Quick Read
- Nintendo Switch 2 offers a streamlined System Transfer for moving games, saves, and profiles from your old console.
- Switch 2 requires a MicroSD Express Card for storage expansion; regular MicroSD cards are not supported.
- 2025 Boxing Day sales feature deep discounts on Switch and Switch 2 games and accessories across major retailers.
If you’ve just upgraded to the Nintendo Switch 2, congratulations are in order—you’re stepping into a new era of portable gaming. With a bigger screen, improved performance, and expanded storage, this console promises a leap in your gaming experience. But as with any major tech upgrade, the first question on most users’ minds is: “How do I bring everything over from my old Switch?” And once that’s sorted, where can you snag the best game deals for your shiny new device?
The transition from your original Nintendo Switch to the Switch 2 is designed to be straightforward, thanks to Nintendo’s System Transfer process. Still, a few thoughtful preparations will ensure you’re back in the game—literally—in no time.
- Charge both your old Switch and the Switch 2 fully, and keep them close together throughout the transfer.
- Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network, essential for verifying your Nintendo Account and managing downloads.
- Update your original Switch with the latest system software to prevent interruptions.
- Double-check that each user profile you want to move is tied to a Nintendo Account.
It’s also wise to back up screenshots and video clips, just in case—while these should transfer, an extra copy never hurts.
Once ready, navigate on your old Switch to System Settings, then Users, then Transfer Your User & Save Data. Pick the user profile, confirm your Nintendo Account, and follow the prompts. On the Switch 2, during initial setup, select Start System Transfer when prompted. Both consoles need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network and powered on. The transfer is mostly automated: your user information, digital purchases, save files, and system settings will make their way to the new hardware. When done, your digital games will appear in the eShop’s Redownload section, ready to be installed on your Switch 2.
Physical game cards are compatible with the new console, though some titles may require updates for optimal performance. Nintendo has acknowledged that a handful of older games could face temporary compatibility issues, but these are being reviewed and patched regularly (Engadget).
After the transfer, you’ll need to reconnect Bluetooth devices—like Joy-Con controllers or headphones—as those links remain tied to the original console. Wi-Fi passwords also need to be re-entered, and some game-specific preferences or region settings may require quick adjustments. It’s a good moment to update your games, restore parental controls, and set up any family groups.
One important caveat: Don’t factory reset your old Switch immediately. Keep it on hand until you’ve confirmed every save and setting made it across. If you plan to sell or hand down your old console, a reset is best done only after you’re sure the transition is complete.
Now, let’s talk about storage. The Switch 2 boasts 256GB of internal storage, but a chunk is reserved for the operating system. Want to expand? You’ll need a MicroSD Express Card—the standard MicroSD cards won’t work. Lift the kickstand, locate the slot, and insert the Express Card with the text facing up (Nintendo Life). This upgrade is crucial for serious gamers with large digital libraries.
Setting up parental controls is also easier than ever. You can link your Switch 2 to the Nintendo Account app for remote management or set restrictions directly on the console. This ensures a safe and age-appropriate gaming environment for younger users.
With your system ready, it’s time to explore the gaming deals. The 2025 Boxing Day sales are in full swing, offering deep discounts on both Switch and Switch 2 titles. Retailers like Amazon, Big W, EB Games, Gamesmen, and JB Hi-Fi are rolling out deals that rival Black Friday, making now an excellent time to stock up on favorites or try something new.
- Amazon and Big W have discounts on hits like NBA Bounce ($49, down from $79), Bluey: The Videogame ($39, usually $59), and Let’s Sing 2026 bundles.
- EB Games started their sale early, with highlights posted last week.
- Nintendo eShop is running a massive Holiday Sale, with thousands of games discounted. Standouts include Hollow Knight Silksong (20% off), Hades II (25% off), Mega Man 11 (85% off), Portal: Companion Collection (75% off), and Moving Out (90% off). Many deals are valid through early January 2026 (Vooks).
- Gamesmen and JB Hi-Fi are also offering bundled accessories and Switch 2-compatible gear at reduced prices.
Notably, many discounted games—such as Red Dead Redemption, Plants vs Zombies Replanted, and Street Fighter 6—are optimized for both Switch and Switch 2, ensuring you won’t miss out on performance improvements with your new console.
But with all the excitement, there are a few troubleshooting tips worth remembering. If an older title misbehaves, check Nintendo’s updated compatibility list for known issues. Download speeds may slow as your full library queues up; prioritize your must-play games first. If you use a microSD card, wait until after the system transfer to insert it into the Switch 2—sometimes the console needs to reformat the card for compatibility.
In summary, upgrading to the Nintendo Switch 2 is as much about preparation as anticipation. With careful attention to the transfer process, a storage upgrade, and savvy shopping during Boxing Day sales, you’ll be ready to enjoy the console’s full potential—whether you’re a longtime Nintendo fan or a new recruit.
The Switch 2 isn’t just a hardware refresh; it’s a thoughtful evolution of Nintendo’s gaming ecosystem. By streamlining the transfer process and supporting a wide range of games and accessories, Nintendo is making sure players can focus on what matters most: the games themselves. And with 2025’s sales offering a generous welcome, the timing couldn’t be better for those ready to level up.