This article was originally written for TheNintendoVillage.com, a website I founded and ran from 2018 to 2021.

The only sour note that has plagued the otherwise otherworldly Animal Crossing: New Horizons hype has been that of the game’s save data policy. One island per console, no cloud saves and a lack of ability to transfer save data upset a fair few fans. Nintendo has however rowed back on some of that, to a degree.

Nintendo did announce during the Animal Crossing Direct that there would be a save data recovery option for fans who lose or damage their Switch consoles. That initially appeared to be a one-time deal, but a newer version of the Direct with a different disclaimer was subsequently uploaded that seemed to remove that restriction.

Now the Japanese FAQs on the game’s website indicate that a way to transfer save data from one system to another, unique to Animal Crossing: New Horizons, will be made available later this year. Though if you want to set up multiple islands, you’re going to need multiple systems. Here’s the translation via Siliconera:

Is there a way to create multiple islands?
Even if you’re using multiple copies of the same software, you are only able to create one island per console. If you wish to build up another island, you’ll need a different console.
As the island save data is saved directly on the Nintendo Switch console, even if you use both the physical and digital versions of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, there will only be one island.

Is there a way to transfer save data onto another console?
We are currently considering a function to move user and save data to other consoles that is uniquely for the software. The function is planned to be implemented within the year.

There’s only 4 more days until we’re off on our Nook Island Getaway. We better get packing!

Source: Siliconera