After months of waiting, the official Nintendo Switch Online app has rolled out to… let’s say “raving” reviews.The app will allow players to chat with one another during online play sessions, which is a real boon in games like Splatoon 2 where some coordination is key. But reports from those who have actually tested the feature aren’t so hot on it, as it seems that the voice chat is, in a word, vain — while using it, you must not do anything else with your phone, lest you be disconnected.
Want to answer an email? Disconnect. Check an online FAQ? Disconnect. Answer a call? Disconnect. According to one report, even your notifications tab popping up is enough to cut your audio. What’s more, your phone screen must always remain on while using the chat, which is sure to drain a lot of battery. It’s not unlike a date with a needy, attention-seeking S.O., who’s liable to get jealous as soon as you check your phone for messages. Unfortunately, there are no other fish in the sea for those looking for a way to connect to online Switch friends — this is the only way we’ve got.
Will the app improve in time? We certainly hope so, but knowing Nintendo’s track record with online functionality, whatever iterations come will likely be marginal improvements, if they come at all.
Leave a Comment
Written by Amelia Fruzzetti
A writer and Nintendo fan based in Seattle, Washington. When not working for NinWire, she can be found eating pasta, writing stories, and wondering about when Mother 3 is finally going to get an official localization.
