You only have a few hours left to prepare for the Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo's next-gen console is a significant improvement over its predecessor, released over eight years ago. The Switch 2, its games, and its new features promise to amaze us, and many are waiting to receive their pre-ordered or Day One purchase.
However, you shouldn't sit around twiddling your thumbs during the short time you have left. If you pre-ordered the console, it's time to prepare for your transition to the next-gen. Several tools and procedures are available to you to do this. Here are our top tips to make sure you're fully prepared.
Check you have the latest operating system version
Before switching to a new console, it's essential to ensure your current Switch is up to date. This ensures maximum compatibility with any data transfer tools Nintendo may offer when the Switch 2 is released. To check this, go to Console Settings, then select Console > System Update. Even if the Switch is working fine, an outdated version may prevent some transfers or syncs. Staying up-to-date minimizes potential bugs and ensures all network and save functions are active.
Clean up (games, captures, software)
This is a great time to clean up your console. Delete games you no longer play, especially if they're available in the cloud or you don't plan on returning to them. You can do this via Settings > Data Management > Software > Delete. Don't forget to also review downloaded demos or old update data that are unnecessarily cluttering up memory space. If some local saves are outdated or duplicated, you can also delete them.
If you often use your Switch's screenshot function, be aware that the files are not automatically saved to the cloud and will therefore not be transferred by default. To avoid losing them, you must go to the Album, connect your Switch to a PC via USB or insert its microSD into a computer, then manually copy the files. This is also an opportunity to sort out unnecessary or duplicate captures. All of this helps you best prepare for the transfer to the Switch 2.
Enable cloud backup to transfer data
The best way to secure your game data before switching consoles is to make sure that cloud backup is enabled. This feature is reserved for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, but it makes it very easy to restore your saves to a new machine. Go to Settings > Data Management > Cloud Backup and check that all game saves are synced. Please note that some titles like Pokémon, Animal Crossing, or Splatoon do not support the cloud, so you will need to transfer data locally. This will help you avoid unpleasant surprises when the Switch 2 arrives.
Back up or format your microSD card properly
If you're using a microSD card to store games or screenshots, it's a good idea to back it up or format it properly before switching consoles. Plug it into your computer and make a full copy of the contents into a folder. This will allow you to restore everything or start from scratch. If you'd rather start from scratch, use the Windows or Nintendo formatting tool and choose the correct format: FAT32 for cards under 32GB, exFAT for larger ones. Don't forget to note the size and date of the backup in the folder name.
Create a Family Account for Virtual Cartridges
With the Switch 2, Nintendo introduced Virtual Game Cards, which allow you to share digital games within your household as if they were physical cartridges. To use these cards, everything starts by creating a Nintendo Family Group. This operation cannot be done from the console itself, but requires logging in to the official Nintendo website. Once logged in with the main account, you must create a group, then add members of your household or your loved ones. Each member keeps their own profile, but can then borrow games made available by other members of the group. So don't forget to complete this step.
0 Comments