The Elusive Cloud: Which Nintendo Switch Games Don’t Support Cloud Saves?
So, you’re a Switch aficionado, ready to safeguard your hard-earned progress in the digital realm? Smart move! But before you rest easy knowing your data is safely backed up in the cloud, it’s crucial to understand a frustrating reality: not all Nintendo Switch games play nice with cloud saves. And the reasons behind this can be… well, let’s just say “varied.”
The most notable offenders, especially painful for completionists, are Pokémon titles. Here’s a rundown of known Switch titles that, as of this writing, lack cloud save support:
- All main series Pokémon games: This includes, but is not limited to, Pokémon Sword and Shield, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. This is a deliberate decision by Nintendo/The Pokémon Company to prevent duplication exploits.
- 1-2-Switch
- 8-BIT ADV STEINS;GATE
- A Duel Hand Disaster: Trackher
- A Fold Apart
- A Sound Plan
- Air Hockey
- Arcade Archives IKARI III -THE RESCUE-
It’s important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and the absence of cloud save support can sometimes be game-specific or even region-specific. Always double-check before investing significant time in a game! Some games may implement their own cloud save solutions or allow transfer of save data between consoles.
Why No Cloud Saves? The Mystery Deepens
The reasons behind this lack of support are numerous. In the case of Pokémon, the primary justification revolves around preventing players from duplicating rare Pokémon through save manipulation. This could devalue the in-game economy, undermine the trading system, and generally disrupt the intended game experience.
For other titles, the reasons can be less clear. It might be due to technical limitations, the complexity of integrating cloud save functionality into an older game, or even strategic decisions by the developers.
Cloud Streaming: A Different Beast
It’s essential to differentiate between cloud saves and cloud streaming. Cloud streaming, on the other hand, involves playing the game remotely on a powerful server and streaming the video output to your Switch. This allows you to play games that might otherwise be too demanding for the Switch’s hardware. Examples of games available on Switch via cloud streaming include:
- Control Ultimate Edition
- Dying Light 2 Stay Human
- Edge of Eternity
- Thymesia
- Pathfinder Wrath of the Righteous
- Hitman 3
- A Plague Tale: Innocence
- A Plague Tale: Requiem
While cloud streaming alleviates hardware constraints, it relies heavily on a stable and fast internet connection. The performance and visual fidelity can vary significantly depending on your network conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Switch Cloud Saves
1. How do I know if a Nintendo Switch game supports cloud saves?
The easiest way to check is to look on the Nintendo eShop page for the game. If it supports Save Data Cloud, it will be indicated in the game’s details. You can also check the game’s manual or consult online resources.
2. Does Animal Crossing: New Horizons support cloud saves?
Yes, but with a twist! While the game doesn’t support traditional cloud saves due to potential time-travel exploits, Nintendo offers a separate Island Backup service for Animal Crossing: New Horizons. This feature, available to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, allows you to back up your entire island to Nintendo’s servers.
3. What happens if my Nintendo Switch Online subscription expires?
If your subscription lapses, your cloud save data will be stored for 180 days. If you renew your subscription within that timeframe, you’ll regain access to your saves. After 180 days, the data may be deleted.
4. Are cloud saves free with Nintendo Switch Online?
No. You need a paid subscription to Nintendo Switch Online to use the cloud save feature.
5. Do physical Switch games save to the cloud?
Yes! The save data, whether from a physical or digital copy of a game, is what gets backed up to the cloud, not the game itself. If you lose your physical game, you’ll need to repurchase it, but your save data should be safe (assuming the game supports cloud saves).
6. Why doesn’t Pokémon allow cloud saves?
As mentioned earlier, the primary reason is to prevent Pokémon duplication exploits. By restricting cloud saves, Nintendo/The Pokémon Company aims to maintain the integrity of the game’s economy and competitive balance.
7. Is there any way to back up my Pokémon save data?
While you can’t use the standard cloud save feature, you can utilize Pokémon HOME, a cloud-based service that allows you to store and transfer Pokémon between compatible games. However, this doesn’t back up your entire game progress, only the Pokémon themselves. Pokémon Home is also a subscription based service, and a feature of revenue generation for Pokemon.
8. Can I transfer Pokémon between Scarlet and Violet?
Yes, using Pokémon HOME. You can transfer Pokémon between Scarlet and Violet as long as they are compatible and have appeared in the respective game’s Pokedex.
9. How do I transfer save data between two Nintendo Switch consoles?
You can transfer save data between consoles using the Save Data Transfer feature in the system settings. Both consoles need to be connected to the internet and in close proximity. However, this doesn’t work for games that don’t support cloud saves.
10. What is Nintendo Switch Cloud Streaming?
Cloud Streaming allows you to play games that are too demanding for the Switch’s hardware by streaming them from a remote server. You need a strong internet connection to play these games without lag or visual issues.
11. Why are some Kingdom Hearts games cloud-only on Switch?
Due to hardware limitations. The Kingdom Hearts games require a more powerful console to run smoothly, so they are only available through cloud streaming on the Switch. This avoids putting a taxing software demand on the switch.
12. Will I lose my Animal Crossing island if I get a new Switch?
Not if you have Island Backup enabled. Make sure to enable this feature in Animal Crossing: New Horizons before switching consoles. You’ll need your old and new Switch to perform the island transfer.
13. Can you recover deleted Animal Crossing island?
Yes, if you had Island Backup enabled on the original console. You’ll need to contact Nintendo support for assistance in restoring your island to a new console.
14. Is NookLink free?
NookLink is free to use, but it requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership. NookLink is an Animal Crossing: New Horizons feature that enhances gameplay.
15. Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of video games?
The Games Learning Society is dedicated to understanding and promoting the educational potential of video games. Visit their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to discover research, resources, and community engagement opportunities in the field of game-based learning. GamesLearningSociety.org offers valuable insights into the benefits of integrating games into educational settings.
Staying informed about cloud save compatibility is essential for every Nintendo Switch owner. Always double-check before sinking countless hours into a game, and consider alternative backup solutions where available. Happy gaming!