Nintendo Switch 2 Setup Guide — First Things to Do

You just unboxed your Nintendo Switch 2. Congratulations. Before you dive into your first game, there are important setup steps, hidden settings, and hardware features you should know about. This guide walks you through the entire initial setup process and highlights the settings Nintendo doesn’t tell you to change.

For a full list of confirmed games, check our Nintendo Switch 2 confirmed games list. For the latest on third-party support, see our coverage of the Switch 2 dev kit shortage.

Initial Setup — Step by Step

When you power on the Switch 2 for the first time, the system walks you through these steps:

1. Language and region selection. Choose your language and region. Note that region affects eShop availability and some online features, but the Switch 2 remains region-free for physical game cartridges.
2. Connect to WiFi. The Switch 2 supports WiFi 6E (802.11ax on 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands). Connect to your 5GHz or 6GHz network for the best speeds. If your router only supports 2.4GHz, it will still work but downloads will be slower.
3. System update. The console will prompt you to download the latest firmware. Do this immediately. Day-one updates fix bugs, enable features, and ensure game compatibility. The update may take 10-15 minutes depending on your connection speed.
4. Time zone. Set your local time zone. This affects time-based events in games and the system clock.
5. Nintendo Account sign-in. Sign in with your existing Nintendo Account or create a new one. Your Nintendo Switch Online subscription, digital purchases, and friend list are tied to this account. If you had a Switch 1, use the same account to access your purchase history.
6. Data transfer from Switch 1 (optional). If you’re upgrading from the original Switch, you’ll be prompted to transfer your data. More on this below.
7. Insert microSD Express card (optional). If you have a microSD Express card, insert it now. The Switch 2 will format it for use.

Transferring Data from Nintendo Switch 1

You have two methods to bring your data over from the original Switch:

Method 1: Local Communication Transfer (Recommended)

• Requires both your Switch 1 and Switch 2 to be powered on and nearby
• Uses direct wireless communication between the two consoles
• Transfers your user profile, save data, screenshots, and videos
• Digital games are NOT transferred — you’ll re-download them from the eShop on Switch 2
• This is the faster and more reliable method

Method 2: Server Transfer

• Upload your data from Switch 1 to Nintendo’s servers first
• Then download it on Switch 2
• Useful if you no longer have access to your Switch 1 at the time of setup
• Requires a stable internet connection on both ends
• Upload must be completed on Switch 1 before starting the download on Switch 2

Important: Some games have save data that cannot be transferred (this is game-specific, set by the developer). Nintendo Switch Online cloud saves act as a backup for supported games, so ensure your cloud saves are up to date on Switch 1 before transferring.

Joy-Con 2 — New Features You Should Know About

The Joy-Con 2 controllers include several new features compared to the originals:

• Mouse Mode: The right Joy-Con includes an optical sensor on its underside. When placed flat on a surface like a table, it functions as a mouse with full pointer control. This is a genuine game-changer for strategy games, creative tools, and any game that benefits from precision cursor input.
• C Button: A new button dedicated to the GameChat feature. Press it to quickly access voice chat and messaging without navigating through menus. GameChat works across all games that support online multiplayer.
• HD Rumble 2: An upgraded haptic feedback system that provides more precise and varied vibration effects. Games designed for Switch 2 use it for significantly more immersive feedback.
• Magnetic attachment: The Joy-Con 2 controllers attach to the Switch 2 console magnetically instead of using a rail system. The connection is firm during handheld play but detaches cleanly when you want to use them wirelessly. No more worrying about worn-out rails.

Display and Output Settings

The Switch 2 features a 7.9-inch LCD panel running at 1080p in handheld mode. When docked, it supports the following output options:

• Up to 4K resolution when connected to a compatible TV via the dock
• HDR10 support for games that support it, adding wider color range and brightness
• 120fps output at 1080p and 1440p for supported games (requires an HDMI 2.1 TV or monitor)

Recommended display settings:

• Set TV output resolution to match your TV’s native resolution (4K for 4K TVs, 1080p for 1080p TVs)
• Enable HDR only if your TV properly supports HDR10. On budget TVs with poor HDR implementation, the image may look washed out — in this case, leave it set to “Compatible Software Only” so games without proper HDR support don’t force fake HDR
• If your TV supports 120Hz via HDMI 2.1, enable the 120fps output mode in system settings

microSD Express Storage

The Nintendo Switch 2 uses microSD Express cards only. Standard microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards are NOT compatible. This is a hardware-level incompatibility — inserting a regular microSD card will not work.

microSD Express cards offer significantly faster read/write speeds than standard microSD, which allows games to load faster from external storage. The Switch 2 supports microSD Express cards up to 2TB in capacity.

Warning: microSD Express cards are still relatively new and more expensive than standard microSD. Do not buy a regular microSD card assuming it will work — verify the card specifically says “microSD Express” on the packaging.

Parental Controls

If you are setting up the Switch 2 for a child, Nintendo provides two layers of parental controls:

• On-device presets: The Switch 2 offers age-based presets (Child, Pre-teen, Teen) that automatically restrict game ratings, online communication, and eShop access. These can be customized after selection.
• Nintendo Parental Controls app: A smartphone app (iOS/Android) that provides more granular control. Set daily play time limits, view play activity reports, restrict specific features, and remotely manage settings. The app communicates with the Switch 2 over the internet.

Nintendo Switch Online Pricing

Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) is required for online multiplayer in most games. Current pricing:

The Expansion Pack now includes GameCube classics, making it significantly more compelling than it was on the original Switch. If you’re nostalgic for games like Super Mario Sunshine, Luigi’s Mansion, or The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, the Expansion Pack is worth considering.

Must-Change Settings After Setup

These are the settings Nintendo does not prompt you to change but that you absolutely should adjust:

• Battery charge limit — Set to 90%: In System Settings > Battery, enable the charge limit. This caps the battery at 90% instead of 100%, which significantly extends the long-term lifespan of the lithium-ion battery. You lose roughly 15-20 minutes of play time per charge, but your battery will degrade much more slowly over years of use.
• Show battery percentage: In System Settings > Battery, enable “Battery %” to display the exact remaining charge instead of just the icon. Essential for knowing when you need to dock.
• HDR mode — Set to “Compatible Software Only”: Unless you have a high-quality HDR TV, setting HDR to “Always On” can make non-HDR content look washed out. “Compatible Software Only” ensures HDR activates only when a game is designed for it.
• Disable IPv6 if you experience slow WiFi: Some routers and ISP configurations handle IPv6 poorly, resulting in slower connection speeds or intermittent disconnects. If you notice WiFi issues, try disabling IPv6 in System Settings > Internet > Internet Settings > your network > Advanced Settings.
• Adjust screen brightness: The auto-brightness on the Switch 2 is adequate but tends to be conservative. Manually increasing brightness for handheld play in well-lit environments improves visibility.
• Enable airplane mode shortcuts: If you frequently travel, configure the quick-access airplane mode toggle so you can rapidly enable/disable wireless features without navigating through menus.

Quick Tips / TL;DR

• Update firmware immediately during setup — do not skip this step
• Use Local Communication Transfer to move data from Switch 1 (faster and more reliable than server transfer)
• Only microSD Express cards are compatible — regular microSD cards will NOT work
• Set battery charge limit to 90% to extend long-term battery health
• Set HDR to “Compatible Software Only” unless you have a premium HDR TV
• Try Joy-Con 2’s Mouse Mode — place the right Joy-Con flat on a surface for mouse-like cursor control
• Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack now includes GameCube classics ($49.99/yr individual, $79.99/yr family)
• Disable IPv6 if your WiFi connection is unreliable
• Connect to 5GHz or 6GHz WiFi for the best wireless speeds