How to Transfer Animal Crossing Data to New Switch
One key feature New Horizons players wish the game launched with is the ability to backup the game’s save data on a Switch and restore it on another. After eight months of the game’s launch, the developers finally released an update allowing players to use this feature.
However, that backup method is hardly feasible as you’ll need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. But don’t worry; I’ve got another sure-fire method that you can harness to transfer your New Horizons data to another Switch, be it an OLED, Lite, or original model.
How to Transfer Animal Crossing: New Horizons Data to a New Switch
The paid backup method stores your game data on the cloud and allows it to be restored whenever you need it on another Switch. Contrastly, with the approach we’re using here, you’ll need access to both the Switch you’re transferring from and the one you’re transferring to.
You also want to ensure both consoles are running the latest versions of Animal Crossing: New Horizons and the system operating system for this method to work correctly.
Lastly, you’ll need to install the Island Transfer tool on both consoles. It’s a free application that you can download from the eShop. So, with that clear, let’s proceed with the steps on how to transfer Animal Crossing data to New Switch:
- Move the User and Save data from your original Switch to the new one. Nintendo support has a tutorial on that here. The user account on your original Switch will disappear if the transfer is successful
- Next, launch the Island Transfer application on both consoles
- Select Source on the original console and then Yes the moment your island comes up on the screen
- On your new Switch, select Target
- Go back on the original Switch and select Continue
- Now back to the new Switch, select Proceed
- Wait for some seconds for the consoles to establish a connection.
- Once they recognize each other, select Transfer Data > Proceed on the original console.
And that’s how you transfer Animal Crossing data to New Switch. Follow the above steps keenly and ensure you’re getting them right. You’ll be up and running in no time.
How Does the Backup Method Work?
The island backup feature was released back in 2020 to relieve players who had longed for it. But all that craving quickly went down the hill upon the realization that you’ll need Nintendo Switch Online subscription, which costs $20 per year, to access it.
Not too much money, to be fair. And once you’re subscribed, you can use it from the game’s title screen. Open settings in the title menu and select Island Backup > Enable Island Backup. Remember that you can use the backup on another Switch if your old one was busted or missing.
Related: How to Delete Animal Crossing Island
Final Notes
That’s all you need to know to transfer Animal Crossing: New Horizons data to new Switch. If you have the money to spare, you can use the backup feature in-game to be on the safer side should your Switch crash ultimately.
