To transfer Animal Crossing data to a new Switch, you must use Nintendo's dedicated Island Transfer Tool, not a standard system transfer or cloud save. This process moves your entire Animal Crossing: New Horizons island from the old console to the new one, preserving your character, inventory, villagers, and all progress.
What you need before you start
Before beginning the transfer, ensure you have both the source and target Switch consoles available, both connected to the internet, and both running the latest system software. Animal Crossing: New Horizons must be updated to the latest version on both systems. The source and target systems must both be on and able to communicate over local wireless, and airplane mode must be off or Wi‑Fi enabled on both systems. The process works for both Nintendo Switch 2 and original Nintendo Switch systems.
Setting up the target switch
On the new Switch, create a user profile that will be used for the resident when you start the game. Link this profile to the same Nintendo Account used on the source console. Then download Animal Crossing: New Horizons from the Nintendo eShop. Island save data cannot be transferred between Nintendo Accounts; it can only be transferred between consoles, so using the same account is essential.
Downloading the island transfer tool
On both the old and new Switch consoles, open the Nintendo eShop and download the free Island Transfer Tool. This tool is required for the transfer and is separate from the game itself.
Performing the island transfer
- Open the Island Transfer Tool on both systems.
- Select Continue, then Let's Begin on both consoles.
- On the source (old) system, select Source. On the target (new) system, select Target.
- Confirm the island or console nickname by selecting Yes on the source system.
- Select Continue on the source system and Proceed on the target system.
- When the target system is detected, select Transfer data on the source system, then Proceed on the target system.
- Wait for the local wireless transfer to complete. Do not turn off or disconnect either console during the transfer.
Verifying your island on the new switch
After the transfer completes, launch Animal Crossing: New Horizons on the new console. Check that your island, character, inventory, house, customizations, and all progress are intact. Test gameplay by fishing, bug catching, gardening, and interacting with villagers to confirm everything functions correctly. If you notice any issues, contact Nintendo Support for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my Animal Crossing data on the old Switch after the transfer?
Once the transfer is complete, your old console will no longer have access to that island save data. The island is moved, not copied, to the new system.
Do I need a Nintendo Switch Online membership to transfer my island?
No, a Nintendo Switch Online membership is not required for the island transfer process. The Island Transfer Tool works over local wireless between the two consoles without an active subscription.
Is the island backup service the same as the transfer tool?
No. The island backup service is for recovery after console failure, loss, or theft, and requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership. It is not designed for moving an island to a new console. The Island Transfer Tool is the correct method for migration. Backing up Animal Crossing data using Nintendo Switch Online is for recovery after console failure, loss, or theft, not for moving an island to a new console. Island backup requires a Nintendo Account with an active Nintendo Switch Online membership and a resident created on the island. Island backup requires the game to be updated to version 1.4.0 or later.
Can I transfer my island if I have a physical game cartridge?
Yes, the transfer process works regardless of whether you use a physical game cartridge or a digital download. The save data is stored on the console, not the cartridge.
Can I transfer only one resident from my island instead of the whole island?
For transferring an individual resident, you must first transfer the player's user account to the new Nintendo Switch system, then use the in-game resident transfer option. This is a separate process from the full island transfer. For transferring an individual resident, Nintendo says the player’s user account must be transferred to the new Nintendo Switch system.
Will I lose my progress if the transfer is interrupted?
Interrupting the transfer can lead to data loss or corruption. Ensure both consoles have sufficient battery life and a stable connection, and do not turn off or disconnect either console during the process.
For the wider topic, see mobile app guides.
