Animal Crossing: New Horizons may implement a back up save data feature after all.
Back at E3 2019, Nintendo announced that New Horizons would not support back up save data in order to prevent players from manipulating time in the game and cheating. However, Nintendo has announced that they are "considering" implementing some sort of back up feature in the game. It is unknown when such a feature would come to the game. The company's statement can be read below, translated by Siliconera:
"Animal Crossing: New Horizons isn't supported by Nintendo Switch Online's Save Data Cloud Backup. However, we're currently considering a function to backup save data, uniquely for the software, in case one's Nintendo Switch console itself gets damaged, lost, or stolen. The use of this feature is limited to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers. The implementation period has yet to be determined, but we'll make an announcement as soon as a decision is made."
It was confirmed last week that there can only be one island per console in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. It does not matter how many accounts are on a system. In order to make another island, another Switch and copy of the game must be used. Up to 8 players with registered accounts on a system can still inhabit the island, and up to 4 residents of an island can play simultaneously on one console, they just cannot all make their own island.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons will release on March 20th for the Nintendo Switch. Alongside the release of the game will be a special edition Switch console themed after the game. The limited edition console comes with pastel blue and green Joy-Cons, and a dock that features Tom Nook. The console also features a cute pattern running across its back. The console will cost $299.99, but will not come with the game.
