Switch 2
Switch 2 has full backwards compatibility with the original Switch, so you won’t need to wave goodbye to your progress or start again, but there are some steps to follow.
To transfer all your data to Nintendo Switch 2, follow these steps:
- Make sure your original Switch console is up to date with the latest system updates installed.
- Sign in to your Nintendo Account.
- Place both consoles a short distance from each other.
- On your original Switch, open the settings menu and head to the system settings option.
- Find the ‘System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2’ option and select it.
- Read all the warnings, indicating that saved data will be removed from the original Switch.
- To transfer screenshots and video captures, eject the microSD from your Switch and plug it into your Switch 2.
- Restart the Nintendo Switch 2.
Once this process is done, you’re good to go and enjoy all the latest updates for your favorite titles on Switch 2, or dive into a new game like Mario Kart World.
Want more Switch 2 content? Check out our release date stock tracker, read about download issues with Mario Kart World, and take a look at Fortnite’s tease of a Kirby collab.
Have you secured a Nintendo Switch 2 console? What are your first impressions? Let us know in the Insider Gaming Forum.
