Nintendo Switch SDK documents have apparently leaked via GBAtemp , revealing a few of the console’s upcoming features. According to analysis posted on NeoGAF , it looks like save transfers and a guest login feature have been in the works for several months.
It’s important to note that, at the time this SDK was dispersed to developers, the Switch was still being referred to by its codename, Nintendo NX. Readers will see that name pop up in the quotes below, so we thought we’d add some extra clarification. Here’s what the SDK has to say about bringing data between related Switch consoles:
“In the future, we plan to provide a feature to transfer account save data among multiple consoles. As a result, there is the possibility that user accounts with uninitialized account save data will be added. Note that your design must work without issue, even in this case.”
In other words, the document tells developers to prepare for possible save data transfers before the feature officially goes live. Certain saves may not be directly linked to the account in which they were created, so content creators need to make sure their software still functions with that exception in mind.
Something not quite as frequently requested, but still interesting, isa feature Nintendo has tentatively referred to as Guest Login. Read the official explanation below.
“We are considering a feature in the future (tentative name: Guest Login) to access existing network service account information without linking to a user account. This feature would allow temporary access to the network service account linked to the Nintendo Account by logging in to the Nintendo Account within the application. This feature would, for example, make it possible to upload a character you have raised as online data and then use that data on a friend's NX (without creating a user account).”
The outline here is fairly straightforward, despite raising a few questions. For simplicity’s sake, the concept of Guest Login isn’t too wildly different from features of the same name on PS4 and Xbox One. It’s a way for friends to have quick, temporary access to a portion of their credentials while using another console away from home. The aspect that gets a bit dodgy, however, is discerning what kinds of data can be accessed by a Guest Login. As far as we can see, only basic info like saves or small character content may carry over. Full game downloads might require a different kind of login. It’s something that will likely be clearer once the feature is ready for release.
The inability to transfer Switch saves between multiple consoles has been a major source of frustration since the console launched in March. In a June interview with Mashable , Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aimé said his team is “keenly aware” of the demand for this feature. The evidence above proves the man was ultimately being truthful in his claim. The unfortunate reality, though, is this SDK offers no indication of when these concepts will be ready for public use.
Nintendo Switch is available now for $299.
Are you glad to see that save transfers and guest login features are in the Nintendo Switch pipeline? Tell us in the comments section!
