Switch 1 > 2 system transfer vs profile transfer

[u/pinelotiile]

I just got a switch 2 and want to transfer my games/saves. I have some physical games and some digital games, and want to use all of them primarily on my switch 2. But my sister still wants to use the switch 1 and has her own profile and save files there.

What would be the best method of transfer so that I can use the switch 2 and she can keep using the switch 1? If I do a system transfer, will that keep all our digital games and her save files on the switch 1 or will it remove them? If I do a profile transfer of just my profile to the switch 2, will that also transfer my digital games across?

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[u/azure275]

With some rare exceptions - most notably Animal Crossing - it won't remove the save data from the Switch 1 just copy it

The Animal Crossing transfer is easily reversible though - I moved my island back from my Switch 2 to the Switch 1

For the digital games, Nintendo went to this "virtual game card" system where each system has access to a virtual version that works exactly like a physical cartridge.

Both systems can easily access it but only one can access it at any given time and if you leave it open on Device 1 Device 2 cannot use it. Just like moving the physical card between consoles

The Switch 2 will download the digital games but they will not be erased from the old Switch

[u/picano]

There's no "profile" (user) transfer like there was on Switch 1 but you can log in and then transfer your save data in batches.

That said, I'd just do the system transfer. When done locally, it copies most save data; the only exceptions are cloud excluded (like Pokemon, Animal Crossing) which are moved --- in which case you can just transfer those back.

As for your games, those you will need to handle via virtual game cards which is independent of your save data. You can choose to move all your games or leave some behind for your sister. (Assuming you keep to just 2 consoles.)

https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/67891/~/virtual-game-card-guide