Nintendo's Reggie Fils-Aimé On Why The Switch Uses A Mobile App For Voice Chat

"Nintendo's approach is to do things differently"

[-Foxtrot]

So what? Do things differently even if people don’t like it or it’s super awkward?

Nintendo in a nutshell. This is why they are so stuck in the past and always behind, their stupid pride gets in the way of just going “well our competitors do X, Y and Z, it’s worked really well and people like it, let’s build on that then give it a Nintendo touch”

[Nitrowolf2]

Just the standard PR talk when a company knows they’ve done something the wrong way but won’t admit it and are far to invested thinking it’s the way of going forward. Being different isn’t always the good decision.

It’s dumb, to say that the reason you have VO on the phone because it’s always with you whole purpose is defeated when you typically VO when your playing games with friends, in which case the console always with you. And it’s not like that doesn’t create an awkward situation to having your phone out and switch at the same time.

I’d imagine if ur doing that in public you’d need ur phone on speaker, cause again if it’s a matter of it always being with you than ur headset for the switch isn’t going to always be with you. That thought is also countered by the fact that’s you are also carrying your switch with you sooooo....

Like I get some people just enjoy chatting, but there are far better apps that are easily accessible on the phone than the Nintendo app (discord, Skype, hangouts, you know apps we’ve had for the last 10 years)

[Purrfection]

Why can't Switch do both and have the regular way to chat when the system is docked?

[pietro1212]

HusbandAndWifeGaming you're completely wrong. The PS Vita offered voice and it's a weaker console compared to the Switch

[Concertoine]

I think Nintendo knows this isnt a good method. They just didnt want to invest in their online infrastructure.

[Skull521]

Gotta start somewhere. They are only 16 years behind Microsoft’s network and 11 years behind Sony’s network lol. Probably should have gotten on that sooner...

[tehpees3]

I'll cut in here because he is lying. Its US laws involving the FCC which have changed regulations on communication over portable devices over the years.

Its the law.

[Magog]

It has nothing to do with the law it's because Switch is so weak that they couldn't afford to devote the overhead.

[Gh05t]

WTF are you even talking about? This thing would be using WiFi to communicate they already have the FCC approved console to use the WiFi. It's VoIP.

Maybe you can enlighten us exactly which FCC regulation won't allow a device that has WiFi to allow for communication knowing full well that it is allowed for cell phones at the same time?

[remixx116]

So Vita can allow voice chat over WiFi through the system but switch can't??

[deafdani]

@HusbandAndWifeGaming

The DS, the freakin' DS, which came out in 2004 or 2005 (don't remember exactly), had voice chat.

The Switch is more than capable. Stop making excuses in behalf of Nintendo, they half-assed it and we shouldn't just accept it and move on. When people complain about something in big enough numbers, companies take notice. Just look at Sony and crossplay as a recent example.

[PlayableGamez-]

I have brain cancer now after reading this.

[AspiringProGenji]

Nintendo and their draconian ways as usual

[Sono421]

They use the word different as if it automatically means unique and or better. No, a voice chat app on your phone is not unique. No, using it as the main form of built in voice chat for your console is not innovative. Different=/=creative/good. They need to stop using this buzz word.

[ninsigma]

So you think when being out and about, using the device in portable mode, in situations that aren't necessarily the most comfortable and likely less safe for protecting your things, you want to add another device and a bunch of wires, making the whole thing more cumbersome?? For the sake of "do things differently"?? Absurd...

[agent4532]

That's the spirit says Nintendo PR

[TekoIie]

The excuse of trying to do something differently doesn't work when it's just inconvenient by comparison.

[Father__Merrin]

Absolutely rubbish.....why not just plug and play mic? It's actually quite simple

[kneon]

You mean like the Vita and Dualshock 4 have? I think even my PSP go supports a headset, though I've never tried it.

But that would be too simple, better to be different and stupid I guess.

[FinalFantasyFanatic]

I don't know why this has to be so needlessly complicated and cumbersome, at this stage when I get a Switch, I don't know if I want to take it online after all this trouble.

[DVAcme]

"Nintendo's approach is to do things stupidly."

Fixed.

[DarXyde]

"They’re excited about cloud saves and legacy content but wish we might deliver voice chat a different way, for example."

No, Reggie. No one asked for you to change what wasn't and isn't broken. What monster would say, "Please, Nintendo, I hate the way Microsoft and Sony deliver voice chat. PLEASE make my life a living hell and make me download an app on my phone that might not have enough storage (or worse yet, if you own an iPhone with finite storage)."

It was just a dumb move. If this is the defense they are offering, I am truly unimpressed.

And honestly, I love how Fortnite has basically blown the whistle on two companies now: first, they accidentally enabled cross play on PS4, then, they prove voice chat can work with Switch natively.

Epic might just be the most virtuous troll in the industry.

[agent4532]

No wonder Fortnite is so bloody popular. Sony and Nintendo pretty much killed Fprtnites' competition lol

[Istolla]

I love the Switch, but the phone app is stupid...

[jznrpg]

Different is ok when it’s beneficial but this is a pain in the ass. I use my phone .. wait for it... to communicate with people , not for video games, work , appointments , children’s school , important things. I don’t want to have my phone next to me to use voice chat for my Switch , I am trying to get away from all of that stuff while playing my games and you screwed it up by requiring a mobile app for Switch instead of having it built in. I would be pissed being interrupted by my phone ringing while playing games. I like my Switch, I played it today but this online thing sucks really bad . I will just skip MP on Switch all together until some better solution is found.

[chris235]

there is a huge difference between „doing things differently“ or „having no clue because too stubborn“. all thumbs down to this excuse for a business in kyoto.

[Good-Smurf]

His way of saying "NoJ decisions were stupid but I'm just their mouthpiece,why do you think I'm look all bummed and butthurt over the past year?"
"There I said it,no hard feelings folks my job's down the drain if I said what I'm really wanted to say."
Still what a stupid statement but there's a reason why he looked sad even if Switch selling well.

[OMGitzThatGuy]

Be different even if it kills ya, right Nintendo?

[FinalFantasyFanatic]

Well... The WiiU was a thing.

[agent4532]

Being different is nice but Nintendo screw this one up. For one having to take out say smartphone + switch just to chat while playing online on the bus doesn't sound like a fun experience does it.

[tehpees3]

Actually the truth is global law systems. Some countries have different laws and America is one of them. Because they've changed communication regulations through portable devices since the 2000s Nintendo had to come up with an alternative method and this is what they came up with.

If Sony or Microsoft did a handheld you'd see a similar terrible feature because its a compromise issue. Nintendo do traditional voice chat and they are breaking the law. Thats the issue.

[CarlDechance]

I don't buy that. You have links or references to back it up?

[SoulWarrior]

I can join party chats on Vita though, so how does that work?

[InKnight7s]

Because because because..... Its total pathetic thing to argue about.

[Gh05t]

Yeah No. Why would Nintendo take the flak if all they would have to do is blame the government?

They wanted their app installed on as many phones as possible and they saw this as the best way to force a Nintendo app.

[Blu3_Berry]

Oh please, this is such a pathetic excuse. He basically avoided the reason why it uses mobile app tech-wise and just made an excuse by saying Nintendo does things from its competitors (btw who are Nintendo's competitors if it ain't Xbox and Playstation?). It's clear that the Switch cannot operate an in-game system voice chat.

It will be interesting that if the rumored new switch that is aiming to release next year has an in-built voice system or not. If it does, then I really want to see how he will respond to that.

I'm sorry, but all these talks about how Nintendo wants to do things differently pisses me off. There's a difference between wanting to do things your way and delivering expected basic features that has been around for longer than a decade.

[Kosic]

Nintendo are stupid at times. They didn't want streamimg apps on the device because "everyone has other devices they can use for that purpose.."

It was to try stop people getting internet access and hacking the tablet at every angle.
The phone app, Ive not used and doubt I will for a long time. But it's just a bad excuse for a bandaid Fix.

[Gwiz]

Macgyver wants his device back Nintendo lol

[Hedstrom]

Why not try to do things better? Doing things diffrent because its diffrent is just absurd!

[tontontam0]

"What we see is a situation where we know that Nintendo Switch is being played in the open, at a park, on a metro bus. We believe the easiest way for you to connect and have a peer-to-peer experience with voice chat is with your mobile phone. It’s always there, it’s always with you."

please understand nintendo they are always pursuing innovation. this is a really brilliant solution by nintendo, in case you forgot your switch you can still voice chat.

[P_Bomb]

I’ve never seen a Switch at the park in my life. Would kinda get in the way of the soccer ball, baseball and frisbee aimed at your head.

[Gh05t]

I know this is a crazy concept but my phone has been letting me chat with my friends for a way longer time. I didn't need the Nintendo app or switch to do that on my phone. So having the ability to chat if I forgot my switch is stupid since I had that before the switch was a twinkle in anyone's eyes

[CrimsonWing69]

Oh right Reggie, it’s Nintendo being Nintendo, of course!

[masterfox]

The more he speaks the more is in a deep pit and yet some people will say they are innovating ?, so sad so damn sad.

[ChickeyCantor]

>We believe the easiest way for you to connect and have a peer-to-peer experience with voice chat is with your mobile phone. It’s always there, it’s always with you."

But reggie-man. You can't play switch if you don't have it on you.

[DrStronk]

Reggie must be real tired of defending this garbage app, lol.

[Lexreborn2]

Talking through an app with people isn’t really intelligent when it’s the sole method. I’m honestly still waiting for Sony and MS to allow party chat with mobile users. It’s interesting to me how people went crazy on Sony for restricting them on things like crossplay.

But why not demand more from say Nintendo to have embedded and app support for cross chat? Oh yeah, that’s because we can’t really ask for features we want. Just for topics that journalists can blow off the spectrum for hits

[execution17]

Too many people defending Nintendo's decisions and failing to realize how far behind Nintendo is on their online capabilities

[knickstr]

That's a terrible excuse. The reason is that nintendo is over a decade behind in online features and have no idea what they're doing. You always have your switch with you if you're going to play it on the go, run it through the switch. If youre out somewhere playing you dont want to have to hook up a bundle of candles that go from your switch to your phone and then to your headset.

[paintedgamer1984]

Because Nintendo are cheap. Theres absolutely no reason for this in 2018.

[Protagonist]

Exactly and they have always been cheap from no charger for the 3DS XL to cheap materials and feat. for the switch.

[paintedgamer1984]

Agreed, i dont know how they get away with this crap

[Acecalibur]

No excuse.

[jjb1981]

In other words: "because we need an excuse".

[darkwalker]

I'm sure there is a reason, but if had to guess, that isn't it. There's probably another REAL reason they want you to use an app.

[Munnkyman]

You can use voice chat on fortnite through the switch soooooo yeah this is bullshot. Just say somebody conviced you guys to pay for a phone app you didn’t need and it backfired

[Last_Boss]

LMFAO!!!! Puttin on the Ritz!!

[Sayai jin]

That's a lame excuse.

[WickedLester]

How does that dumbass say that crap with a straight face? I swear he is the textbook example of a corporate puppet. Can someone please duct tape his mouth? I'm tired of hearing him spew this nonsense.

[Fritzwochel]

Poor Reggie must try to PR talk away the ridiculous decisions Nintendo has taken. It's not the first time. Honestly it's awkward every time.

[LoveSpuds]

Reggie has been taking lessons in spin from Greenburg and Spencer by the looks of things 😜

[maximumspidey]

nintendo hasn't had a "real" console since the gamecube maybe the wii

[dantesparda]

Not even the Wii. The GC was their last good console. Nintendo suck nowadays and this is coming from a Nintendo fanboy since the NES through the GC days.

[Akarogg]

Switch is good

[maximumspidey]

you're right

[-volt-]

I could care less... Online gaming is incredibly toxic these days.

[conanlifts]

This is simply idiotic. It means that my children can never use voice chat with the switch as they do not and will not have a mobile phone anytime in the next few years. My personal belief is that children under at least 13-14 years old do not need their own phone, if they have them it simply makes them a target for being robbed. So Nintendos policy in my view is anti children, not to mention it is just plain stupid for everyone else. The result for me is to ensure I never use Nintendo online as it does not meet my needs.

[Akarogg]

Wow you're a strange pseudo Nazi parent

[conanlifts]

Why because I don't think pre teens need mobile phones? You have a warped idea of what a pseudonazi is if that is the case.

[Akarogg]

Your weird set of idiosyncrasies are evident to most people here

[conanlifts]

Of course they would be. A lot of people here are very closed minded and often have a huge bias to one thing or another. There are some good people on this site, but unfortunately they are not the majority. My view is simply that there are positives and negatives for everything. If you find that weird so be it.
As for this topic, if you think allowing a core, paid for, feature to be locked away behind a second device is fine, then I would argue that is an issue.

[The_Sage]

Everyone does what nintendont.