Apparatus and methods for quickly switching active context between data pointer registers are disclosed. The apparatus can include a first register operable for storing a first data pointer and a second register operable for storing a second data pointer. A configuration register can provide a first signal specifying either the first or the second data pointer as an active data pointer. An instruction decoder can receive a data pointer instruction and output a second signal. The first and second signals can be independent from one another. Decoding logic coupled to the logic devices can output one of the first or second data pointers as the active data pointer in response to the first and second signals.