The Copy File Option

Is it me, or is Nintendo the only company that still gives you the option of copying save data from one file to another in most of their games? Specifically, I'm talking about when a game has a Copy File option on the menu, as opposed to games that let you choose a file to save to whenever you save your game.

Interesting. I haven't noticed.

I never noticed. But then, I never used nor saw the point of that option.

I'm not sure what you mean. Do you mean that the files are used by another game, or just that it can be copied to another drive of some sort?

Because I can tell you that both 360 and ps3 have options to copy files from one location to another. Ps3 allows you to copy save files from its harddrive to a flash drive or portable HDD. 360 has memory cards in addition to easily removed HD Ds, as well, on newer versions of the system, an internal storage device.

The fact that you don't know what he's talking about shows that Nintendo is the only one now.

I think Batman Arkham City can do it too, but I can't check, as my main PS 3 YLOD'd.

Not necessarily. I think he/she just doesn't understand the OP's explanation.

@OP: You mean like in a game's menu, if it has multiple possible save files, you can copy one save file into an empty save file? Because if that's what you mean, I don't quite recall too many games ever having that option. Maybe Kirby: Nightmare in Dreamland (if I recall correctly), but other than that, I can't think of any games that use that option (though I know there are a few).

I read that as "My PS 3 YOLO'd." I'm so sorry.

edited 7th Oct '12 2:25:05 PM by 0dd1

Seriously, can someone explain to me the point of that option?

In case a save file gets corrupted?

If you want to go back to a more favorable time?

To BS your friends by gloating about getting 100% on the game several times?

To go down different routs at a junction?

Although, why not save a game twice in two different files?

I would assume that the point of it is that you can copy a file for whatever reason without the possibility of someone accidentally saving over someone else's file. Even though games where you can save to any file usually have the file you're playing on selected by default, so that's not likely to happen anyway.

Also if you want to make branching save files in case you screw up and needs to get back to an earlier time. Or maybe you just want to shuffle around your files for the purpose of making them look nice.

I for one like to make a backup save every few hours of gameplay just in case either my last save file gets corrupted or I induce Lost Forever or an Unwinnable situation and want to go back. It's like insurance - it's rare that I need it, but when I do, I'm really glad I have it.

As for why Nintendo seems to be the last developer that includes this, I think it's because of their background in cartridge-based consoles. It's much tougher to copy save data stored on a cart than it is to copy stuff between memory cards or USB drives.

On the other hand they've also reduced the number of save files from three to two.

It varies from game to game. Save files actually eat up a ton of data on cartridges.