This thread is about why I believe the Nintendo Switch needs SD card save data backup and needs it before the online service launches. I will be updating this regulary and ask people to come and give their thoughts on the matter and say what they think about SD card save backup in general.
It really needs a physical way of backing up saves. I really think so. But the truth is that even if it were to have that feature... the overwhelming majority wouldn't care to use it anyway. This is one of those things that everyone want but very few actually use.
I'm not talking only from my point of view, is that no one I know, and I mean NO ONE, has ever used backups before on the Wii U or PS4 or whatever...
So, yes, it needs a way to backup to physical media and I hope Nintendo will add it (though it'll never happen because it an easy gateway to piracy), but I don't see anyone using it in the end instead of cloud saves.
Nintendo Switch NEEDS what are 3DS has inside. (Back up saves, Save datas inside the cart, Themes, Music, Folders, Apps icon Arrange, Detailed info of History, Youtube, Google / Yahoo, Microphone, Camera).
For Physical cover, Switch needs a Redesign cover by put a Red banner on the top of the cover with Switch logo (Just like the cart sticker design), an App icon on the sideway cover + White Banner on the sideway cover (like 3DS & Wii U) & some useful information behind the cover (No Blank images on the backside).
What Nintendo should do is, before the online service launches, release a system update that adds SD card save backup. I amsure the console is due an update before the online service. Also, Youtube and Netflix will be nice as well, plus an internet browser.
I personally prefer having saves on the system rather than the cartridge. I'd also add that the 3DS only had "backups" because there was very limited storage on the system itself. It was all on the SD card for downloaded titles. If anyone remembers the 3DS at launch they'd know that downloading full retail games was a bit of an afterthought. And with the Wii U data-management was arguably worse than the Switch because your save data, patches and game data had to be moved together. I struggle to understand how anyone could look at the Switch and it's clear intent for an account based cloud save system and think it was a step backwards.
I for one only ever did backups on previous systems when upgrading the storage. Larger SD card, new HDD etc. I'm highly skeptical of anyone who says they managed it better. So when people say that the Switch needs manual backups of saves? I think you're asking them to go backwards to a time when data management on Nintendo consoles was a nightmare for a theoretical benefit nobody ever took advantage of.
On PS4, I take advantage of PS Plus for cloud saves. If I didn't want PS+, then I would back up manually.
On Switch, I will have to use Nintendo Online for cloud saves, because I can't back up manually.
Pretty much sums up the situation and why Nintendo hasn't taken steps to change the status quo.
If you are wondering why I think the Switch needs SD card save backup before the online service launches, it is simply because although the Switch getting cloud save fixes the save backup problem, during the wait for the online service our save data is still at risk and that is obviously not acceptable.
@DannyBoi It's a good point. My view is that cloud saves are one of the big selling points for online. From a business perspective, I would hazard a guess that Nintendo has factored this into their decision making as to why they wont implement manual back up SD saves. Force people into subscribing to protect their saves. Sucks, but I completely get it.
If you are wondering why I think the Switch needs SD card save backup before the online service launches, it is simply because although the Switch getting cloud save fixes the save backup problem, during the wait for the online service our save data is still at risk and that is obviously not acceptable.
1. You wouldn't have backed up your saves if there was the option
2. You would have paid for online even without cloud saves
3. The online services is only two months away from launch
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@skywake Yes, you make a good point. For number 1. I would use the SD card until the online launches to protect my save files, then would have used cloud saves mainly(although if I was travelling, would use the SD card until I could get an internet connection). For Number 2. Yes I would have done, but what online gaming subscrption does not have cloud saves? For number 3. Yes, it is 2 months away from launch, but what if it gets delayed, then how would you protect your save files? And losing your saves in an accident before the online launches would just be a kick to the balls. And also, in the 2 month buildup to the online, still have no way to protect save data.
@Shellcore We don't actually know if Nintendo has done this, but yes from a business perpsective it would. And actually, I know the reason behind lack of SD card backup is because of hacking and piracy, but how can the Wii and Wii U hacking be worse than any other console? I mean PS4 could be hacked through USB pendrives(same for the PS3) and as for piracy, well, all consoles had it. Some maybe slightly worse than others, but if piracy was really that bad on Wii and Wii U console and game sales would have been seriously imacted. The Wii had fantastic sales of both hardware and software, as for the Wii U, it didn't sell well, but that was because of other reasons(such as bad marketing and not enough games). So the primary reason there is no SD card backup(yet) is because Nintendo fear hacking and piracy(more than they should).
@DannyBoi Piracy and hacking are the reasons they give. Switch has been hacked. So, logic would dictate that Nintendo would put in SD saves as there would be no remaining reason not too...unless...£$
@skywake Do you believe the only option to back up saves should be locked behind a paywall? Ignoring the cost and what people would normally do. Seems strange you're completely cool with it.
@skywake Do you believe the only option to back up saves should be locked behind a paywall? Ignoring the cost and what people would normally do. Seems strange you're completely cool with it.
As I said, on previous systems where manual backups were an option I never really took advantage of it anyway. It's just way too much of a hassle for anyone to be bothered with it. If you say you would have you're kidding yourself. Would I prefer it was free? Well sure, of course. But I'd prefer a service that I know will actually result in recent backups of my save data than one that is free that won't.
@Shellcore Yes, I agree that locking save backupbehind a paywall is not a good business practice. All other consoles have an alternative method(yes XboxOne doesn't but ironically enough it has free cloud saves). And plus, like you say, with the Switch being hacked to hell, actaually allowing SD card backup would hardly affect it now that the console has been breached. And Nintendo could be planning to add it, I mean they are aware of the demand for it.
@skywake "As I said, on previous systems where manual backups were an option I never really took advantage of it anyway. It's just way too much of a hassle for anyone to be bothered with it. If you say you would have you're kidding yourself. Would I prefer it was free? Well sure, of course. But I'd prefer a service that I know will actually result in recent backups of my save data than one that is free that won't."
If I didn't have PS+ I would totally use manual backups. I have to have Nintendo Online for any kind of back up. My point is that Nintendo Online is a necessity for those who want to back up their saves. PS and Xbox has ways to do this without the subscription. I understand that you personally would never use it. That's cool. Just don't presume no one else would.
OK people. Here is what I think needs to be done to make Nintendo aware of the demand for SD card save backup: anyone whobelieves we need it or who agrees with what I have posted regarding the subject could post about it on official Nintendo sites or forums or E-mail Nintendoabout it. This woud surely make them even more aware of the demand for it and then we may actualy get it.
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Topic: Why the Nintendo Switch needs SD card save data backup
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