Transfer Your Animal Crossing: New Horizons Saves to Switch 2 with This Handy Tool

Animal Crossing: New Horizons made waves in the cozy gaming scene back in 2020, and it’s gearing up for a major comeback. With the game now playable on both the original Switch and the new Switch 2 (with an upgraded Switch 2 Edition launching on January 15), Nintendo’s beloved life-sim is back in the spotlight. Whether you’re a long-time player or looking to jump back in and catch up with your villagers, you might want to make your grand entrance on the shiny new Switch 2. To do this, you’ll need to transfer your island to the latest console. Here’s how to use the Animal Crossing island transfer tool.

**How to transfer your Animal Crossing: New Horizons island to Switch 2**

When you set up your Switch 2 for the first time, you can use the built-in system transfer to move most of your save files, but New Horizons requires a specific process. For this game, you’ll need the island transfer tool, which is available for free in the eShop. You’ll also need the original Switch that holds your island save data. The Island Transfer Tool is essential for moving your save file to the Switch 2.

To kick off the transfer of your Animal Crossing: New Horizons island, head to the eShop and download the Animal Crossing Island Transfer Tool on both your original Switch and the Switch 2. Once the transfer tool is installed on both consoles, you can start the process. Keep the following points in mind before proceeding:

– This process transfers your save file, not copies it. Your island will no longer be accessible on the original system after the transfer is complete.
– You’ll need to download the Happy Home Paradise DLC on the new system to access any related content.
– Airplane Mode must be disabled on both consoles to initiate the transfer.
– Ensure the game is updated to the latest software version on both consoles.

With everything set, follow these steps to complete the transfer:

1. Load the Island Transfer Tool on both systems.
2. Select Continue and Let’s Begin on both consoles.
3. On the source (original) system, select Source, then confirm by selecting Yes when your island or console name appears.
4. On the Switch 2, select Target.
5. Click Continue on the source system.
6. Select Proceed on the Switch 2.
7. Choose Transfer Data on the source system.
8. Select Proceed on the Switch 2 to start the transfer.
9. Follow the instructions to move your save file to the Switch 2.

Once the transfer is complete, your save data will no longer be on the original system, but you’ll be all set to dive back into New Horizons on your Switch 2. If you ever need to, you can transfer the save data back to the original system and remove it from the Switch 2. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is currently available on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.