JKSV makes it practical to move saves between two Switch consoles, or between two users, by carrying the backup files on the SD card or via a PC. This guide covers both scenarios, the importance of matching users and titles, and how to verify the moved save on the destination before you delete anything from the source.
How the transfer works
There is no direct console-to-console wireless transfer inside JKSV. Instead, you back up on the source, copy the backup files from /JKSV/ on the source SD card to the same location on the destination SD card, usually via a PC, and then restore on the destination. The PC step also gives you a spare copy, which is valuable in its own right.
Both consoles need to be Switch 1 systems running Atmosphère with JKSV installed at /switch/JKSV/JKSV.nro. Keep both consoles on the current JKSV release, 12/02/2025, so backup formats and options match between source and destination.
Back up on the source console
On the source console, launch JKSV with Title Override and back up each title you want to move for the correct user. Use clear backup names and note which user each backup belongs to, especially if several profiles share the console. A batch backup for a single user is efficient when you are moving a whole profile’s library.
When the backups are done, shut down safely and copy the relevant subfolders from /JKSV/ to your PC. Keep the folder structure exactly as JKSV created it. Do not rename internal files or merge folders from different games by hand, because the structure is how JKSV and the restore process identify the data.
Prepare the destination
On the destination console, the game should be installed and the destination user should exist. If the title has never created save data on the destination, JKSV can create save data for a title without launching the game, which prepares a restore target. Creating the destination save first avoids a common class of restore failures.
- Copy the backup folders into /JKSV/ on the destination SD card, preserving structure.
- Boot the destination into Atmosphère and open JKSV with Title Override.
- Confirm the transferred backups appear under the expected titles.
Restore and verify on the destination
Restore each backup to the intended destination user. If you are moving saves between two different users rather than between consoles, the same principle applies: select the destination user deliberately at restore time and double-check the confirmation screen, because the user choice determines whose progress is replaced.
Launch each game after restoring and verify the progress in game. Only after you have confirmed the destination copies work should you consider cleaning up the source. Many users keep the PC copy permanently as an archive, which costs little space and preserves a recovery option.
Common problems
If a transferred save does not appear or is not recognised, the usual causes are a mismatched user, a mismatched title, or a folder structure altered during copying. Re-copy the original backup folders without modification and try again with one title. Version differences in the game itself can also matter for some titles, so keep game updates in mind when a single title misbehaves while others transfer cleanly.
Next steps and related guides
This guide is part of our hub collection. Before you start, get the current build from the download page. You may also find these guides useful: transfer saves from emuMMC to sysNAND and how to restore saves.
JKSV is JK’s Save Manager by developer J-D-K, released under GPL-3.0 for Nintendo Switch 1 with Atmosphère. The current release is the date-based tag 12/02/2025. Always keep a second copy of important backups on your PC or in cloud storage, and test a restore on a non-critical save before you rely on a backup for a game you care about.