Switch 2 Update May Be Good News for Cloud Saves

It seems that Nintendo Switch 2 games will support cloud saves after all, after some listing updates clarified how this feature works on select titles. Nintendo has faced its fair share of both excitement and controversy after unveiling the long-awaited follow-up to its hybrid console, especially where fans draw comparisons to the first Switch. Some of the latest grumblings came from news that the Nintendo Switch 2 may not support cloud backups for some games, but now it seems that the issue may have been a miscommunication.

Super Mario stepping outside Nintendo Switch 2 display pointing upward 2x1 composite red background

Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons Were Almost Missing a Helpful Feature

Senior Nintendo officials reveal that the Switch 2 Joy-Cons nearly missed out on a helpful feature that took many iterations to perfect.

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By Dominik Bošnjak

Now, Nintendo Life has spotted an update to these store pages that clarifies things. The previous disclaimer is now nowhere to be found, and Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom feature a new one in its place. According to the updated warning, players can't transfer second save files from the Switch 2 version of these games to an original Switch console. There's no such note for Donkey Kong Bananza, but as a Switch 2 exclusive, transferring save files to an OG Switch would be out of the question anyway. This new disclaimer makes more sense, as an early look at the Switch 2's Nintendo Switch Online app already confirmed that Cloud Save Backups are still an available feature, so ditching them for some games seemed odd.

Zelda Switch 2 Editions Seemingly Support Cloud Saves, But with Limited Transfers

Now that Nintendo has changed its wording, it sounds like the Switch 2 versions of BotW and TotK do, in fact, support cloud saves, but these backups won't transfer from a Switch 2 to an original Switch. This arrangement makes sense in light of how the Switch 2 editions have additional content not available in the games' original forms. For example, Switch 2 Zelda titles introduce an equipment repair feature, so limiting transfers ensures players can't bring this much-requested Switch 2-exclusive update to the original Switch. As for Donkey Kong, the earlier disclaimer may have been little more than an error, as the warning is entirely missing from the listing now.

The news should come as a relief to fans who were worried about not getting all they could out of their Switch Online membership. It's not the only recent bit of controversy around this service, though. Nintendo has confirmed that its new GameCube controller may only work as intended in the Nintendo Classics app, as it's missing key buttons and features that other Switch 2 games may use. There are likely still some lingering questions about Nintendo Switch Online on the new console, too, but fans will probably learn more as release day draws nearer.