How to transfer Animal Crossing: New Horizons save data to Nintendo Switch OLED

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a game that was released at the perfect time right as the pandemic started. The Animal Crossing series was already one that players sink hundreds of hours into, which only heightened it. Those looking up to upgrade their Nintendo Switch to the OLED model tomorrow on October 8, would hate to lose their islands.

Fortunately, Nintendo has an Island transfer tool that allows you to transfer your saved data from one Nintendo Switch to another. But first things first, make sure your game is up-to-date, so check for any updates. You can either transfer the entire island, or you can just transfer your character and their data. You can learn how to do either of these options below.

Related: Worst Animal Crossing Villagers of all time

Entire Island Transfer

This feature transfers your island and all residents to a new Nintendo Switch. All progress, customizations, animal neighbors, and human residents will be transferred. Both your current Nintendo Switch the Nintendo Switch you are transferring to must both have downloaded the island transfer tool. This is the best option if you want to replace your Nintendo Switch. You can search for the island transfer tool on the Nintendo eShop.

Single Player Transfer

This method will transfer a single-player and their data to another island on the new Nintendo Switch. This single-player cannot be the island representative, though. Transferring with this method will send the resident, their home, most held items, and items in storage to the new island. This option is better for users who share a Nintendo Switch and would prefer their own island. Both players must have a copy of Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

For more information on Animal Crossing: New Horizons, check out How to watch the Animal Crossing New Horizons Direct and When is the Animal Crossing New Horizons October event? on Pro Game Guides.