Nintendo Switch Cloud Saves will be kept for six months if online subscription ends

Last week on the eve of Nintendo's Switch Online launch, we heard about one particularly concerning piece of information surrounding the service. Cloud save data was at risk of being deleted forever should someone's subscription end. At the time, Nintendo didn't elaborate on how long it would be willing to hold on to saves before getting wiped, so many assumed the worst. Fortunately, the situation isn't as bad as it originally appeared.

Nintendo's FAQ on Switch Online simply states that the company is “unable to guarantee that cloud save data will be retained” once a subscription ends. At the time, we didn't know how long players would have to re-subscribe before losing their save files. However, a Nintendo spokesperson has since cleared up the situation.

In a statement given to IGN, Nintendo said: “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 re-subscribe within 180 days to access their previous Save Data Cloud backups”.

So essentially, as long as you get back on the service within six months, your save data will still be alive and well.

KitGuru Says: Offline save data backups aren't an option on the Switch so many are going to be looking to take advantage of cloud saves. Fortunately, there is plenty of leeway for those who don't necessarily want to subscribe to Switch Online full time.

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