Matchmaking And Creating Lobbies On Nintendo Switch Will Be Done Through Nintendo’s Smart Phone App

ThisGenGaming says "In a recent interview, Reggie confirmed that Nintendo Switch's matchmaking and creating lobbies will be done through their smartphone app along with voice chat."

[2pacalypsenow]

Lmao wow...

[-Foxtrot]

This is unbelievable...just when you think it's stopped

How can anyone defend these guys

[lxtrxi]

I've been defending Nintendo a lot but this one.. This one is inexcusable.

[LOL_WUT]

"We'll be different. Even if it kills us." -Nintendo ;)

[Nitrowolf2]

So we are paying to play online and on top of that we are required to use features not built into this so called gaming machine on another device? WTF Nintendo, you are backwards a F.

I mean, the only reason I can see this ever working is IF somehow Nintendo worked it out where you pay for a yearly sub, and the app gives you Unlimited data/speeds using a Network they built but we would have heard of this way before the Switch if that was the case. But even so, WTF

@Aenea below

Its not that itll cost more or for that matter, its more as why is it being done like this. Thats the only real reason, and acceptable for me that Nintendo would even think thats a good idea to have these features over a device such as these. All of these should be on the system itself though. If people spread what im saying as some factual thing, thats their fault because i was merely specualting why they would even go that route with voice chat/ party system.
Also the system is very focused on the idea you can play as you go, so it really isnt crazy to think it may be nintendo goal to do something like that.

Also, this new console seems geared towards kids, which not every single one of them have a phone but play online still, thatll cost extra.

If i had a kid i wouldnt buy them a phone just for the switch, but there are plenty of gaulible parents who will

[freshslicepizza]

*app sold seperately

[Aenea]

@Nitrowolf

Why do people automatically think that this is going to cost them extra money because they are using their phone? It won't! Your phone has WiFi does it not? When it's available it will use that to transfer data back and forth. The Switch would've used the same WiFi connection for the exact same data anyways, in that regard there won't be a difference and there's no need for a "special network" you're suggesting.

Not that I particularly like this idea of having to use my phone for this sorta thing, but still, don't spout false things....

[bouzebbal]

Yeah it's over for me since the second reveal. First one was ok, shows the system and the concept.
It's just too much this time.
Nintendo shouldn't charge for online, they should give money to switch owners to use this garbage of an online system

[RedPill86]

I've heard that it doesn't come with an AC adapter for the dock, or an HDMI. Seeing as how the 3DS didn't come with a charger (the new one) this wouldn't surprise me.

[Gazondaily]

This is so idiotic that it makes my knees hurt

[lellkay]

Absolutely ridiculous. Lobbys through your phone... i'm speechless.

[Utalkin2me]

Not only that, but man you will have to keep your phone plugged in the whole time while you play the switch online. For matchmaking and voice chat. Im really baffled by this to be honest.

[andibandit]

I was half expecting friend codes to be used

[jaymacx]

Im not defending this but i am open minded to see how this will actually work. having an open mind about it isn't the same as defending. My question to you all is why don't you express all your concerns to the company instead of just going on a bashfest at Nintendo's expense on these forums. Whenever i do a servey i put my concerns on it .
I think the main reason this doesn't bother me is I don't play online much so I probably wont be paying for it at all. I have Xbox liveGold and ps plus but i mainly use it for the games and discounts.

[ShadowWolf712]

@Aenea

It's confirmed to be a premium smart device app with a LIMITED Free version.

[DarthZoolu]

My phone is always dead.

[Erik7357]

One positive aspect:
We also think it’s a very elegant solution because if you’ve taken your switch on the go, you’ve put yourself in a hotspot, you’re looking at get a quick match of Mario Kart anywhere.

Wait till it drops to see what it is like

[Double_O_Revan]

It's almost as if they come up with stuff so stupid just to see how hard they can troll their fans and what they'll put up with.

[nX]

And all of that for six years in a row, Nintendo is being run by clowns these days.
I stopped defending them after the Wii but they've completely lost my respect since then.

[killbillvolume12]

I also find it funny nintendo fanboys defending this action... its like they have Stockholm syndrome.

[LOL_WUT]

Funny how they complain about rumors and "misinformation" but when something is presented to them with facts they're nowhere to be found. ;)

[wonderfulmonkeyman]

Kinda like how fanboys like you defend paywalls in front of online multiplayer until it's Nintendo doing it.
Most Nintendo fans aren't defending this; you're just flame-baiting for shits and giggles at this point. GTFOOH.

[frostypants]

Seems to me that even a lot who are Nintendo fanboys are cringing at this one.

[killbillvolume12]

Honestly this topic needs to start trending because it should warn people.....

[_-EDMIX-_]

You never really need to keep telling people how stupid this company is.

Every single time they continue to remind us with such dumb decisions.

[Nu]

Nintendo's online infrastructure is laughable.
No way I'd pay $5 a month for it especially if all I'd play online would be Kart and Smash.

[NotoriousWhiz]

Yep, if I get the Switch, it would be an offline console for me. I have enough friends in real life that play Mario Kart and Smash.

[blackblades]

Ikr to bad for my friend, he uses a flip phone. Shame on nintendo for this crap and I'm interested in how this console will do when released.

[Veneno]

The funny part is I don't believe it will be as horrendous as the Xbox one launch...

[Sirk7x]

I am beginning to think that the reason for this is that the Switch is intended to be able to play online on the go, and that's the only way they could get it to work well.

[NotoriousWhiz]

The 3DS and Vita seem to handle it just fine.

[rainslacker]

I seriously wonder just how bad the UI is going to be that they couldn't implement what is essentially a matchmaking service within the system itself.

Sure, voice chat can take up resources, and maybe that's why they offloaded it, but creating what is essentially an array of usernames and connections in memory, along with even a simple interface to facilitate it, has to be done through an auxiliary device?

And Nintendo expects people to pay for this?

Hell, MS allows you to do this kind of stuff through the XBL app without even paying a sub. They have for years. Maybe not matchmaking, because that's more an in game thing facilitated by the UI. This just sounds like trying to get everyone into Vent for that WOW raid Tuesday nights. Complete cluster unless you have a bunch of seasoned players.

Gotta love Nintendo I guess. First they want you to not look at the screen while playing games. Now they want you to put down that revolutionary controller, pick up another device to play your games.

I mean, it's like Nintendo doesn't even know that smart phones are quite literally the thing that's causing people to move away from dedicated handhelds, consoles, and PC, and now Nintendo is asking people to actively engage in using them to do simple things that have become standard for every other device and service for gaming on the market.

Is this not something Nintendo has thought of? In what world is taking the consumer away from the device you're selling them, to another device which you don't even make an option for, in any way a good idea. It's like if Sony required the player to go use a Windows PC to facilitate basic online functions.

Also, in what world, is the convenience of the Switch somehow made relevant, if now the person has to use a 2nd device while mobile? If Nintendo was smart, they'd find a way to tether the Switch to any phone through the Smart phone app while on the go, thus negating all the limitations that cell phone companies put into locked down phones hot spot usage. You know, innovate. Not rely on auxiliary technology to provide basic service.

[ziggurcat]

matchmaking is usually done in-game, though, is it not? I don't see how they'd even need extra system resources.

[rainslacker]

Yeah, usually. But the systems facilitate it. There are features which allow lobbies, which then allow going into a game from there, thus activating the matchmaking outside the game. Lobbies are more of a system thing, although some games have their own lobbies. I assumed this was more like groups.

[81BX]

@2pacalypsenow
This is how you know gamers on this site have put the trolling aside and are genuinely concerned! At the moment you have 76 agrees and 0 disagrees

[joab777]

This is the arrogance that has led to delusion! How can they expect anyone to pay for an online service that requires you to also have a mobile phone? Insane!! Why not at least partner with google or Apple and offer their store in addition?

That would make it a very formidable mobile device! Otherwise, it's almost like a joke!

[badz149]

"almost like a joke"?

You sir, are very kind. For most, it is already a joke of a device!

[UCForce]

What the hell, Nintendo ?

[MVGeneral]

Nintendo takes 1 step forward and 5 steps back. Come on nintendo, at least try to be relevant. I would say this is "so last gen" bit I would be wrong as last gen was better than this.

[X-Alchemist]

From the initial reveal trailer to the presentation I've gone from excited to rock bottom disappointed. I've never wanted a console to fail more. But even if it does, you gotta wonder if Nintendo will even acknowledge their stupidity.

[lellkay]

I actually want it to fail at this point. Just like you i was super excited, i really thought we had a new direction for Nintendo, but No other system would get away with this. Nintendo NEED to learn.

[Sunny_D]

This is beyond reprehensible. I just wish Ninetendo would get with the times so that they too can get 3rd party support and next gen games in general. They could bring serious competition back and make it a 3 way instead of always being between Sony and Microsoft. I want this console to fail so that they get rid of the higher ups in the company or something.

[Whirlwind_Fanfare_08]

SMH really Nintendo?

[Nu]

I hope there is backlash and Nintendo does a 180 Switch similar to what Microsoft did after their disastrous e3 2013

[81BX]

Companies only learn from $ not coming in

[EddieNX]

I don't understand that, I have to assume features will be available without the app :s

Im not trying to defend Nintendo on this one, thanks for the downvotes though ,guess I'll go shoot myself XD

[mcstorm]

I'm thinking the same as you. The switch has a headphone jack on it so surly that can be used for chat when in handheld mode? As for when using the joypads IDE expect the pro controller to have a jack to but I did wonder about the joycons. I could be of with the 1st two points but have to wait and see.

[Firebird360]

There's no mic insulator in the headphone jack, it's only 2 line not 3. So it's stereo sound no mic built into the switch for chat.

[DarthZoolu]

Www.google.com

[frostypants]

@Firebird360: "There's no mic insulator in the headphone jack, it's only 2 line not 3."

Mother of god...wow. So they can't even support it later, at least not through the simplest mechanism. Just why...

[mcstorm]

@Firebird360 well if that's the case that's pants. Maybe we will get a 3rd party wireless headset but a who know. Ill be finding out my self on March 3rd.

[Sono421]

wow that's when you know shit is getting bad when EddieNX doesn't even try to defend it!

[LOL_WUT]

LOL ;)

[Manashake]

Heh heh.

[jaymacx]

Well EddieNX i assume there is no place on n4g for nintendo fans who are optimistic. I don't like to fully judge something before i actually get a hands on experience. After that i will either hate it, love it or be indifferent.

[LOL_WUT]

You can always close your account and go join a pro Nintendo website, just an idea ;)

[Firebird360]

They've already said there's not even a headset for switch. Voice chat from switch is impossible, it's not built into the hardware.

[Big_Game_Hunters]

So if you don't have a smart phone then you can't play online? i'm pretty confused about this whole thing. They need to just give a live presentation of this in action.

[rdgneoz3]

Pretty much you need a smart phone to voice chat and join parties / lobbies. That's all done through the app. Sadly hilarious...

[MVGeneral]

You can play online without this app. But you there will be no voice chat or party creation/play without it.

[rocketpanda]

Doesn't make it any better. Segregating components to different hardware is a stupid idea.

[MVGeneral]

@rocketpanda
Agreed, their living in the dark ages

[rainslacker]

Smart phone with a data connection that can support whatever data it sends or receives. I don't think Nintendo realizes that not everyone has smart phones, and of those that do, not everyone has very good ones. In fact, most smart phones in people's hands are the crappy ones, and for things like Android phones, they can be very inconsistent in how well they handle various apps.

This sounds like a support nightmare to me. All I can think of is that Nintendo is outsourcing this whole feature to get it working on launch, and maybe working on an integrated solution for the system itself to offer down the line when they finally start charging for it.

Right now, I can't see any reason why paying for this service is even worthwhile, since Nintendo is basically asking us to pay a yearly sub for what is a smartphone app, whose only feature you can't get through various free apps on phones already is the matchmaking service.

I really hope this is a stop gap measure. Surely Nintendo can't be this far behind in their infrastructure that they can't include it on the system itself. If they plan to charge, surely they thought of these features years ago, and thought of ways to include it in the system.

I know people ride Nintendo about how antiquated some of their features are in this regard, but the people that work there and make the decisions aren't so out of touch that they don't recognize what is currently trending and likely to stick around, and they are good at recognizing what could be popular going forward, and this kind of stuff is stuff we saw back before the OGXbox launched. Heck, even Sega was ahead of Nintendo in this regard on the DC, so Nintendo has to have something better planned......or at least I hope they do.

[Sunny_D]

Has Nintendo ever done hardware revisions? If so, do not buy the Switch at launch. Buyers will most likely be beta testers for the actual decent console that was made only in response to the backlash Nintendo received.

[pcz]

i dont think its a temporary solution. if you remember the patents, they referred to 'supplemental computing devices' .. ie the switch would connect to other devices to 'enhance' its features.

there was a lot of speculation about what that meant at the time, but now its clear (to me at least,) that this is what they meant. your mobile is the supplemental device for chat, matchmaking, lobbies and god knows what other idiotic features

[rainslacker]

That patent was more about the hardware processing power. It's evident within the docking system I think, although I have yet to find out if the portable part is just underclocked when removed from the dock.

This is simply running an app on another device, which somehow, I assume, facilitates features on the system itself, but offers nothing towards the processing power of the system itself.

I don't think this has anything to do with the patent. I'm not sure what Nintendo is thinking here, or why they are handling it this way. They aren't this disconnected from technology and usability to not know this isn't going to work well.

I'm really holding out hope that this is just a way to facilitate using your phone for networking while on the go, which is actually a good thing if they can manage some sort of managed tunneled connection through the phone, which circumvents locked down phones lack of being wi-fi hotspots...and if so, it's quite clever and probably a great idea. But I'm not too optimistic about that.

Of course, the above is kind of stupid for the docked console because using one's home network would be more prudent.

[deathtok]

My thoughts exactly... I have a child who will want to play this thing and now I need to hand over my iPhone or iPad with it.... WTF?!

[PhoenixUp]

In the online realm Nintendo always takes one step forward and four steps back

[Slowbro]

Nah they just left the net and ended up on the moon with no life support

[Number-Nine]

they never take a step forward lol

[yomfweeee]

What step forward did they take?

[Derceto]

Breaking news. Nintendo books world's best surgeon to remove its head from its own a**.

[Double_O_Revan]

I don't know man, it's up there pretty good. It's going to take a world class surgeon to handle this procedure.

[rdgneoz3]

They need to find the guy from MS that flipped the switch...

http://cdn4.dualshockers.co...

[killbillvolume12]

Im honestly calling it now this console is DOA.

[DiceAndRice]

DOA? I'm not thinking that bad but it's going to suffer from these online features.

[killbillvolume12]

Dead on arrival.

[MonsterChef]

@DiceAndRice if it suffers even a little bit at launch, this service is going to lose 3rd party support and die fast

[Summons75]

Wow, one bad feature and tons of great games coming out this year and you think it's dead lol. This certainly isn't good but there are far too many pros with the Switch.

[MRMagoo123]

🤔tons ?

[ninsigma]

*3/4 good games.

[chrisoadamson]

5 games at launch one of which is that God awful switch 1-2 that should be free with the console. Money grabbing

[Liqu1d]

One bad feature?

[NotoriousWhiz]

I can think of more than one bad feature.

[DashArrivals]

You are the worst Nintendo apologist I've ever seen on N4G. Even the most hardened Nintendo fans I've seen criticise Nintendo at some point.
One bad feature? There are heaps. Everything is a rip-off. The console. The games. The accessories. Charging for 1,2 Switch. Anything to do with a phone app for matchmaking or online play/chat is horrendous.
This console will fail so spectacularly.

[RpgSama]

Let's not forget that removing Mario and Arms, all the other Nintendo Games for this year are Wii U remasters, Zelda, MK8, Splatoon 2 (an enhanced version of the first), I'm not even going to count 1, 2, Switch as a Videogame, because it isn't, you're not even supposed to look at the screen on that one.

[TKCMuzzer]

No built in party chat, the price, virtually no games at the launch, the price, not a great home console experience, the price, over expensive accessories, the price, Nintendo's lack of willingness to accept modern online experiences, the price and so on.

The reason I mention the price is becasue its way over priced for the tech and that is important, gamers know what value for money is and once you throw in certain accessories the value is poor and now on top of that, if you want to chat to your mate whilst paying to play online you have to go and grab your mobile. It's bonkers.

It should have been $199 with 1-2 switch thrown in and party chat as standard. The fact is, they are just squeezing their fanbase for profit.

[Kurdishcurse]

you are delusional.

[NotoriousWhiz]

Should still perform better than the Wii U, but with awful online features, won't be touching the Xbox one.

[EddieNX]

Thanks, some us thought you were calling it a Dirty Old Arse

[StormLegend]

WTH is going on with Nintendo.

[DiceAndRice]

No one knows but we can all agree it's very questionable.

[opinionated]

Ewwwww that's dirty.

[UCForce]

Well, it's more than that. Nintendo go nuts and completely make a very foolish ideas.

[opinionated]

Dirty is American slang, my friend. To "do someone dirty" is to screw them over, like a scam artist.

[peewee11016]

Now we know why its called switch...... My god... Now i have to use my phone battery cuz the damn thing cant do what its suppsoe to do

[rainslacker]

Because they want you to switch to your smart phone?

That's a good idea for Nintendo. Not like Smart phones aren't already supplanting consoles, handhelds, and PC's for gaming viability. Way to go Nintendo for actively promoting the use of the devices which actively decay your own userbase.

[bow2yoda]

I had a feeling this would happen when they announced that the switch would only have 4 gigs of ram. to me it looks like the switch will be a great single player portable experience... but when it comes to online play... it will be a pass

[SegaGamer]

Seriously, who the hell is going to pay for their subscription ? They are telling us that if we want to use features that come with the subscription, then we must use a different device.I don't see how anybody could ever think this is a good idea. People don't like the idea of paying for another subscription as it is, but if you are going to go down this road then you have to give people reasons to want to subscribe. What they are doing here will just drive people away.

I'm not even involved in marketing, finances and i'm not businessman, but even i can see how stupid this all is. Who the hell do they have at Nintendo that is making these decisions ? Whoever it is must be on a mission to bring them down :P

[rdgneoz3]

Yah. Paying for a service to use your own smart phone, which has dozens of apps that allow for free voice/group chat already... Great idea...

[pwnsause_returns]

Wow....just when I thought this was going to be a good system, Nintendo takes it away....good job there..keep being kid friendly, that's gonna help you real good.....to make games on PlayStation.....

I mean even the vita which is a portable actually had all this crap built in.....

Man I really wanted Nintendo to get back on top...I started gaming on Nintendo consoles....

[NotoriousWhiz]

This isn't even kid friendly. My coworker has a 5 year old nephew that loved playing splatoon online. I'm pretty sure that said 5 year old does not have a smartphone, so no matches for him.

[fromchildren]

I don't see this as a problem, almost everyone has a smartphone after all.

[killbillvolume12]

Stockholm syndrome is a psychological condition that causes hostages to develop sympathetic sentiments towards their captors, often sharing their opinions and acquiring romantic feelings for them as a survival strategy during captivity. These feelings, resulting from a bond formed between captor and captives during intimate time spent together, are generally considered irrational in light of the danger or risk endured by the victims.

[Moonman]

Ok that was hilarious but damn so cold...lol

[conanlifts]

Nintendo is a family console. My kids do not have their own phone and nor will they be getting one. This is a stupid decision.

[SegaGamer]

@fromchildren
That is hardly the point.

1) They want us to pay for their subscription, but many of the features they want us to pay for won't be on the system itself. The only way we can use those features is through a totally different device.

2) What about the people that don't have a smartphone ? Nintendo are telling those people that if they want to get everything out of the subscription they paid for, they will have to upgrade their phone too. That is more money to spend. Nobody is going to spend this much just to get the best out of the Swtich when they can get a cheaper gaming experience on 2 consoles that are A LOT more powerful.

I really can't see why Nintendo couldn't just include all of this into the console itself.

[ecchiless]

That reminds me of this https://www.youtube.com/wat... good luck nintendo, it works wonders for microsoft.

[Nitrowolf2]

the issue is Nintendo expects people to pay to use features on a device that Nintendo didn't supply.

[Aenea]

I'm not a fan of this idea, but no matter what device these features are implemented on it will be using the same Nintendo servers, so I don't see the point getting upset you have to pay for things that are being implemented on another device...

[Aenea]

Almost everyone, yes, not everyone.

And what about kids? Imagine you have a little kid who wants to race against some other kids online in Mario Kart, (s)he's too young to have a smartphone of their own, now they need to use yours to matchmake and play...

And don't forget this either: now you need to have your controllers charged, the Switch charged AND your phone needs to be charged while playing. Many a time during the evenings my phone is on it's last bit of charge...

[objdadon]

"I don't see this as a problem, almost everyone has a smartphone after all " 😂😂😂
😂 I've learned that Nintendo fanboys are a new breed....smdh

[rainslacker]

I have a Windows Phone. Somehow, I don't think I'm going to get an app. Call me pessimistic, but even the XBL app on windows phone is archaic compared to the Droid or Apple version. Ironic huh?

Also, while many have smart phones, not everyone has great ones, and some have downright crappy ones. Google phones are prone to having issues between OS versions or device makers which makes apps be buggy or not run at all. Apple is better in this regard, but Apple doesn't command a majority of the cell phone market share.

It's a problem, because Nintendo is actively promoting you disengage from the console to use features which are console related, and likely used often by people that care about it.

It's annoying enough having to use two remotes to switch between inputs on my TV. Now I have to set up an app on the phone, and put the controller down and go to another device to use the console's features? How is that not a problem?

Sure, there are a lot of people with smart phones, but lets get real here. In this day in age, where these features became kind of standard a decade ago to some degree through both consoles and online store fronts like Steam, why is this even a thing? 360 paved the way, Sony adopted it somewhat with the PS3 and went full force this gen, and Nintendo is offering an secondary app with no direct system support. Do you see the huge discrepancy there? Maybe Nintendo should take away that screenshot, video capture and sharing, and offer basic online functionality through the console. I'm not expert, but I'd imagine that be much more acceptable than what Nintendo is offering, as at least when people say it's a feature they can live without, it'd be more likely true.

At best, it's a band-aid solution for a feature that people actively look for. Heck, I don't even use online features that much on my preferred console, never use voice chat, barely use matchmaking, and even I can see just how backwards this is.

[NotoriousWhiz]

Can you imagine?

"latest update broke matchmaking app. Can't play online. 1 star until fixed" - lots of reviewers on app store.

[Artemidorus]

Technology doesn't rely on smartphones alone.

[Liqu1d]

No they don't. Plus I doubt Windows Phones will be supported so those people are being left out.

[TKCMuzzer]

The fact you don't see this as a problem is a problem within itself. Look at it now, turn your PS4 on, start a party, all your friends join, play some games. Thats the way it should be, especially when your forking out $299 for a machine, sort yourself out.

[Exvalos]

At this point it just feels like nintendo is just seeing how far they can push fans before they break

[MRMagoo123]

from what I have seen the Nintendo fans will take it and still smile

[Blu3_Berry]

Wow, why?????? They seriously need to explain why they are doing it like this. This is such bullcrap. There is no way how anyone is going to pay for this online crap from Nintendo. Like you HAVE to create a lobby through smartphone? What about those who may not own a smartphone? Man I know Nintendo is trying to innovate but this, this is turning all the heads the wrong way.

[Pookandpie]

How is matchmaking only being done through an app when Mario Kart DS, Wii, and 8 all had multiplayer matchmaking in game, yet for MK8 Deluxe they're *removing* in-game matchmaking to favor an app...?

What the hell. I don't even remotely get it.

[rainslacker]

Maybe there are still in game solutions for such things. One can hope at least. probably not for voice chat, but the other stuff.

But, when you look at it from a development perspective, most developers have become accustomed to this being facilitated by the system itself. The system still does that, but it seems Nintendo has disengaged parts of it's service from the console itself, making it rather frustrating to know who can use specific features or not. It segregates the user base, kind of forcing devs to make their own solution for in game features to do this stuff, thus costing more money, thus causing less chance of support for certain features. Unfortunately, if something isn't included in the system, you have to consider that not everyone will have access to said feature, so you can't count on it being there for all the players, and these companies are the ones that take the heat for not including features in a game that everyone can use.

[Pookandpie]

Yeah, this can actually cause "hardware fragmentation" that is beyond the console, itself. This should be interesting.

I mean, I'm still looking forward to the games on the system, but this decision is outright baffling to me.

[ziggurcat]

how or why is this not possible to do either in game or through the system OS?

[killbillvolume12]

4 gigs of ram could be the reason i heard but im not sure.

[ziggurcat]

X360, and PS3 had far less RAM, so I sincerely call BS on that theory (I know it's not yours, so I'm not calling BS on you!).

[Chaos_Order]

If the PSP and DS could handle online play without using your phone then I really don't see why this should be a problem.

[rainslacker]

Well...they could take away that screenshot, video capture(in the future), and ability to share it on the net and give basic online functionality built into the system itself....which I'd wager is much more desirable and more readily used. Sure....screen shots and video captures and sharing are much better marketing tools, but basic online functionality is a much better selling point for the console.

It's not like matchmaking and lobbies take up extensive amounts of resources. It's just a list of user names and IP's. The actual matchmaking and lobbies still have to exist on the console itself in order to actually use the feature on the system, so really, all they need is an app on the damn system itself to set it up. Voice chat is a bit more understandable, but even that would take up less memory than monitoring screen shots or capturing video.

[killbillvolume12]

Then yeah i have no idea hey. Part of me thinks this may be a anti piracy thing because good luck getting multiplayer to work haha.

[ziggurcat]

I see it more of a they-don't-know-what-the-h ell-they're-doing-when-it-c omes-to-multiplayer thing than anything else.

[pwnsause_returns]

Ram? The vita did this day one!!!! For free!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lol, I'm not saying the vita is powerful...this is Nintendo being Nintendo, it's a stupid idea cause they don't want the kids to be exposed online......that's really dumb...

[LAWSON72]

This stuff needs a direct so bad

[akaFullMetal]

Wow, what's going on here? Even though most people do have a phone, not alot of kids do. Who's going to pay for this service when there are free alternative for chatting?
Who can defend this? It should just be available on the system. Why rethink the wheel?

[Chaos_Order]

*Repeatedly bashes face against desk*

[Necro_559]

And they are going to be charging you! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[REDDURT]

They are a terrible hardware company

[ziggurcat]

online matchmaking isn't a hardware thing, though...

[Destiny1080]

Nintendo had 10+ years to try and put something together

[Ristul]

I'm starting to think that Nintendo has no forward thinking when it comes to online, witch is baffeling when talking about such a large company. The old farts at the top are calling the shots I guess.

[RedPill86]

It's like watching Fight Club and they just keep punching themselves in the face, while enjoying it.

[captainexplosion]

How do you do voice chat with your phone? Hold it to your head and play the game one handed?

[Utalkin2me]

No it will be a 90 dollar attachment that you can buy, called a switch headband.

[Muzikguy]

Seriously?? This thing is looking more and more archaic all the time! What's the point of paying for a network then?...... Nintendo has lost their minds

[Lionalliance]

I... I have no words....

[MasterCornholio]

WTF?

[stonecold3]

im glad im not buying this console the last good nintendo machine they brought out was there n64

[Kocurstvo]

Still convincig me I am wright thinking Switch is Nintys last home console and next year, we will play Ninty games on Xbox and PS... Everything bad with Nintendo home consoles is actually good for the mass of the players. Consider playing Ninty games on the powerful machines...

[XStation4pio_Pro]

Ummm....what?

[PizzaSteve]

Oh well RIP Switch.

[il-JumperMT]

and you have to pay for that....I expected Nintendo to step up their game when they asked for subscription for online. If they improved online to be comparable PSN/XBL I would be fine with paying monthly fee.

PS. Discord is free and can be used on any device with a web browser. There is free dedicated app too for majority of smartphone and computer os.

[Gazondaily]

Lewl

[quent]

I'm not being Ageist or anything just saying, but I feel there are just too many old out of touch executives working for Nintendo that no nothing about the "right now" or even tech from a decade ago who are making decisions they shouldn't be making, people at Nintendo should stop they're over politeness and speak up to these kinds of decision making, there must be a few under 30's working at nintendo.

you're suppose to adapt and move with the times, not against it.

Its much easier moving with the earth's rotation then trying to make it turn the other way...

Should be the sign above the executives board room meeting door

[Artemidorus]

Seriously this is becoming a joke. So I pay for a brand new console AND a subscription for them to rely on my phone for invites and chatting.

Sorry but you got to be backwards to consider buying this for online use. Dreamcast had better use than this.

[Last_Boss]

I'm going to dub this scenario the Saturn Complex. I say this because this feels awfully close to what the SEGA Saturn's launch did to the gaming industry.

[lunatic0001]

How is this supposed to work...It sounds like a mess...I love Nintendo but this needs lots of clarity

[starrman1985]

"We want to reinforce the capability to take your experience with you on the go. The ability to do matchmaking, voice chat through your phone, it’s a hell of a lot more convenient than having a gamer headset stuck into your backpack trying to do that. That’s why we’re doing it the way we are. We see the convenience, we see the ease of delivery. We think it’s going to lead to a better experience."

I get that, and to assume everyone that is buying the Switch has a smartphone is a fairly safe bet, but you don't bet on stuff like that! Fair enough, have the app as one option but include dedicated on board chat/matchmaking at the very least.

The fact that they haven't done both shows that this wasn't done for the consumers but rather for the sake of not having to bother developing the console side of it. Unless the app is perhaps available on the console too but from the sounds of it, it isn't.

And slightly off subject (but I read it in a similar article) "StreetPass wouldn’t be supported because the Switch was, at its heart, a home console first and a mobile gaming device second." If it's a home console first, then give on board chat, these two ideas completely contradict one another! FYI, I don't actually care about StreetPass... but more the reasoning behind not including that but also making the chat function completely mobile.

[Movefasta1993]

Omg another flop

[Liqu1d]

People losing their jobs is never good but whoever came up with this idea should probably be fired.

[paddy95]

This console will do worse than the WII U. Nintendo needs to fire a lot of retards.

[rocketpanda]

When the system you are selling isn't able to offer basic online services and have to do it via an a smartphone then you are setting it up to fail. FFS Nintendo, get your act together.

[dauntingpixel]

that is silly talk.

[Kocurstvo]

Its symbolic that the main Switch presentation happened on friday the 13th...

[Good-Smurf]

Nintendo I think you need a new head doctor.

[link2Dpast]

Nintendo does what absolutely in there right freaking sane mind nin'dont. Only logical reason to this day I see them still treating there online division like this is because they truly still believe it's a fad as they once said or could be pride or easily could be since there pure first party, most of there games don't really transition to online play so they give to craps about it

[fish3six]

If this is for matchmaking while in handheld mode on the go i understand.(online gaming while traveling) .

[SinkingSage]

Sega should have continued on making consoles and Nintendo should have gone under instead.

[SinkingSage]

Sega had free internet in Europe, I'd like to see Nintendo do something like that.

[Utalkin2me]

Did you forget to log out of your account and into the new one? Or are you just replying to yourself? ROFLMAO

[SinkingSage]

@Utalkin2me I'm making a follow up because I do not like to edit, seems dishonest.

[PCgamer98]

And they say nintendo is always trying to be different but this is just too much.

[Kurdishcurse]

BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!! holy hell nintendo plz keep shooting yourselves in the foot its iffin hilarious to witness!

[Exvalos]

Just unbelievable, I've no words.

[wonderfulmonkeyman]

That needs to change.
There needs to be an in-system application for this shit; no one's gonna use it otherwise.

[Moonman]

For the record I don't defend this, never have defended this and have been vocally against having a paid online if it is not up to par with other paid services.

[Livecustoms]

Luckily, if and when I do buy a switch I'll be using it more as a handheld device for games like Pokemon, Zelda and Mario. However for people that use this as home console I feel sorry for you lol, just get a Scorpio or Ps4Pro.

[Blaze929]

This is why i just can't rock with Nintendo anymore.

[NapalmSanctuary]

I have neither a smart phone or wi-fi. Still getting a Switch but not for online play, apparently. This is really annoying.

[GoGoGadge7]

jesus fucking christ....

My Amazon pre-order is literally on the chopping block.

[Moonman]

Nintendo needs to explain their online infrastructure before launch to the Switch owners who play Nintendo games online. I will give them a chance to explain but why is it taking so long to show it?? It will be free day 1 though so at least there is some breathing room.

[GoGoGadge7]

It's all just becoming either very convoluted, unnecessary, or totally lacking.

Why can't I charge the controller when its in its little dock thing?

Why must I use a seperate thing... THE PHONE to talk to my friends? That isn't a feature. That's a (minor) annoying hassle.

Also.. Reggie.. don't give me that BS about "bulky" headsets. Newsflash! Earbuds! And frankly.. anybody using a Turtle Beach (or other quality headset) can tell you you are out of your damn mind.

It's looking to be more and more a repeat of the WiiU.

My pre-order still stands. But without any sort of validity to all this stupid shit.... yeah... no... I'm happy on my PS4 Pro / Xbox One S.

Another key thing to mention, HAVING BOTH THOSE CONSOLES and then owning a Switch, you'd be out of your mind to buy any game available on the PS4 and Xbox that is available on the Switch just because. Once again Nintendo you will be a 1st party title box if I wind up owning you.

[Pancit_Canton]

You know what's even more funny? The PSVITA can do all this features on the system no problems. It's almost a six year old handheld console.

[NextGenCeo]

it is not a full online experience like PSN or Xbox Live and they asking paid subscription for that.
I'm trying to be positive still but why I'm using my phone for lobby or chat or finding servers.
Why Nintendo not putting more system resources like more memory and more cpu and make better online experience on that device right!

Obviously they choose this app thing because they don't want to use Nintendo Switch CPU and Ram for that voice chat and lobby or even friends texting thing.
Very clever right! They became ever single generation more cheap and cheaper system specs. Last 15 years. Good work Nintendo good work.
(Esl guy here so sorry for english)

[DarXyde]

I don't care for online gaming save for a few games, but that's pretty ridiculous. Nintendo definitely should not be charging for their online service. Not yet. They need to prove that their service is worth it.

Matchmaking and creating lobbies through a bloody smartphone app is not the answer. What if people don't have smartphones?

[Cy]

http://t.qkme.me/3oea3s.jpg

[Homushi]

It seems nobody is giving this truly much thought, and gamers as usual are not being level headed on this issue.

Firstly, Nintendo is thinking ahead here. Think about it. Offsetting social media aspects, such as setting up lobbies or voice chatting to an app on your smartphone(who doesn't have a smartphone on their person these days in this market?) reduces the load on a portable console like the switch. Additionally, how many of you actually spend time typing up messages to all your friends on your consoles using your controllers?! It's a horrible experience. Even PS4, they made a Playstation app and a Playstation messenger app. Why? It's so you can communicate more effectively and efficiently with your friends. Why is this a good idea? Because EVERYONE chats on their smartphones, whether it's facebook messenger, imessage, whatsapp, or whatever, this is the primary means of communication today. Additionally, it increases the battery life of the Switch, which ensures its continued viability online and on the go.

Secondly, as mentioned by few, we really don't know all the details of how this will work or how Nintendo intends to set it up. In fact, we really don't know anything yet. Therefore, before you start squealing like a bunch of pigs about why Nintendo is doing what it's doing, you should wait until you have all the information on hand, and then make a sound decision with proper analysis of the situation.

In short, Nintendo could potentially be making a smart move here. Wait until you have more information to make an informative and sound decision or critic about the issue, before throwing your tamper tantrum.

[yomfweeee]

Yes, PS has an app that allows you to send messages and it is easier than typing with your controller. But what does that have to do with voice chat or matchmaking?

Your second point, sure we don't know the details. But the way he worded it "that's how you'll do voice chat, that's how you'll do matchmaking" makes it sound like it is required.

[jmc8888]

Wishful thinking is nice, but you're simply wrong.

It's been confirmed many times. (and even if it hadn't, it's up to NINTENDO to make sure WE know about their device, especially since it's launching in 6 weeks)
http://www.neogaf.com/forum...

Not everyone has smartphones, especially kids. From what I just saw recently in an article it seems 68 percent do. That's quite a few that don't... AND not EVERY phone is necessarily supported. Apple may not. Windows phone might not. Blackberry?

Resources? Chat takes up almost nothing. It has NOTHING to do with resources, as devices with a TOTAL of 16-32mb's of RAM could do this stuff, and barely uses any CPU. (and remember this thing has 4 GB's).

It's not about HAVING an app for the go. I get what you are saying. But this is tying it to an app, where you can't do it UNLESS you use the app. Even then it'll be very cumbersome to have to juggle all this stuff. Could you imagine having kids juggling this big thing AND a smartphone? Give parents a heart attack watching their kids acting clumsy with perhaps $1000 worth of gear like that.

It's also not more effective to communicate with people this way versus having it through a console. It just isn't. If you need to shoot off a text/DM to your friend to jump online, that's WAAAY easier.

No they aren't making a smart move. It's an absolutely idiotic move. It's another 'handheld' only compromise (that no other handheld had to use) for their supposed 'console'.

[rainslacker]

Yeah yeah, all good and fine.

One reason why it's all moot....it splits the market.

Without fail, anything that isn't included with the console, isn't going to have support 100%, nor is it going to have 100% of the users be able to use it.

Voice chat uses a lot fewer resources than video capture and screen captures that can be uploaded to social media. But you don't see Nintendo dropping that in favor of a feature that is more likely to be valuable to the user.

Why? Well, those uploads help promote the product, and Nintendo wants to capture that social media fad that they did with the Wii, and Sony did early on with the PS4.

Texting friends with the controller. Yeah, that can be a pain. But you know....the screen on the switch is a touch screen....so it renders that argument moot. Of course, this is about voice chat and setting up lobbies. For all we know, you can text through the system itself, but I wouldn't be surprised if you can't.

The app for XBL/PSN is for using certain system functions while not at the system, or it could be used the way you suggest I suppose, but that isn't it's primary purpose. Again, moot argument, because this isn't an optional way to communicate, it's the primary way to do so.

It's great that using social media is a primary way to communicate. But what's that have to do with Switch? Wouldn't Nintendo actually be making their system have more value by providing functions on the system itself which fascilitate that, instead of making people use a seperate device, which ironically is taking sales away from their core product of game consoles?

True, we don't know all the details, but Nintendo's reason for the way they're doing it seems to suggest they think this is the best way. It would have been easy enough to say, "it's an option to provide all these things which we think will be convienant". Instead, we see a lot of spin to try and make it seem like they are clever and providing something that people will like.

Nintendo could be making a smart move, but based on what they've said, and how poorly they're explaining some things it doesn't seem like it. Plus, I don't think Nintendo is being that unclear with their features. People just can't wrap their heads around where Nintendo's head actually is right now.

[Master of Unlocking]

This time I really think this system will flop hard. So hard actually that it may very well be Nintendo's final console. Either that, or it will flop so hard that it will be Nintendo's saving grace that will force them to come up with a "real next-gen" system next time.
For the time being, and with every passing system since after the SNES, I'm glad I jumped ship to board Sony's. Even the occasional Zelda The Wind Waker or Super Mario Sunshine or the Metroid Prime Trilogy HD are not enough to justify putting up with such garbage hardware and policies.

[Lonnie18]

Wow that's gonna be some broken #hit lol

[trooper_]

This is not the Nintendo I grew up with.

[gedden7]

Take a second and think... This is not all the details. How can you ANY competitive gamer use voice chat on there phone and play games on their TV or at a hot spot with no sound? Think about that. Nintendo is weird but not DUMB. Every should calm down AND WAIT to see this in action before you are so quick to judge. Example as a Question: Can you get game invites from your PS4 when you system is off? You can with your Xb1 because of what? A APP. This Nintendo app is just a conduit of a app that is fully integrated into the Switch. Just wait before you judge.

[feedthereaper]

"This is a really good feature from Nintendo that will be really well received by gamers" -- Said no gamer, ever!

Rumours that a power cable is not included, nor an option for one available, and that Nintendo are offering a £129 set of pedals to power the console, have so far been nothing but rumour.......yet!

[lizard81288]

Are they seeing how fast people will...switch...to the competition?

[slavish0]

They should just let us play on our mobile devices with all there games why they are at it. Epic fail.

[Triggytrolls]

This is retarded.

[Gr8saiyaman88]

No opinion until I see it in action. It may just be the next thing Sony/M$ copies from Nintendo, or it could be an utter joke. : p

[Dragonscale]

Another compromise lol.

[Stapleface]

If they don't change this I can see many just staying offline. Mario Kart is fun enough with just local mp, same with Bomberman, etc. No in can defend this. WTF Nintendo.

[AfroBushido]

LMAO, even my PSVita can do Party Chat and matchmaking! This is inexcusable, Nintendo seriously needs to change their stance on this. Video game phone apps are supposed to be optional not mandatory (ie: Playstation App and Xbox App), and they shouldn't lock main features to them.

Nintendo wants to be different so bad that they're killing themselves smh...

[Apex13]

Initially I was pissed but then I thought how do you make a truly portable system, online and communicate? This isn't as stupid as I initially thought.

[OzzY-waZZy]

Just like my avatar, Nintendo makes all the right moves! /s

[dubal-e]

I believe that you will be able to do this on both switch andddd the app. I dunno just guessing

[AndreR]

i hope its an app in the nintendo switch! Cause if you have to own a smart phone to be able to make machmaking on the switch, then i am out. bye bye nintendo. i dont own a mobile phone. I really hope it is a app built in the switch and not a app for the phone.

[corroios]

Maybe they can ask fellow company sony to use the psn for their games! I dont have words tothe level of amateurism they are showing. Out of this world.

Nintendo does billions with just the pokemon franchise and they dont want to have their own network, like sony or microsoft .

[HAL90000]

This is a terrible idea, and having a windows phone id be guessing im SOL on this one, and its a paid service, who would pay for this

[fatneal]

i dont understand this decision...maybe they decided to use an app to help keep young children from the inevitable crazy language game chatting comes with...either way i think we all are overreacting because most people are within arms reach of a phone or tablet at all times

[jmc8888]

Don't worry, I'm sure they have a $100 phone stand to attach to your Switch, problem is, it'll only fit one size of phone, and yours likely won't fit.

This info has been out for awhile, it just was basically confirmed though.

Many kids have smartphones, many do not. I can imagine kids (or hell even adults) trying to juggle a phone, a switch, and a headset/earbud/whatever. I'm sure parents will LOVE seeing their kids juggling all this expensive stuff, or having to deal with their screaming children who want one and are promising to be careful. Over and over and over again.

All of these devices have to be charged and ready. Your phone has to be in an area where it gets a decent signal.

I can see how juggling all this stuff is great for 'portability'. I foresee many drop phones and switch's having to juggle all this stuff. I can also see it leading to accidents (which can happen with ANY distraction in public), but now you'll have two things to deal with, so thus more distracted and more accidents.

[jmc8888]

The more I think about it, the more I realize that Switch is actually far more confusing then a Wii U.

Here's a mock conversation I came up with where a die hard tries to tell his friend about this Switch.

I've got Nintendo's new console
-Oh new console, huh. Does it play CoD, Battlefield, Mass Effect, GTA, Fallout, Battlefront, etc.
NO
-Well that's what's on other consoles
Well it's a portable and doesn't have that much power
-Well then it's a handheld
No, you can plug it into your tv, it's a console
-But it doesn't play any of the games on...
IT JUST IS BECAUSE REGGIE TOLD ME SO, IT'S A CONSOLE HYBRID
-Well ok, I don't wanna fight, so how's the online?
Well they are still building it, so it'll get better
-So it's still free?
Yes... I mean No, but it's free for a few months until it's built
-OK, so is it easy to chat w/friends?
Well you take out your smartphone...
-Wait, your phone? What if you don't have one?
Well get one... once you have it, you download a app
-Is the app free since you are paying for the online?
I don't know, I think it's paid
-What?
Yeah, well whatever the case is, you use it to chat online
-That sounds crazy stupid
Naw, it's elegant, REGGIE SAYS SO
-Um.. no. Well I guess I won't be talking while playing online
Actually you need the app through the phone to find matches as well
-WTF? Are you serious?
Serious as a heart attack
-Well gee, um... so since the Switch is so weak, and offloads all these features, it's cheap right?
It's $299
-$299? That's more than PS4 and XB1!
Yeah
-That doesn't sound good. It has a regular controller right?
Nope, just the joycons, think Wii Motion Plus HD
-OK, so how much is a controller?
$70
-WTF?
Oh don't worry it's cheaper then an additional set of Joy Cons at $110
-WTF? How much memory does it have?
32GB's, Well you can use microSD cards to expand that, just buy a 128gb or 256 gb or two.
-WTF? So I need to buy $50-100 or thereabouts to have decent memory? What's the battery life?
2.5-6.5 hours
-Seriously? Can I play while it charges at least?
NOPE
-So let me get this straight. Nintendo wants me and everyone to have a smartphone, pay for online, juggle all this inconvenient crap, likely pay for the app, a pro controller, extra memory, and $299 on top of that?
YEP
-So let's add that up. $299+70+50-100+online+app...Th at's like priced above the PS4 Pro and close to the rumored Xbox Scorpio price and I can't even play the latest AAA 3rd party games? A steal.
I KNOW, REGGIE SAYS WE'RE GOING TO LOVE IT ONCE WE EXPERIENCE IT
-Well they haven't put out many games for Wii U, so this is going to launch with a lot of games right?
Nope, 5, 6, maybe 7 if you count Constructor which will likely be an eShop title. Oh and you can get Zelda on WIi U
-So why would I buy this?
Because it's Nintendo's next system, it's elegant, it's portable, and you're buying it for the Nintendo experience. Isn't this easier to explain then the Wii U gamepad?
-Um yeah, sure, it's clearer. Some experience. My wallet will be far lighter then it should and my nerves on edge having to jump through all these insane hoops and can't even play the latest games everyone wants.
Remember to preorder!
-No thanks, I'll um, wait a while, yeah that's it. (as in until Nintendo finds their mind they've clearly lost)

[Lightsbane]

I have a Windows Phone and I'm not changing. I love that OS.

I'd rather just skip the Switch, to be perfectly honest.

[SpoonyRedMage]

If you want to make your voice heard please consider signing this petition:
https://www.change.org/p/ni...

[TXIDarkAvenger]

"We also think it’s a very elegant solution..."

Are you kidding me? Surely it should be possible to do all that on the system itself. I just can't understand the reasoning. I'm glad I have no interest in online once you have to pay, cause this is some BS.

[BioNeo]

What next? you need to buy games from itunes? game saves to floppy disk? Oh i know Nintendo Walkie talkies for private chat!!!

[SojournUK]

Way to offload CPU jobs lol

[1nsomniac]

Nintendo is clearly now run by statistic & marketing people. Who are completely out of their depth & don't understand what industry they're in.

They've obviously had some guy look at a few analytic graphs & pie charts then said "look the lines go higher & the slices get bigger in the mobile phone sector. We don't know how to make a phone so let's make a console with a focus on the phone. Surely that'll work, right!?"

It has nothing to do with gaming anymore. It's just businessmen trying to play a business they don't understand.

[gamer7804]

"Just when i think you couldn't be any dumber, you go off and do something like this... and totally redeem yourself!!!"

/sigh nintendo think of families that doesn't have extra smart devices, or those with regular phones or those with windows mobile or microsoft devices. There must be a way to do this from within the console.

[thejigisup]

This could be done well.... But it'll probably end up horrible

[1nsomniac]

..Not to mention we all live in a society that we all globally moan about how rubbish the batteries are in our phones these days. That we can barely make it through a day at work before it needs putting on charge.

If anyone has ever used their phone to tether their Wifi they'll know that it drains the battery 500x over more quickly than anything else you can use your phone for which in turn also will unquestionably raise phone handset temperature. Good luck with that Nintendo, Samsung are holding a space for you on the special bus when you arrive.

[YoshiMane]

WTF Nintendo! Seriously debating canceling my pre-order. If it wasn't for Zelda... Please Quit making consoles, stick to games only!

[Mrveryodd]

NintenDONT

[Athos]

I am taking a wait and see approach on this. I have no idea what the app does or why they went that route. Maybe, just maybe they have a reason for it that makes sense. I have 2 Switch's on preorder and am very much looking forward to it.

[King_Lothric]

I am shocked 😲. There are many factors here to consider:

- Smartphone battery: it is going to drain my battery faster? If you are playing online and your phone dies then you are screwed.

- Smartphone data plan: If you have a limited data plan and this app drains lots of data, you are screwed.

Smartphone models and OS: Is this app compatible with Windows Phone, Android and iPhone? Does it support all OS versions for example: from Android 3.0 and up or IOS 6 and up? If not, you are screwed.

Smartphone connection : Bluetooth or WiFi direct?

What a mess 😔

[zaherdab]

This is very kids friendly .... now u need to buy ur kids a phone for them to play online

[frostypants]

How is ADDING complexity ever a good thing?!

What's next?

"Game and DLC downloads will be handled by using your PC's FTP client!!! Awesome and innovative!"

[Doja]

NES Classic is looking like the Nintendo console to get this year.

[Donnie81]

Omg they really are trying to get people to pay for this online service

[Aquietguy]

So basically, if you take your Switch on the go you can play online through your phone? That's what I'm getting from Nintendo's statement. I find it hard to believe it won't have wifi. And maybe part of the subscription is unlimited data.

The only issue I have is how vague their responses are and the "bulky headset" BS from Reggie.

[Ol_Boy]

Nintendo has been scared of including voice chat in their consoles because they want to make sure they keep it kid friendly. I think this is their way of keeping the console without the voice chat but having an option for people with smartphones (mostly older gamers) to be able to chat. I think it's idiotic but seeing how Nintendo has always been weird about voice chat, it seems like a plausible reason to me.

[MeteorPanda]

and whats stopping gamers from using free shit like..discord? Skype? Knowing how anarchic nintendo is with online l wouldnt reccomend that shit to anyone.

Hell learn from Monster hunter's 3ds experience. took them 3 games to figure out that if you have room name settings like 'event only'..you should be able to SEARCH FOR 'EVENT ONLY' ROOMS.

[spektical]

damn someone must have rolled a couple joints too much, and by a couple i mean a million. Management is given snoop a run for his money on the most baked entity in history.

[payikick]

Da fwak?????

[Terror2k9]

So if you need to use your phone for all this stuff What the hell people need to pay a service for? They said servers cost money but expect you to use your phone wtf?

[iofhua]

WTF this is total BS. What's the point of charging for paid online, if you aren't getting online for the subscription?

That's it. I was excited about this, but I'm not buying a Switch unless they remove the sub for online features, or they include lobbies and voice chat. There's no excuse for this.

Not including lobbies and voice chat for their online sub, is just money-grabbing greed. This is pathetic. And no, I'm not buying an iphone just to use all the features of the Switch. Whoever conceived this idea should be shot for incompetence.

[InTheZoneAC]

Nintendo wouldn't be using a phone for all their features if their main console wasn't underpowered. They are trying to allow the system to allocate all resources to the game itself, but they can't do that without the power of the phone...

Whatever their intent is, this is beyond stupid. Every day it looks stronger and stronger that I'll be buying Zelda for the Wii U, like I originally intended when I bought this system.

[Knightofelemia]

I understand it being portable yes. But I am not going to look like an idiot in a doctors office in a party chat playing the Switch. Nintendo should follow Microsoft and Sony when the thing is in the cradle fire up a party chat that way.

[Soulrakk]

And they're charging for online play. LOLOL! No built in system whatsoever...I'll be happy as fuck when I get to play Nintendo games on PS4 or Xbox.

[Knightofelemia]

I understand it can be portable to. But I don't want to look like an idiot having a party chat in public. Honestly Nintendo should have followed Microsoft and Sony and enabled party chat when the thing is in its cradle. Half the time phone apps don't work the Playstation app works time to time. I guess when the phone app decides not to work then not party, wtf are you smoking?

[ShadowKing-]

yeah i don't know what Nintendo is thinking with this console. Are they purposely try to piss people off? the more i read on this thing the more i want to keep my WII-U, i thought the Wii-U was bad. I am literally SWITCHED OFF on this hardware.

[DualWielding]

#nintendoomed