How to transfer game saves between consoles

Introduction

Upgrading to a new console or switching between systems? Losing your game saves can be a real pain — especially after dozens of hours of progress. Here's how to transfer game saves on the most popular consoles so you don't lose a thing.

Transferring Game Saves on PlayStation (PS4 to PS5)

Method 1: Cloud Saves (PS Plus Required)

1. On your PS4 / PS5, go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in System Storage
2. Select Upload to Online Storage and choose the games you want to back up
3. On your PS5, go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings
4. Select Saved Data (PS4) > Cloud Storage and download your saves

Method 2: USB Transfer

1. On your PS4 / PS5, go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in System Storage > Copy to USB Storage Device
2. Plug the USB drive into your PS5
3. Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS4) > USB Drive and copy to console storage

PS5 to PS5 Transfer

When setting up a new PS5, you can transfer data directly via LAN cable or Wi-Fi during the initial setup process. This transfers games, saves, and settings all at once.

Transferring Game Saves on Xbox

Xbox makes this particularly easy thanks to cloud saves, which are automatic for Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold subscribers.

Cloud Saves (Automatic)

If you're signed into your Xbox account, your game saves are automatically synced to the cloud. Simply sign into your Xbox account on your new console and your saves will be available automatically when you launch each game.

External Hard Drive Transfer

1. Connect an external USB hard drive to your old Xbox
2. Go to Settings > System > Storage
3. Select Transfer and choose what to move to the external drive
4. Connect the drive to your new Xbox and transfer the content across

Transferring Game Saves on Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch has more limited save transfer options due to Nintendo's approach to save data.

Save Data Transfer (Switch to Switch)

1. On your old Switch, go to System Settings > Users and select your profile
2. Scroll down and select Transfer Your User Data
3. Follow the on-screen instructions — both consoles need to be nearby and connected to the same Wi-Fi

Nintendo Switch Online Cloud Saves

With a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, most games automatically back up save data to the cloud. To restore saves on a new Switch, simply download the game and your save data will sync automatically.

Note: Some games (like Pokémon Sword/Shield and Animal Crossing) do not support cloud saves due to anti-cheat measures.

Need Help with Your Console?

If you're having trouble transferring data or your console isn't working as expected, our team at RepairMedia can help. Contact us or visit our Huddersfield repair centre.