Published on: April 17, 2025
Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of Zelda Titles May Lack Cloud Save Support: What Players Need to Know
As anticipation builds for the next-generation Nintendo Switch 2 hardware, new details have emerged regarding cloud save compatibility for upcoming re-releases of major first-party titles.
Specifically, fans looking to transition to the Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom may face restrictions when it comes to cloud save backups—a feature widely used in the current Nintendo Switch ecosystem via Nintendo Switch Online.
The Nintendo Switch Online service, available through a paid membership, typically offers automatic Save Data Cloud backup support for a majority of Nintendo Switch titles.
However, select blockbuster games, such as the original release of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, have previously omitted this feature to prevent potential abuse or manipulation of save files.
With the unveiling of Nintendo Switch 2 and announcements about upgraded 'Edition' releases of marquee titles, industry observers and dedicated fans have scrutinized Nintendo's official materials to determine if these versions will finally introduce cloud save support or maintain the status quo.
A recent investigation by the gaming community has brought renewed focus to Nintendo’s online documentation.
According to findings compiled by attentive users, Nintendo’s own website notes for the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of both Zelda titles state: "Please note: this software does not support the Nintendo Switch Online paid membership’s Save Data Cloud backup feature." This direct mention strongly suggests that, despite technological advancements and player requests, cloud save support may again be absent in these upcoming versions.
Importantly, Nintendo has confirmed that existing save data from the original Nintendo Switch can be imported into the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of these games.
This transfer capability might address continuity for some players, but does highlight an ongoing limitation—namely, the inability to maintain cloud backups for critical game progress via Nintendo Switch Online.
Nintendo’s varying official statements have generated some confusion, with certain support pages referring to possible cloud save support, while others clarify restrictions specific to individual titles.
This inconsistency is not new for the platform holder, as similar exceptions have occurred with top-selling games in the company's portfolio.
Nevertheless, for both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom—each having shipped millions of copies and contributed significantly to the Nintendo Switch’s worldwide sales success—the lack of cloud save support will be a disappointingly familiar message for longtime fans.
As of the latest official communications, there is no confirmation of cloud save functionality for the Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of these iconic Zelda titles.
Players who rely on Nintendo Switch Online’s cloud backup feature should take note of these limitations when planning their game transitions to the new hardware.
For any updates or changes to this policy, it is recommended to monitor official announcements from Nintendo’s website and verified channels.
Both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom remain foundation titles for the Switch library, and their handling on Nintendo Switch 2 will be closely watched by the gaming community.
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