How do you make a backup of your Nintendo Switch?
Back up your Switch
If you want to transfer your game saves to a new Nintendo Switch, you have to back them up first. You can back up your game saves in 3 ways.
Tip 1: upload your data to a memory card
Tip 2: upload your data to the cloud
Tip 3: Back up your Nintendo Switch manually
Tip 1: use a memory card
The easiest way to transfer your games to your new Switch is with a memory card. Follow the steps below and transfer your game saves to a memory card.
- Go to 'System settings' via the home screen and then select 'Memory management'.
- Select 'Move data between console and MicroSD card'.
- Check the games you want to transfer to the memory card and then press 'Okay'.
Your game saves are now stored on your memory card.
Tip 2: automatically save your data in the cloud
If you have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, you also automatically save data in the cloud. Follow the next steps and find an overview of all stored data.
- Go to 'System Settings' and select 'Memory Management'.
- Select 'Storage Cloud' and you'll see an overview.
In this overview, you can see exactly which games are stored in the cloud and when this last happened. Don't have a Nintendo Switch Online? Read exactly what the other advantages are in the article below.
Tip 3: back up your Nintendo Switch manually
Have you purchased a new Nintendo Switch and do you want to be sure that the most recent saved data is in the cloud? Make a backup manually. Follow the steps below and secure all your saved data.
- On the home screen, scroll all the way to the right of your games and select 'All software'.
- Choose the games you want to upload to the cloud and press the plus button on your controller.
- Select 'Back up saved data'.
After this, upload your most recent save to the cloud. You can then transfer your game saves to your new Nintendo Switch.
