Nintendo Switch 2 setup guide and tips

1. Unpack everything from the box

The Nintendo Switch 2 box will have multiple items and components in the box when you open it, but you'll only need the following to setup and play: 1x Nintendo Switch 2 console, 2x Joy Con controllers (black grip piece and straps optional), 1x HDMI cable, 1x USB Power Cable and compatible Plug Adaptor. Everything else you can play with later!

2. Turn on your console and start the setup

Having taken all the pieces out, press the power button on the top-left side of the console, and the Switch 2 should turn on.

The first couple of options are to choose your language and the region you're based in. This will set the language your console displays in and the region for your Nintendo eShop.

You'll also get prompted to read the Important Information document carefully, and surely you'll do that, because nobody has ever skipped the terms and conditions.

3. Set up your internet connection

The next major step is setting up your internet connection, if you have one. Make sure you have your Wi-Fi Password to hand, or you can plug an ethernet cable (if you have one) into the back of the dock and set up the Switch 2 through your TV. It's a fast and easy process, at least with the touchscreen.

Once you're connected, you'll be told that the major day one System Update starts in the background, which is great. You'll also need to pick your timezone for the Switch 2's clock.

4. Learn and choose Switch 2 play styles

The next section of the process teaches you about the three different ways to use your Switch 2: Handheld, Tabletop, or Docked. You can change between these at any time by detaching the Joy Con controllers from the main console, done by pressing the button on the Joy Cons under the triggers.

None of these playstyles are better or worse than any other. The only thing to know is that hardware-intensive games tend to run better when the Switch 2 is docked and running through your TV.

5. Connect your Switch 2 dock to your TV and power

At this stage you'll want to take the prompt to connect your Switch 2 dock. It's a little different to the original Switch / Switch OLED dock, and the rear panel is a touch stiffer to detach in my experience. Be careful prying it off!

Afterwards, connect up the USB-C power adapter, and HDMI in the appropriate slots before replacing the rear panel. Again, it's a little fiddlier but start by aligning it at the bottom and then hinging it up from there. You can also put in an Ethernet Lan cable at the bottom for a Wired Internet connection, if you have one.

You'll want to connect it to your TV and hook it up to the power next. If you have a TV that supports 4K and 120Hz refresh rates then make sure to use the appropriate HDMI slot if available.

6. Transfer system data and user profiles from your Switch 1

If you have an original Switch or a Switch OLED you can, at this stage, opt to do a data transfer. This will port your games, save data, login info, screenshots, videos and more to your new Switch 2. You'll need to add a microSD card at this stage if you have one (steps on that below), but then the data transfer can begin.

You'll need to sign into your Nintendo Account by scanning a QR code and signing in online first, and then enter the 5-digit verification code that pops up on your phone into your Switch 2 to sync them.

Then you'll have to bring your old Switch and your new Switch 2 close together to ping the data between the two.

On your old Switch, go to System Settings > System > System Transfer and then follow the prompts until you see "Searching for the Nintendo Switch 2 console".

It might take a while, but your transfer will then start once you hit 'Start Receiving Data' on your Switch 2. Once that's done you're ready to go.

NB: You can of course choose not to transfer your data. This might be because you don't have an original Switch or you want to set this new Switch 2 up without transferring all your screenshots and other data from your original Switch. Just opt for 'Don't Transfer Data' and you'll just have to sign into your Nintendo Account or create a new one to get started.

7. Insert your microSD card

If you have a compatible microSD card you can insert it now. You can only use the new express microSD cards for storing games on the Switch 2, so you'll need to make sure you're using one with that's marked with express or EX.

The microSD card slot is hidden underneath the stand on the back of the console. You'll need to slot it in with the little tabs on the right hand side and the text facing up.

If you want to get one later, make sure to check out our best Nintendo Switch 2 Express microSD cards guide.