Nintendo has launched a fresh firmware update for the Switch just before the debut of the Switch 2.
The Nintendo Switch Firmware Update Version 20.0.0 brings several important tweaks to the eight-year-old device, setting the stage for its follow-up, the Switch 2, arriving in June, based on patch notes from Nintendo's official site.
A standout feature is the new system transfer option to the Nintendo Switch 2, now available in System Settings. This allows you to shift data from your Switch to the Switch 2 through local wireless connection.
If your Switch becomes unavailable before you get the Switch 2, you can upload transfer data to a special server and download it later on the new console.
Keep in mind that after uploading, your Switch resets to factory defaults. Nintendo advises using this only if you can finish the process on the Switch 2 soon after. Otherwise, opt for the local transfer once you have the new device.
Many Switch users planning to sell or trade their original console for a Switch 2 say they'll use this feature, as it frees them from keeping the old hardware. Some worry about the mandatory reset and the risk of data loss on Nintendo's server.
In addition, the update refreshes certain user icons, as spotted by the community. Notably, Donkey Kong's icon now matches the style from upcoming Switch 2 titles like Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World.
Refreshed Icons in Latest Switch Firmware
byu/thetripp45 inNintendoSwitch
New icons also appear on the Home menu for Virtual Game Cards and GameShare, both tied to the upcoming Switch 2 rollout.
Nintendo Switch Firmware Update Version 20.0.0 patch notes
Ver. 20.0.0 (Released April 29, 2025)
The following icons for new features have been added to the HOME Menu:Virtual Game CardPurchased Nintendo Switch digital software, DLC, and some free software, are now virtual game cards and displayed in a list in this menu.You can virtually load and eject virtual game cards between up to two Nintendo Switch systems.Virtual game cards can be lent to others in the same Nintendo Account family group. For more information, see Virtual Game Card Guide.GameShareCompatible software can be shared from a Nintendo Switch 2 system to other nearby system(s) to play together.You can only play together via local wireless, and the Nintendo Switch 2 system must initiate GameShare.This feature cannot be used between two Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch – OLED Model and/or Nintendo Switch Lite systems.User-Verification Settings has been added under User > User Settings.You can restrict access to the Virtual Game Card menu by requiring entry of a PIN or signing in to your Nintendo Account.Online License Settings has been added.When turned on, you can play downloaded software or DLC you've purchased while the system is connected to the internet, even if you don't have the virtual game card loaded.For more information, please refer to the details about the option on the System Settings screen.The Nintendo eShop and Nintendo Switch News icon colors on the HOME Menu have been changed.Multiple save data can be selected and transferred at once in “Transfer Your Save Data” menu.System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2 has been added under System Settings > System.You can perform a system transfer from your Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch 2 using local communication.For users that will lose access to their Nintendo Switch before receiving their Nintendo Switch 2, there is an option to upload system transfer data to a dedicated server which can then be retrieved on their Nintendo Switch 2. After you upload your system transfer data to the dedicated server, the Nintendo Switch system will be initialized to factory settings, so only perform this transfer if you’ll be able to complete the transfer on Nintendo Switch 2.If you want to continue using your Nintendo Switch until you have a Nintendo Switch 2, we recommend completing the system transfer using local communication after you have acquired a Nintendo Switch 2 system.An internet connection and Nintendo Account is required to complete both local and the server-based system transfer service.For more information, see System Transfer from Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch 2.The appearance of some user icons have been updated.For detailed information on Nintendo Switch 2, see the Nintendo website.
Note that the use of “Primary Console” has been deprecated with the transition to virtual game cards, and “Pass-enabled console” will be used instead. On a console set as the “Pass-enabled console” for a user, all users on the console can access certain subscriptions or passes for some software. For more information, see How to Set or Change the Pass-Enabled Console for a Nintendo Account.
All this builds excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 launch on June 5. Preorders opened on April 24 at $449.99 — and demand was intense, as expected. Nintendo has alerted U.S. buyers who ordered from the My Nintendo Store that delivery on release day isn't assured due to overwhelming interest.
Explore IGN's guide to preordering the Nintendo Switch 2 for details.
