Transferring Games and Saves to a New Console

What transferring means

When you buy a new console, you usually want to bring your games, save data, and profiles with you. Transferring means moving that information from the old system to the new one, so you can continue where you left off without starting over. The best gaming consoles guide compares models by stated details to help you choose.

The tools for this are built into each console family. They are not something you install separately. The maker's pages describe some of these features, such as the ability to play games from four generations of Xbox on Xbox Series X|S, or the Virtual Game Cards feature on Nintendo Switch systems that lets you move games between two systems.

The exact steps depend on the platform, but the general idea is the same: you connect the two consoles, sign in with the same account, and follow the prompts. Some transfers happen over a local network, others use the internet, and some use cloud storage.

• Games: the software you own, either as a disc or a digital download.
• Save data: the progress you have made in each game.
• Profiles: your user account, settings, and sometimes achievements or friend lists.

PlayStation consoles

For PlayStation consoles, the official PlayStation page mentions that PS5 consoles offer full backwards compatibility for your PS4 library. That means you can play many of your existing games on the new system, but moving the data itself is a separate step. See the best PlayStation consoles guide for model options.

PlayStation consoles typically offer a system-to-system transfer option during initial setup. You can also use cloud saves if you have an active subscription, or copy save data to a USB drive. The exact menu names are not listed on the source page, so check the on-screen instructions when you set up your new console.

If you are moving from a PS4 to a PS5, the transfer wizard usually appears when you first turn on the PS5. It will ask you to connect both consoles to the same network and sign in with the same account. Follow the prompts to move games, saves, and profiles.

Xbox consoles

The Xbox Series X|S pages highlight that you can enjoy games from four generations of Xbox, with hundreds of optimized titles. That means your existing game library can carry over, but you still need to transfer or re-download the games and save data. The best Xbox consoles guide lists the current line.

Xbox consoles often use cloud saves automatically when you are online. When you sign in on a new console with the same Microsoft account, your save data should sync. For games, you can re-download them from your library, or use the network transfer feature to copy games from one console to another on the same network.

The Xbox page also mentions Quick Resume, which lets you switch between games and resume instantly. That feature is tied to the console, so it will not transfer, but your save progress will be available.

Nintendo Switch and Switch 2

Nintendo's pages describe a feature called Virtual Game Cards for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 systems. This feature adds some of the flexibility of physical game cards to digital games. If you have two systems, you can digitally eject and load games from one system to another, and even lend games to members of your Nintendo Account family group. Compare models in the best Nintendo Switch consoles guide.

This is a specific tool for moving digital games between systems. For save data, Nintendo consoles typically offer a transfer option in the system settings, or you can use cloud saves if you have a Nintendo Switch Online membership. The source page does not list the exact menu names, so check the on-screen instructions.

When you set up a new Switch or Switch 2, the system will often ask if you want to transfer data from an old console. You will need both consoles, a stable internet connection, and the same Nintendo Account on both.

Handheld gaming PCs

Handheld gaming PCs, like the Steam Deck, are a separate family. The Steam page does not list a specific transfer tool, but these devices typically rely on cloud saves and account-based libraries. If you sign in with the same account on a new device, your games and saves should be available to download. The best handheld gaming PCs guide covers this category.

For local transfers, you can often copy files to an external drive or use a network connection. The exact method depends on the operating system and the storefront you use. The source page does not provide details, so read the device's documentation or the store's help pages.

If you are moving from a handheld gaming PC to another, plan to re-download your games and sync your saves. This can take time depending on your internet speed and the size of your library.

Before you transfer

Before you start, make sure both consoles are fully updated and have enough free storage. Check the storage size on the new console's listing to ensure it can hold your games. The best 1TB consoles guide helps if you need large capacity.

Sign in with the same account on both consoles. This is essential for cloud saves and digital purchases. If you are not sure which account you used, check the old console's settings.

Connect both consoles to the same network, preferably with a wired connection for speed. Some transfers require both consoles to be on, so plan for a time when you can leave them running.

• Update both consoles to the latest system software.
• Check that the new console has enough free storage.
• Have your account credentials ready.
• Connect both consoles to the same network.
• Keep both consoles powered on during the transfer.

After the transfer

Once the transfer is complete, check that your games, saves, and profiles are on the new console. Open a few games to confirm your progress is there. If something is missing, you may need to re-download it or use a cloud save.

If you are selling or trading in the old console, consider wiping it to remove your personal data. The maker's pages do not describe this process, so check the console's settings for a factory reset option.

Keep your receipts and any warranty information for the new console. The console warranty and support article explains what to keep in mind.

Troubleshooting common issues

If the transfer fails, check your internet connection and try again. Some transfers require both consoles to be on the same network, so make sure they are not on different Wi-Fi bands.

If cloud saves are not syncing, verify that you are signed in with the same account and that the game supports cloud saves. Some games may not support cloud saves, in which case you will need to transfer locally.

If you cannot find a transfer option, consult the maker's support pages. The source pages do not list every step, so the official support documentation is the best place to look.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

Can I transfer games from a disc to a digital console?

Disc-based games are tied to the disc, so a digital edition console cannot play them. You would need to repurchase the game digitally. Check the listing to see if the console has a disc drive. The digital edition guide compares such models.

Do I need an internet connection to transfer data?

Most transfers require an internet connection, either for cloud saves or for the system-to-system transfer. Some local transfers may work over a direct connection, but the source pages do not specify.

Will my save data transfer automatically?

On many consoles, save data syncs to the cloud if you are online and have the right subscription. For local transfers, you may need to use a specific transfer tool. Check the maker's pages for details.

Can I transfer data from a handheld gaming PC?

Handheld gaming PCs typically rely on cloud saves and account-based libraries. Sign in with the same account on the new device to access your games and saves. The Steam page does not list a specific transfer tool.

What should I do with the old console after transferring?

You can keep it, sell it, or trade it in. Before giving it away, consider wiping it to remove your personal data. The maker's pages do not describe this process, so check the console's settings.