The online system for the Nintendo Switch has been a topic of some mystery and scrutiny from the time Nintendo announced it up until its upcoming release in September 2018, but as details have finally been offered, one in particular stands out. Apparently, if a player allows their Nintendo Switch Online subscription to expire, Nintendo will not keep saves that are left in the Cloud. It seems they will be deleted.
This tidbit of knowledge came in the wake of the September 2018 Nintendo Direct which included some expanded details on the launch of the Nintendo Switch Online service beginning on September 18, 2018. Shortly after the Direct ended on September 13, Nintendo updated their website with a Nintendo Switch Online Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) information page with even further information on the subscription service. Within that FAQ was the following bit of info.
Apparently, if one does not keep their subscription refreshed, Nintendo will not keep saves left in that account’s Cloud Storage. Instead, Nintendo suggests backing up any critical saves locally on a player’s Switch if their subscription is in danger of expiring. It would seem that anything left in that account’s Cloud Storage after the subscription is allowed to expire, it will be deleted. Even further, the FAQ also mentions that to play games from the NES library that is included with Switch Online services, the Switch cannot be disconnected from the online network for more than seven days.
Despite the fact that Nintendo Switch Online is so cheap ($20 will get one player a year-long subscription), this is unfortunate to say the least, especially if one happens to end up keeping lengthy role-playing game or memorable images saved in the Cloud. Even further so when one considers other services that have safeguards in place to prevent user data from being removed immediately.
Pokemon Bank immediately comes to mind. Downloadable on Nintendo 3DS, this app allows players to pay $4.99 for a year to be able to store Pokemon caught across any game that can play on the 3DS (either physical copy like Sun and Moon or purchased through the virtual shot like the original Red, Blue, and Yellow). If you don’t renew your subscription, Pokemon Bank keeps your data bank of Pokemon in the system for up to two full years. Likewise, PlayStation Plus and Xbox Live Gold subscriptions have similar safeguards that keep track of the player’s purchases and claimed rewards to keep them from starting from scratch if they choose not to renew for a period of time.
Again, with Nintendo Switch Online services costing so little, this might be a get-what-you-pay-for condition of the overall package. That said, when so many other services offer even minimal safeguards against the loss of important user data, this also seems like an unfortunate hole in Nintendo Switch Online service that could be easily improved to not be an issue.
With the Online service launching in such short time, one hopes that Nintendo will improve upon this aspect of the Switch service in the very near future. Until then, players will have to be sure to back up saves to keep them safe.
