Voice chat on the Switch will consist of a paid app on "smart" devices (your phone)

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Nintendo please stop.
 
https://www.nintendo.co.jp/hardware/switch/specs/index.html#1

If you read the Japanese there (linked because the image is huge), where it points to the audio jack it says "headphone, mic, or headset with mic can be used here." (grey text). It uses the word "shihan," at first, something like, "commercial," likely meaning that any headset could be used through that port.

So there's definitely the capacity for audio input through that port. The English translation just leaves all that subtext out for some reason.
So..... Whats going on?

This thread may be premature. Perhaps the app just allows you to easily organize and view information and is a option for people who dont want to buy headsets.
 
lol. Reggie needing to take a shot of whisky before delivering that sweet corporate ballwashing PR. Or sweet solution I should say.

What the fuck?

Vita can party chat just fine on the "go". How the hell will game audio and chat go through your phone? And phone quality headphones won't be as good as gaming ones or a high end one. the fuck Nintendo
 
Okay, so the app runs in the background.

So what if I don't want to have to use my phone to voice chat on my console? What if it's charging across the room? Why is Nintendo forcing the use of this app?

If they want to offer the app as an option, fantastic. But to force it? Nope.

And to make it an app where you have to pay to gain voice chat functionality (as it currently appears)? Double nope with a side of fuck you, Nintendo.

Yes, in that case you are SOL. It would be great if Nintendo offered an option. However, this is the direction in which XBL is moving, and I am confident Sony will follow too, eventually chatting from your console will be the least popular options and the least supported.
 
Good point. Without Nintendo's online service, how else would I use my MOBILE PHONE to chat with friends when I"m away from my Switch.

You can chat to 7 friends who are all in game of MKart using your phone? I'm not defending this nonsense just offering an example.
 
You can chat to 7 friends who are all in game of MKart using your phone? I'm not defending this nonsense just offering an example.

Whatever the merits of a mobile application it should be in addition to a console OS wide solution. Like how PSN does it, and it's party chat is free to non subscribers...
 
So, real question: if I'm using voice chat on my phone, is the console going to be transmitting audio to my phone as well? Or am I now stuck between listening to my friends blabber or listening to the in-game audio? Because that's a joke choice.
 
Because Snapchat/Discord are not integrated with the game. If this app is actually aware of the game you are playing, it opens up tons of possibilities. I think it is a stupid fucking move that Nintendo is making you pay for it, but it is forward thinking to decouple the communication experience from the console.

I think you are giving Nintendo way, way too much leeway and not taking into account the obvious negatives. Even if it were free I think it's incredibly obtuse. But I'm curious:

What are the benefits that you think this app can or will have that outweigh native chat support plus the ubiquitous and free Discord?

The best I can come up with is a Nintendo version of Twitch, but that's giving them way too much credit and still wouldn't substitute just being able to plug a headset up to a console and talk to friends or the lobby of the game you are currently in.
 
Like why am I being forced to use a shit inline mic on my phone just because Nintendo wants me too. Like shit? The fuck man. My headset isn't bulky it's fine for me. Let ME decide
 
Yes, in that case you are SOL. It would be great if Nintendo offered an option. However, this is the direction in which XBL is moving, and I am confident Sony will follow too, eventually chatting from your console will be the least popular options and the least supported.


That is not the direction MS is moving....at all. Idk where you're getting thay from just because they offer you the option send messages through smartglass. I have over a 100 friends on xbox live and 50 or so on psn and most of us still use party chat on the console. SONY has the same option to send messages through their app but it's an option, not mandatory.


I chat through discord for DestinyGAF when we want to set up activites but once we do, we all just go through the party chat option on the console because it's just easier and convenient.
 
So, real question: if I'm using voice chat on my phone, is the console going to be transmitting audio to my phone as well? Or am I now stuck between listening to my friends blabber or listening to the in-game audio? Because that's a joke choice.

Right now I voice chat with my friends through Discord which isn't aware of the game, and I never have audio problems. If the app was aware of the game, things could only improve. I don't see how they could strive to make something worse when the default is already good.
 
So, real question: if I'm using voice chat on my phone, is the console going to be transmitting audio to my phone as well? Or am I now stuck between listening to my friends blabber or listening to the in-game audio? Because that's a joke choice.

Yeah, that's a good point. I can't imagine that the app would incorporate in-game audio
 
My mate already talks to us while he plays games on his mobile with Discord...and its free.

What baffles me about Nintendo is them just refusing to use anyone elses shit and thinking they can sell Nintendo stuff no matter what.

Like in the situation they are currently in how hard would it be to say " we have an unprecedented partnership with discord for chat services"

But no here comes more proprietary bs noone asked for.

Here's a prediction for you ... This Nintendo app will be flooded with one star ratings. And noone will chat on switch games
 
Like why am I being forced to use a shit inline mic on my phone just because Nintendo wants me too. Like shit? The fuck man. My headset isn't buily it's fine for me. Let ME decide

you could always put it on speaker phone. now you're free and as an added bonus your friends get to hear slightly delayed audio of the game they're playing through a tin can.
 
Wow nothing to add regarding disappointment that others haven't already said, except Reggie's statement. Trying to pitch the app as solving a bulky headset problem when it adds even more unnecessary bulk is downright insulting.
 
That is not the direction MS is moving....at all. Idk where you're getting thay from just because they offer you the option send messages through smartglass. I have over a 100 friends on xbox live and 50 or so on psn and most of us still use party chat on the console. SONY has the same option to send messages through their app but it's an option, not mandatory.


I chat through discord for DestinyGAF when we want to set up activites but once we do, we all just go through the party chat option on the console because it's just easier and convenient.

https://www.onmsft.com/news/microsoft-launches-official-xbox-server-discord

I am making an educated guess but perhaps Microsoft will soon allow you to voice chat through Smartglass.
 
Like why am I being forced to use a shit inline mic on my phone just because Nintendo wants me too. Like shit? The fuck man. My headset isn't buily it's fine for me. Let ME decide

I don't understand this, why do they care what headphones we use. Regardless of what app or party chat, I'm still going to use my "bulky" headset, any above average gamer will too. It makes zero sense to use that as an argument, don't tell me what to or not to use. That's not only out of touch, but makes zero sense to me.

I'm going to use "my bulky headset" to get the top quality that I can afford so I can enjoy my games online with my friends. Nintendo, it's none of your business as to what headphones I use because you know what? I don't use small cheap headphones w/ a microphone attached. Sorry, not happening. I hope there's a big enough backlash for them to revert this.

[EDIT] There's no real way to defend this stupid app nonsense. It's dumb, it's stupid and it's overly complicated for no reason.
 
How does Nintendo have such fucking difficulty with this shit?

Slack is a company at a 3.8 billion valuation with about a third of their 200+ engineers mostly dedicated to communication software and they just implemented voice chat.

It isn't difficult, but implementing it right takes effort.
 
I'm confused.

So I have to download an app on my phone and sync that with my Switch to chat with people online?...

what. the. fuck.....
 
Welp, so much for "being unclear". This may be the worst online related decision I've ever seen in my life (aside from friend codes). Nintendo, you deserve to be butt of the entire industry. At least your game devs have the right ideas
 
Do you honestly think they'll eliminate the ability to chat through the console if they do though? Like I said, it's a cool feature in addition, but not as the exclusive method. That's not forward thinking, that's passing the buck.

Yes, if there is roadmap for the future of the Xbox platform, I am willing to bet that it points at SmartGlass being the primary UI in five years. Chatting through the console will still be supported, but not the primary most popular method.
 
Right now I voice chat with my friends through Discord which isn't aware of the game, and I never have audio problems. If the app was aware of the game, things could only improve. I don't see how they could strive to make something worse when the default is already good.
That's exactly what this is though. The implementation of voice chat that they're offering is practically striving to be worse than the default chat systems on the competitors' platforms.
you could always put it on speaker phone. now you're free and as an added bonus your friends get to hear slightly delayed audio of the game they're playing through a tin can.
lmaooo.
 
Yes, if there is roadmap for the future of the Xbox platform, I am willing to bet that it points at SmartGlass being the primary UI in five years. Chatting through the console will still be supported, but not the primary most popular method.

It makes no sense for games though, because you can either hear SmartGlass or hear the game. If you can somehow route the game audio through my phone/tablet while I play/chat then that's fine... but I have never seen that before and have no idea how it would work... though I guess it might be technically possible.
 
you could always put it on speaker phone. now you're free and as an added bonus your friends get to hear slightly delayed audio of the game they're playing through a tin can.

Discord already solves this by muting audio sources that are not near the communicator. We are in 2016, are you living in the 90's?

It makes no sense for games though, because you can either hear SmartGlass or hear the game. If you can somehow route the game audio through my phone/tablet while I play/chat then that's fine... but I have never seen that before and have no idea how it would work... though I guess it might be technically possible.

It already works. Download Discord, and play a game with your phone on speaker mode while chatting with people.
 
It makes no sense for games though, because you can either hear SmartGlass or hear the game. If you can somehow route the game audio through my phone/tablet while I play/chat then that's fine... but I have never seen that before and have no idea how it would work... though I guess it might be technically possible.

Of course then the question is why aren't you just using your console? If there is some cool ancillary things to do with Smartglass then have your tablet beside you, but I don't see how removing native console chat or even promoting using tablets or smartphones is a good choice.
 
http://nintendoeverything.com/reggi...assic-games-supply-concerns-3ds-here-to-stay/
Reggie said:
Instead of having some sort of bulky gamer headset, you'll be able to do it right off your smartphone, put in your earbuds that you use for your standard mobile device. We think that's a pretty sweet solution. That's part of the overall opportunity that we see in a subscription service.

As muddled as the Switch presentation was, having mercilessly less of this idiot was to its betterment.

The sooner they completely phase him out, the better.
 
These accessory descriptions are making it unclear to me. Or am I reading them wrong? Many of their other accessories are officially licensed by Nintendo.

PDP Afterglow LVL 1 Chat Communicator for Nintendo Switch


Hear and experience your favorite games without boundaries with the Afterglow LVL 1 Chat Communicator for Nintendo Switch. The light-weight frame and on-ear design allows you to play comfortably and stay connected to friends during exciting adventures. Block out distractions with the flexible boom and noise-canceling microphone and adjust volume with the easily accessible in-line controls. Bring the full Nintendo Switch gaming experience to life and marvel at the communicator's crystal clear sound design specially tuned for the Nintendo Switch system.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N5PB7VV/?tag=neogaf0e-20


PDP Afterglow LVL 3 Gaming Stereo Headset for Nintendo Switch


Experience your favorite games without boundaries and stay connected to friends during exciting adventures with the Afterglow LVL 3 Gaming Stereo Headset for Nintendo Switch. Block out distractions with the flexible boom and noise-canceling microphone and adjust volume with the easily accessible in-line controls. Plug in your headset to your system, marvel at the crystal clear sound design brought to you through powerful 40mm Neodymium drivers, and bring the full Nintendo Switch gaming experience to life.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N5PB7VV/?tag=neogaf0e-20
 
in this thread it feels like it

also it's 2017

Good catch. Everything people are pointing out as potential issues have been already solved by smaller players in this industry. I am no Nintendo fan, and I can see them botching the execution, but the idea is forward thinking as I originally expressed.
 
These accessory descriptions are making it unclear to me. Or am I reading them wrong? Many of their other accessories are officially licensed by Nintendo.

PDP Afterglow LVL 1 Chat Communicator for Nintendo Switch





https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N5PB7VV/?tag=neogaf0e-20


PDP Afterglow LVL 3 Gaming Stereo Headset for Nintendo Switch





https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N5PB7VV/?tag=neogaf0e-20


Now now, wouldn't these too big for the Switch? I mean we are looking at bulky headsets here :)
 
https://www.onmsft.com/news/microsoft-launches-official-xbox-server-discord

I am making an educated guess but perhaps Microsoft will soon allow you to voice chat through Smartglass.


MS is giving us another option to use. This is not going to replace party chat on the console though.

If Nintendo offered this as an option and not the only way to party chat then this thread wouldn't have this much negative feed back but Nintendo somehow thinks this should be the only option and that's what most of us are baffled about.

It's just a half ass excuse to not have a party chat app on the console itself. NINTENDO really needs to get their heads out of their asses and understand why xbox live and eventually psn became so big.

I remember GAF when ps4 OS features were announced and everyone was ecstatic about finally having a party chat option like Xbox Live already had for years. When I saw Nintendo announce they would be charging to play online, I fully expected them to finally catch up with how and online infastructure should work like XBL/PSN but I guess Nintendo thinks otherwise.
 
As muddled as the Switch presentation was, having mercilessly less of this idiot was to its betterment.

The sooner they completely phase him out, the better.

I will never, ever understand this glorification of Nintendo suits.

People even make fanarts of these dudes...

And Nintendo actively tries to present this bunch of unlikable men in suits as some sort of mascots...

It's so weird
 
So..... Whats going on?

This thread may be premature. Perhaps the app just allows you to easily organize and view information and is a option for people who dont want to buy headsets.

There is zero reason for them to mention something this dumb unless it's something they think people actually want and they're going all-in on it.
 
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