Animal Crossing: New Horizons Save Transfers Simplified for Nintendo Switch 2 Upgrade

Nintendo Streamlines Animal Crossing: New Horizons Save Transfers to Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo has addressed a long-standing concern for Animal Crossing: New Horizons players facing the transition to its upcoming hardware, the Nintendo Switch 2.

Moving island save data between Switch consoles was once a cumbersome process involving a dedicated Island Transfer Tool or even direct support from Nintendo.

Now, Nintendo confirms a significantly smoother experience for users upgrading to the next-generation hardware. In a recent interview with Polygon, Takuhiro Dohta, Senior Director of the Programming Management Group and lead director on the Nintendo Switch 2, outlined how save data transfers will work when players move from the original Switch to the new platform.

Dohta stated that users will be able to transfer their Animal Crossing: New Horizons island save data seamlessly as part of a standard system transfer, without the need for extra applications or complex steps.

"Your entire island save will migrate during a system transfer from the original Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch 2," Dohta explained.

"There is no longer a requirement for the Animal Crossing Island Transfer Tool application or involvement from Nintendo support.

All data—except for some exceptions—will transfer in one streamlined operation." Dohta further clarified one important point: while most Switch game data can be copied to the new console while remaining on the old system, Animal Crossing: New Horizons islands perform a true migration.

"The save file will actually relocate," he said.

"The island leaves the first Switch and is transferred exclusively to the Nintendo Switch 2." This means users cannot access their island simultaneously on both platforms; once the move is complete, the island exists solely on the Switch 2. The announcement eliminates concerns about lost progress or having to navigate additional apps to move beloved islands.

However, for those planning to trade in their original Nintendo Switch, Nintendo recommends waiting until the system transfer is fully complete before handing over the old hardware to ensure a smooth migration and data safety. Nintendo also confirmed that several first-party Nintendo Switch titles will receive free software updates to enhance compatibility and playability on Switch 2.

Although Animal Crossing: New Horizons isn't yet part of the confirmed upgrade lineup, players remain hopeful for improved load times and added features in the near future. Animal Crossing: New Horizons, developed and published by Nintendo, originally launched for the Nintendo Switch in March 2020 and quickly became a massive commercial success, selling over 42 million copies worldwide.

This robust save data migration process ensures the title remains accessible and enjoyable for fans planning the jump to Nintendo Switch 2, keeping the community engaged until Nintendo announces the franchise's next evolution.

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