Animal Crossing: New Horizons is back on Nintendo Switch 2, and fans upgrading from the original Switch can migrate their island saves using a dedicated tool. The Island Transfer Tool is a free download from the Nintendo eShop. The transfer moves the save data from the source console to the Switch 2; it does not copy it, so the island will no longer be accessible on the original system once the transfer completes. On the Switch 2, players must install the Happy Home Paradise DLC to access content tied to that expansion.
Before starting, players should prepare: both systems must be on the latest software, and Airplane Mode must be turned off on both devices. The Island Transfer Tool must be downloaded on both consoles from the Nintendo eShop. Once both tools are installed, the transfer begins by launching the Island Transfer Tool on both systems and selecting Continue and Let’s Begin. On the source (original Switch), choose Source and confirm the island name displayed (or the console name) when prompted. On the Switch 2, choose Target and then Continue on the source system to proceed.
On the Switch 2, press Proceed to begin the transfer. The source system should then display Transfer Data; select it, and on the Switch 2 choose Proceed again to initiate the move. The process runs as data is moved from the original console to the Switch 2; once complete, the save data will only exist on the Switch 2, and the original console will no longer have access to that island save.
One important caveat is that the transfer is one-way: it moves the save rather than creating a copy. If a reverse transfer is needed later, the same steps can be used to move the save back to the original console, removing it from the Switch 2 in the process. When the transfer finishes, the player can start playing New Horizons on the Switch 2 immediately.
Additionally, Nintendo notes that to access any Happy Home Paradise content tied to the expansion, the DLC must be downloaded on the Switch 2 prior to launching the game there. Animal Crossing: New Horizons remains available on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, enabling a seamless return for players revisiting their island on newer hardware.
For players planning a move to Switch 2, that upgrade path keeps a beloved island alive on newer hardware, with a clear path to resume life among familiar villagers once the transfer completes. The Island Transfer Tool and the Happy Home Paradise DLC are the keys to a smooth transition, along with keeping both systems up to date and ensuring Airplane Mode is disabled during the process.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is available now on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.