More information has been released regarding the Nintendo Switch Online service, which is set to launch on September 18. According to FAQ information listed on both Nintendo’s U.K. and US websites, cloud saves will be wiped once your subscription expires.
“Save data stored with Save Data Cloud cannot be kept outside of the duration of your Nintendo Switch Online membership. Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online also uses the Save Data Cloud, so the same applies,” notes the Nintendo FAQ.
“However, if you keep the Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online save data saved locally on your Nintendo Switch console, then you can use it again if you purchase another membership.”
Essentially, if you plan on making use of the Save Data Cloud feature, you’ll also want to make it a point to save your data locally. Considering the Switch has limited internal storage options, though, investing in a micro-SD card may also be a good idea depending on how much data you plan to store. What’s more, while the “vast majority” of games will include Save Data Cloud, there are games that won’t be compatible.
For example, Splatoon 2, Dead Cells, and Pokemon: Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee won’t support the Save Data Cloud feature. While the wiped data saves is certainly a con when sizing up the Nintendo Switch Online service, Nintendo isn’t the only company to practice this, as PlayStation Plus subscribers are subject to something similar.
When the PS Plus subscription ends, game saves are stored for a max of six months, whereas Xbox One owners are able to keep their saves indefinitely regardless of subscription. As such, Microsoft seems to have the upper hand when it comes to saves. Nevertheless, Nintendo will offer other lucrative features including access to NES games and a cheaper subscription cost at $3.99 per month, $7.99 per 3 months, and $19.99 for a full year.
What are your thoughts on the limited Save Data Cloud? Are you dismayed to hear that Nintendo won’t preserve cloud saves once a user’s subscription expires, or are you planning on locally storing most of your data and are thus unaffected? Let us know down in the comments below!
