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ArixAR/SWITCH_SAVE_TRANSFER.md

Created September 10, 2025 00:35
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Transfer save files from a hacked Switch 1 to a vanilla Switch 2
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SWITCH_SAVE_TRANSFER.md

Save Transfer Guide (Switch → Switch 2)

Disclaimer:

This method worked for me, but I cannot guarantee it will work for you. Proceed entirely at your own risk. There is a real chance of Nintendo account bans or data loss if steps are skipped or performed incorrectly. If you are not comfortable with that, stop here.

Pre-Check

Before attempting this process, certain conditions must be met to reduce the risk of bans or corrupted saves:

  1. Patched Switch (target console):

    • Running the latest official firmware available at the time you attempt this
    • Has both OFW and CFW (Atmosphere) set up correctly
    • Can connect to Nintendo servers normally on OFW
    • Not banned

  2. SysNAND on patched Switch is clean:

    • Untouched, never used for CFW or homebrew
    • Atmosphere has only ever been used on emuNAND

  3. Both Switch consoles use the same Nintendo account and profile

If you do not meet these requirements, it is not worth the risk.

Step 1. Source System (Banned Switch, Yuzu, etc.)

  1. Back up the saves you want to transfer
  2. Only use saves obtained through normal gameplay. Do not use modded saves
  3. Never attempt this with online or multiplayer games. Only single player is considered safe
  4. Use the latest JKSV on Switch or the built-in Yuzu save manager

Save these backups on your PC.

Step 2. Patched Switch (CFW / emuNAND)

  1. Install the games you want to transfer saves for. Match the exact version of the game from the source system
  2. Restore your backups with JKSV
  3. Run the games once to confirm saves are working
  4. Delete the restored backups inside JKSV (keep a copy on your PC)
  5. Make fresh backups again in JKSV
  6. Export SVI files for each game. This allows restoring saves into OFW even if the game was not installed there
  7. Make sure Exosphere protections are active. Research DNS blocking, stealth settings, and anything Atmosphere provides to minimize ban risk

Step 3. OFW (SysNAND) Setup

  1. Block all internet access

    • Enable airplane mode
    • Delete saved Wi-Fi networks

  2. Reboot into Hekate

Step 4. OFW (SysNAND with Atmosphere)

  1. Open JKSV in Applet Mode (NEVER USE TITLE MODE)
  2. For your user profile, create slots from the exported SVI files. If a game already exists for your profile, skip this
  3. Restore backups into those slots
  4. Power off and reboot into Hekate

Step 5. OFW (SysNAND, stock)

  1. Boot normally
  2. Re-enable internet
  3. Check System Settings → Data Management to confirm save data is present
  4. To move data to your second Switch:
    • Without Nintendo Online: Use System Settings → Data Management → Transfer Save Data
    • With Nintendo Online: Upload saves to the cloud

Notes

  • Only tested for single player titles
  • Saves from modded games, cheats, or mismatched versions may corrupt
  • Even with precautions, Atmosphere on sysNAND can never be considered fully safe

If everything worked, your saves should now be available on Switch 2.

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