Data Backup Digest

The world of gaming isn't exactly shying away from cloud computing. Both Microsoft and Sony have embraced cloud-based backups and saves for years, dating back to before their current-gen hardware. Each of these companies even offer some sort of streaming game service that functions via the cloud.

Nintendo Stands Alone – Sort Of

But the lone holdout, up until now, has been Nintendo and their Switch handheld device. Nintendo fans across the globe were quick to celebrate – but it was short-lived once the exact details were released. Unfortunately, cloud-based saves are only available for a limited selection of Nintendo Switch games.

According to a statement made to {{https://kotaku.com/some-switch-games-wont-support-cloud-saving-to-prevent-1828944536|Kotaku}}, a popular gaming website, a Nintendo representative stated: "The vast majority of Nintendo Switch games will support Save Data Cloud backup. However, in certain games this feature would make it possible to, for example, regain items that had been traded to other players, or revert to a higher online multiplayer ranking that had been lost. To ensure fair play, Save Data Cloud backup may not be enabled for such games."

Their statement went on to give a specific exampling, stating: "To ensure that Save Data Cloud backups cannot be used to unfairly affect online multiplayer rankings, the feature will not be enabled in Splatoon 2."

A lack of cloud-based saves wouldn't necessarily be a big deal, but the Nintendo Switch doesn't even let users backup their data at all. In a world where both Microsoft and Sony offer the ability to transfer their data to an external data, Nintendo is entirely absent.

Fueling the controversy is the fact that both Microsoft and Sony support cloud saves for online games, too. So while you can use the cloud to save or backup your game when playing titles like Splatoon 2, FIFA 19 or Dark Souls: Remastered on the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, that same functionality is available on the Switch – despite their recent embrace of the cloud.

With Nintendo's newly announced cloud platform, it's now up to the individual game developers as to whether or not they want to include cloud functionality. While this certainly has the potential to benefit future games, many of the device's earlier titles are still left in the dust. Although they can still be retrofitted for cloud compatibility, that's an update that has to come from the developers at Nintendo.

For games that do support cloud saves, files are automatically backed up through Nintendo's platform. The service itself, which started in mid-September 2018, is available at a price of $3.99 per month or $7.99 for three consecutive months. A 12-month membership is available for $19.99 and a family membership option, which provides service to two or more accounts on one system, is available at a cost of $34.99 per year.

About the Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch is currently available at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $299.99, but the upcoming holiday season will certainly provide some deals to savvy shoppers. For more information on the Nintendo Switch, including details on its new cloud service, please visit their official website at {{https://www.nintendo.com/switch/|www.nintendo.com/switch}}.