If you just got the new Switch 2 and skip transferring data from your old Switch 1, don't.
Users are reporting that if they don't do the offered data transfer first thing, the option never appears again, unless they factory reset the Switch 2.
In other words, without the initial data transfer, everything you do on the new Switch 2 will be null and void when you go to move your information over later, because you'll have to factory reset, effectively losing all the stuff you did on your new hybrid console from Nintendo.
"This should be made apparent to people but if you skip the system transfer option in setup the option is unavailable until you factory reset the console again so it may be a good idea to warn people since they'll be setting up their console soon," wrote Reddit user 18serioustech.
There's even a video warning new Switch 2 owners of the potential issue:
In the video, Switch super fan SwitchForce explained that he was so excited to use his new console that he ignored the transfer data option, figuring he could do it later. He didn't want to slow his roll enough, wanting to play Mario Kart World, launch the new GameCube app, and just play with the new console.
He found out, to his chagrin later, that he no longer had the data transfer option.
"Once you've completed the initial setup of your Switch 2, there is no way to do that system transfer," he said.
You are able to do a save data transfer, he says, but that's limited to save data, not downloaded games or users and profiles.
The only way out of this snafu is to factory reset your Switch 2, and initialize the system transfer from that "new" Switch 2 setup.
Once you've reset your Switch 2, you can follow the steps on Nintendo's official site to transfer your data.
Originally published on Tech Times
