The new 1.4.0 update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons allows you to back up your island save data. Should your console get damaged, lost, or stolen, you will be able to restore your island save data from the last point it was backed up to your new Switch console. Just how does one back up and restore their island save data? We shall take you through the steps.
Important: It must be noted that an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required in order to back up and restore your save. If your console is damaged or stolen and you have a replacement, you will need to contact Nintendo Support to help recover your island data.
How to back up your Island save data
1- First and foremost, make sure you have updated your game to version 1.4.0.
2- Open up your Animal Crossing: New Horizons game on the Nintendo Switch and select the user data you would like to back up (it will need to be connected to a Nintendo Account)
3- When the game loads up, press the – button on the title screen to access the Settings menu.
4- Select Island backup and then enable Island backup. Your save data will be uploaded periodically whilst the game is not being played and your Nintendo Switch is connected to the internet.
How To Restore Your Island Save Data Backup
In order to restore your Island Save Data backup, your console will have to have been lost or stolen and have backed up your island data beforehand. You will then have to get in touch with your region’s Nintendo customer support in order to walk you through the process of restoring your Island Save data.
Should you require guidance from Tom Nook on that matter, you can find the complete in-game explanation, right here:
Source: Nintendo UK Support
