Nintendo has today confirmed that Switch saves will be saved for six months after Nintendo Switch Online members cancel their accounts. It was originally thought that as members cancel their accounts or put them on hold, any game saves would be immediately deleted. Nintendo has now clarified that this is not the case and any saves will still be available to those users who resubscribe within 180 days.
Clarification on Cloud Save Data
Early rumours have now been removed thanks to a statement by a Nintendo representative to the IGN website, explaining: “If a Nintendo Switch Online membership expires, users won’t be able to access their Save Data Cloud backups. However, Nintendo will allow users who resubscribe within 180 days to access their previous Save Data Cloud backups.” This clarification is a relief to many gamers who were concerned about losing their progress in various games if they needed to take a break from their subscription for any reason.
The ability to recover cloud saves within a six-month window provides a significant safety net for players. This is especially important for those who may face financial constraints or other life circumstances that necessitate pausing their subscription. Knowing that their game progress is secure and can be retrieved upon resubscription offers peace of mind and encourages continued engagement with the Nintendo Switch platform.
Limitations and Exceptions
During earlier interviews, Nintendo also confirmed that certain games will not be providing the ability to save progress due to possible exploitation and cheating scenarios. Such games include Splatoon 2 and Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee and will not support cloud saves. This decision is aimed at maintaining the integrity of competitive play and preventing any unfair advantages that could arise from manipulating save data.
For example, in competitive games like Splatoon 2, the ability to manipulate save data could potentially allow players to alter their rankings or gain access to items and abilities that they have not legitimately earned. By disabling cloud saves for these titles, Nintendo aims to ensure a fair and balanced playing field for all participants. Similarly, in Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee, cloud saves could be exploited to duplicate rare Pokémon or items, undermining the game’s core mechanics and trading system.
While these limitations may be disappointing to some players, they highlight Nintendo’s commitment to preserving the integrity of its games and providing a fair gaming experience for all users. It is also worth noting that the majority of Nintendo Switch titles do support cloud saves, allowing players to enjoy the convenience and security of cloud storage for their game progress.
In addition to the cloud save feature, Nintendo Switch Online offers a range of other benefits, including access to a growing library of classic NES and SNES games, online multiplayer capabilities, and exclusive offers and discounts. These features make the subscription service a valuable addition for any Nintendo Switch owner, providing enhanced functionality and a richer gaming experience.
Overall, Nintendo’s decision to allow a six-month window for cloud save recovery is a positive step that addresses player concerns and enhances the value of the Nintendo Switch Online service. By balancing the need for security and fairness with the convenience of cloud storage, Nintendo continues to demonstrate its commitment to delivering a high-quality gaming experience for its community.
Source: IGN
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