GAMES360VIEW

Switching To The New Switch?

The small, undockable Switch Lite will be out in a matter of weeks, but Nintendo already has an answer for anyone hoping to upgrade their Switch experience without sacrificing convertibility. Unofficially dubbed the "New" Switch, it looks exactly like the existing model, but inside lies a more capable battery, and a screen with a slightly warmer color temperature than the previous version.

For every other console family, setting up your account and accessing your games on a new system is a straightforward process. This usually involves logging into an account with your email and password on the new system, and at worst, deactivating your old one online or via the console's settings menu. Unfortunately, Nintendo has never made it this easy, and the Switch transfer process is no different. CNET's Ashley Esqueda gave us a glimpse into her experience transferring to a New Switch.

You can get the new switch for $75 by trading in your old one at GameStop, and if you want to take advantage of that deal, here's what you're in for.

The new Nintendo Switch is available at several retailers--here's where you can buy it now.

Amazon

Nintendo Switch with Gray Joy-Con

Walmart

Nintendo Switch with Neon Joy-Con

Best Buy

Nintendo Switch with Gray Joy-Con

Nintendo Switch with Neon Joy-Con

The products discussed here were independently chosen by our editors. GameSpot may get a share of the revenue if you buy anything featured on our site.

Judge A Switch By Its Cover

First thing's first: how do you know you're buying the new Switch if it's actually selling under the original name? It's easier than you think: just look for the big red box. This might be somewhat difficult if you're shopping at a store that pulls systems from storage at the time of purchase, but just kindly ask for the Switch without the mysterious hand on the box, bear with the confused look from the unsure clerk, and smile politely while they head to the back to dig for your Switch.

You can also discern a new Switch from an old model by looking at the serial number: The old models start with a serial number "XAW" while the new model will start with the serial number "XKW."

Open New Switch, Take In The Factory-Fresh Fumes

Though it's an obvious step that doesn't need to be explained, there's something to be said for the feeling of opening a brand-new console. Untouched by greasy fingers, free from scratches or scuffs, it's a new opportunity to obsess over keeping the plastic and glass pristine. Enjoy it while it lasts; good intentions can't protect you from the inevitable.

Power Up-date

Before you start the transfer process, you should ensure that both systems are plugged into a power source and are up-to-date with the latest system software.

Here's The Deal...

When you start the transfer process (by going into System Settings > Users > Transfer Your User Data) you are greeted with a screen warning you that whichever Switch you're transferring from will lose the relevant profile data in the process--a classic Nintendo caveat. You will then see another screen that reaffirms the fact that none of the previously installed games will be playable on the source system after the transfer is complete.

Just One More Thing...

So you know that your games aren't going to carry over, but you expect your profile and save data will. That much is true, but just in case you assumed that would also include your in-game screenshots and gameplay videos, Nintendo has a friendly reminder that, no, you won't be transferring your snaps and clips. If you want those, you'll have to grab them via an SD card.

Power? Check. Proximity? Check. Engage!

With all of the warnings out of the way, you should be in the clear to initiate the transfer process so long as your two Switch systems are close to one another and they are both plugged into a power source. Make sure you pick the correct Switch as the source and the other as the target. With that done, you can set the transfer in motion.

Sit Back And Relax

Assuming everything goes according to plan--it didn't for me, but more on that in a second--you should only have to wait a few minutes for your profile to free itself from the previous system and fly to its new home. Now, how could this go wrong, you ask?

When Do Things Ever Go According To Plan?

Wouldn't you know it, the Switch I was transferring from lost its connection to the free WiFi network I was on and my transfer was cut short at the last second. This didn't hurt either Switch nor did it doom my profile and save data to the ether, but word to the wise: if you can, wait until you are on a tried-and-tested network before transferring.

At Least Nintendo Planned Ahead

Despite the scare, Nintendo put contingencies in place for just such an issue, as mentioned. Needless to say this screen was a relief after fearing the worst for my Switch profile and saves.

We're Done! Right?

Once your transfer completes you'll be greeted by this screen. Congrats! You're done! You're not? What the...

Because Of Course

In the case of our new Switch, we had to update the JoyCons. It's a small inconvenience, but it's yet another step between you and enjoying Switch games on your new system.

If only it were the last.

Hello Darkness My Old Friend

Ah, that's right! Nintendo made sure to note that we would lose access to downloaded games after the transfer. Yet, sitting here staring at a blank Switch homescreen is when it really hits home: you must redownload and reinstall your games. Time to pop in your SD card and get to...wait, what now?

Update!?

Wouldn't you know it: the Switch, even after years of updates packed into my fresh install, doesn't support high-capacity SD cards without an update. I suppose I should have seen this coming.

Here We Go!

You've done it. You transferred your profile, updated your Switch at least twice, and maybe even survived a harrowing internet connection scare. Time to hit your Account Information screen in the Eshop and redownload your favorite games. If there's one bit of advice to relay here, it's to only focus on the games you really want to play. If you're like me your previous Switch was loaded up with rainy-day games, but I would also frequently delete some of them to make room for new games as they came out. It wouldn't hurt to leave some breathing room on your new Switch, just sayin'.

What If You Have More Than One Account?

Just in case you are curious: yes, you can transfer additional accounts from your previous Switch to the new one, such as I did with my Japanese Eshop account. It seems like a no brainer, but all things considered I had my doubts.

While we certainly wish that Nintendo had adopted the common practice of letting you play your games on any system with your username and password, we'll have to accept that it wants to keep a tight grip on your account and purchases. Was all the hassle worth it? Time will tell. The new Switch's key feature is the extended battery, and that will only prove to be valuable (or not) over time.

So while I get cracking on burning energy in the name of science, lend us your thoughts on the upgraded Switch, and the upcoming Switch Lite, in the comments below.