Summary
A Nintendo executive confirmed in an interview thatAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsplayers looking to move their island from the original Switch console to the Switch 2 can easily do a system transfer. However, Nintendo stated that anyAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsdata, including islands and game saves, will be removed from the original Switch once the transfer is complete.
Originally released in March 2020,Animal Crossing: New Horizonswas launched during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the cozy island game eventually became a way for players to meet up and share their gardening efforts, along with allowing people to host graduation ceremonies and birthday parties. AlthoughAnimal Crossing: New Horizonshas not received major updates since November 2022, that did not stop it frombecoming the second-best-selling Nintendo Switch game, with over 47.44 million copies sold as of February 2025. By comparison, the Switch’s top-selling title,Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, has sold over 67.35 million units.
ThoughtheAnimal Crossingfranchise was absent from the April 2 Nintendo Direct, players can still take all of their efforts with them to the Switch 2.In an interview with Polygon, Nintendo Switch 2 developer Takuhiro Dohta stated that the Switch 2’s system transfer process will leave all save data on the original Switch console, except for the island data fromAnimal Crossing: New Horizons. Dohta confirmed that the original Switch used as the source for a system transfer would lose the island data, but that it would show up on the Switch 2 exactly as it was.
Nintendo Switch to Switch 2 Transfers Will Carry Over Animal Crossing Island Data
Additionally, the system transfer process will not require downloading another app or using any cloud saves to complete the process. However, players looking to trade in their original Switch for a Switch 2 will not be as fortunate, as the system transfer method only works when the two systems are near each other.
Sufficient storage space on the Switch 2 will also be required, though the console’s built-in 256GB of storage should help. Aside from the Switch to Switch 2 system transfer method, theAnimal Crossing: New Horizons Island Transferapp can be used to seamlessly move an island from one original Switch console to another, such as from a Switch Lite to a Switch OLED. Another method utilizes Cloud Save data and a Nintendo Switch Online subscription totransfer anAnimal Crossingisland between Switch consoles, though it may require contacting Nintendo to download the data safely.
However, it is currently unclear if theAnimal Crossing: New Horizons Island Transferapp will be backwards-compatible with the Switch 2. AlthoughAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsdoes not havea dedicated Switch 2 Editionat the time of writing, transferring an island to the Switch 2 should still be a relatively simple process.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
WHERE TO PLAY
Escape to a deserted island and create your own paradise as you explore, create, and customize in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game. Your island getaway has a wealth of natural resources that can be used to craft everything from tools to creature comforts. You can hunt down insects at the crack of dawn, decorate your paradise throughout the day, or enjoy sunset on the beach while fishing in the ocean. The time of day and season match real life, so each day on your island is a chance to check in and find new surprises all year round.Show off your island utopia to family and friends—or pack your bags and visit theirs. Whether playing online** or with others beside you***, island living is even better when you can share it. Even without hopping on a flight, you’ll meet a cast of charming animal residents bursting with personality. Friendly faces like Tom Nook and Isabelle will lend their services and happily help you grow your budding community. Escape to your island getaway—however, whenever, and wherever you want.
