When the Nintendo Switch Online membership service became available, those that have wanted to subscribe were concerned about what would happen to their Save Data Cloud backup when their subscription came to an end.
“We are unable to guarantee that cloud save data will be retained after an extended period of time from when your membership is ended,” the Nintendo Switch Online FAQ states. “However, you can continue to use the save data that is saved to your system memory.”
That was worryingly vague, but we now know that after your Nintendo Switch Online subscription expires, you will be able to recover access to your Save Data Cloud backup if you resubscribe within 180 days (which is six months).
“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,” a Nintendo of America representative explained to IGN.
That’s good news, however, it’s worth remembering that not every Nintendo Switch game will support cloud saves, such as Splatoon 2, Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon Let’s Go, Eevee!.
The Nintendo Switch Online service is priced at £3.49 ($3.99) per month, £6.99 ($7.99) for three months or £17.99 ($19.99) for 12 months. There is a 12 month Family Membership for £31.49 ($34.99) that will allow a Nintendo Account holder to “invite up to seven others to join a family group” that will all have access to Nintendo Switch Online.
