Digital Games & Progress Stay with You When You Upgrade Switch in 2024

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

As a passionate Nintendo gamer and content creator myself, I know how valuable game libraries and progress can be. So rest assured – your digital games, save files, and Animal Crossing island do NOT get erased when you upgrade to a new Nintendo Switch system in 2024! By linking your Nintendo Account, you can seamlessly transfer most data to continue where you left off.

How Nintendo Accounts Keep Your Games & Data Accessible

Nintendo‘s account system ties all of your digital game licenses and some save data to your account profile rather than the console itself. This means that as long as you sign-in to your Nintendo Account on any Switch device, you can redownload and pick back up with those digital purchases you‘ve made.

Your individual save files also transfer over if you manually move them over from your old Switch system to the new one using Nintendo‘s built-in "User Transfer" tools. The games themselves stay linked to your account no matter what, but your progress is stored locally on the console unless backed up to the cloud.

This account-centric setup is fantastic news for those with substantial Switch gaming history. According to market research group DFC Intelligence, over 103 million Switch consoles have sold globally. Assuming digital attach rates follow previous Nintendo generations at around 30%, that means tens of millions of users stand to lose access if not for Nintendo Account integration and transfers.

Top 10 Best-Selling Switch GamesTotal Units Sold
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe52.29 million
Animal Crossing: New Horizons41.59 million
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate30.44 million
Breath of the Wild29.09 million
Pokemon Sword/Shield25.68 million
Super Mario Odyssey25.12 million
Super Mario Party19.01 million
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl14.92 million
Ring Fit Adventure14.87 million
Pokemon Let‘s Go Pikachu/Eevee14.81 million

Also keep in mind that cloud save backup on Nintendo Switch Online now covers over 100 popular titles. So even if you skipped manually transferring saves when upgrading, progress may be preserved online automatically.

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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