The Nintendo Switch Online website FAQs have been updated, this time providing details regarding the cloud save data storage. We already know that people who subscribe will have the option to back up some games’ save data to the cloud. (Though, not all games will support this feature.) Now, we know that any backed up save data will only remain in Nintendo’s online storage so long as you maintain an active subscription.
Here is the description from the official Nintendo Switch Online FAQs confirming that an active subscription is needed to make sure Nintendo continues to preserve your save data.
After my Nintendo Switch Online membership expires, will my online save data and my Nintendo Entertainment Systemâ„¢ – Nintendo Switch Online data be erased?
Save data stored via the Save Data Cloud backup is available for as long as you have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership.
Classic games in the NES – Nintendo Switch Online collection and the save data for those games will not be removed unless the user chooses to do so manually. These items are stored locally on the Nintendo Switch system but cannot be accessed without an active Nintendo Switch Online membership.
The European Nintendo Switch Online FAQs also bring this up, with a slightly different wording that helps make things clear.
After my Nintendo Switch Online subscription expires, will my Save Data Cloud files and Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online save data be erased?
Save data stored with Save Data Cloud cannot be kept outside of the duration of your Nintendo Switch Online membership. Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online also uses the Save Data Cloud, so the same applies. However, if you keep the Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online save data saved locally on your Nintendo Switch console, then you can use it again if you purchase another membership.
In addition to the cloud save clarification, information on the NES titles was brought up. While you can play the Nintendo Switch Online games offline, you can only do so for up to seven days without checking in when your membership is active. (Naturally, if your membership is inactive, you can not access these games.)
Nintendo Switch Online launches on September 18, 2018.
