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[7DollarHagane]

I wonder if they will have some kind of integration with your cell phone network connection that can update your friends list and other OS level stuff using the app connected to the switch in mobile mode.

Maybe future enhancements to allow online play? It's just like tethering to your mobile connection but it would be a simpler setup. Maybe they could design asynchronous games to use the app to make smaller network updates in multiplayer games when you're not on wifi.

There's a lot of possibility here and I think it's a good idea to use the app as an online hub for the switch when it's in mobile and not connected to wifi.

 

[Papacheeks]

Will the app also support streaming as well? I know they mentioned screenshots, but I have not seen anyone mention streaming abilities.

They said something about capturing gameplay videos and said they that would be later, and they would talk about it.

So I guess we wait on that until they further explain.

 

[ThanksVision]

I am fairly upset Nintendo didn't come out of the gate EXPLAINING everything. I was under the impression that this conference/event would enlighten every detail about the Switch, barring opinions on game output and such. Like, this thing comes out in 5ish weeks and we don't have a full understanding of how the online works or how the OS functions

 

[DrROBschiz]

I wonder if they will have some kind of integration with your cell phone network connection that can update your friends list and other OS level stuff using the app connected to the switch in mobile mode.

Maybe future enhancements to allow online play? It's just like tethering to your mobile connection but it would be a simpler setup. Maybe they could design asynchronous games to use the app to make smaller network updates in multiplayer games when you're not on wifi.

There's a lot of possibility here and I think it's a good idea to use the app as an online hub for the switch when it's in mobile and not connected to wifi.

what it world are you even talking about

you know what i can do now on Vita?

use my phone as an access point and set it on a table with a charger

everything else is handled by the vita itself. super convenient and free form

you know what Nintendo wants you to do? juggle both devices because they can be bothered to fucking make and operating system and hardware that works and gives you options

 

[Starloard]

So I with a full surround sound setup. I still would need to tether my phone to me and use one earbud with a mic and an app just to chat? What about with randoms? I often tag up and chat with new people. Lol

This is pathetic.

 

[SeanR1221]

Huh never thought about this actually. Now that I do, this is actually a issue with certain game on the PS4, especially playing online. Battlefront for example makes the UI lag like nobodies business.

But then you could do it in Xbox (and PS2?).

What? I've played a bunch of Battlefront while in a private party and never noticed additional lag.

I mean this whole thing is insane.

I was doing party chat on my 360 back in 2008 while in college.

It's almost 10 years later and the newest Nintendo system can't do that.

 

[The Jutty]

So I with a full surround sound setup. I still would need to tether my phone to me and use one earbud with a mic and an app just to chat? What about with randoms? I often tag up and chat with new people. Lol

This is pathetic.

Also imagine just a group of like 4 people doing this the feedback from the game audio would be terrible.

 

[Nerazar]

I'm really interested to see just how this "app" looks and works. We just don't have many details yet besides a vague idea of what they plan to do. I really hope that we find this to be worth whatever they end of charging for it.

My initial impression is that this could be pretty great. I often have to walk away from my console while playing stuff on my Xbox, and I always lose connection by the time I get to the kitchen. Using a service like Skype requires adding friends separately from Xbox, which is a pain for playing with people I don't know. Here's hoping that they hit the right notes between functionality and price.

I am also not opposed to the general concept, as long as Nintendo provides the app to every smartphone brand without needing the newest firmware. A PC application would be nice, too, if they are getting at it.

Some details are interesting: the scheduling part, for example. Maybe you can sync gaming sessions to your calendar and arrange tournaments with that independently from the game. That's a neat feature, for sure.

However, I hope for their sake that it is possible listen to the game and the VC at the same time. Having your smartphone as center piece is great since it's coming along with you and nearly everyone has one... but they have to provide at least the basic functionality we are accustomed to.

Plus, I hope that the price is around the range of $20-$30, not PSN/XBL-levels. I don't expect Nintendo to match the quality instantly.

 

[sugarhigh4242]

About that Switch purchase...

PSP had subscription-free voice chat in 2005. Vita had subscription-free cross-game party chat on day one.

At some point I don't understand why Nintendo keeps trying to do online services in house. They've been consistently lousy at understanding how users play online, and they're always 3-5 years behind the curve. It would be better if Switch just ran Android and the built-in gaming features provided there.

 

[azyless]

I haven't been reading the thread but no one is defending this right?

Plenty of people are lol. It's "innovative" !

Next up, web browser through the Nintendo™ Windows 10 app, just keep your laptop on the couch near you and you no longer need to pause the game to go on the internet !

 

[7DollarHagane]

what it world are you even talking about

you know what i can do now on Vita?

use my phone as an access point and set it on a table with a charger

everything else is handled by the vita itself. super convenient and free form

you know what Nintendo wants you to do? juggle both devices because they can be bothered to fucking make and operating system and hardware that works and gives you options

Not everyone has tethering in their data plan and a lot of people don't know how to set it up. My wife barely does.

I'm talking about an integration between the app and the system to streamline the process and minimize impact on a data plan. When you tether, the system just acts like it's on wifi and chews through as much data as it wants.

 

[DrROBschiz]

Not everyone has tethering in their data plan and a lot of people don't know how to set it up. My wife barely does.

I'm talking about an integration between the app and the system to streamline the process and minimize impact on a data plan. When you tether, the system just acts like it's on wifi and chews through as much data as it wants.

you are being overly optimistiv about what Nintendo has to offer here

the app is just a social link app for your nintendo account

they are offloading functions that SHOULD be available on the device itself to your smartphone

its madness

 

[7DollarHagane]

Plenty of people are lol. It's "innovative" !

I think the subscription fee is absolute bullshit but using the smartphone app for the switch when not on wifi is innovative. It's useful and a way to accomplish the same thing without using switch resources or adding cost to the device.

I already only reply to messages and invites as well as use the store on ps4 through the app. It's a much better experience.

 

[Pyrokai]

why

why do we want an online setup thats worse that what can be offered on xbox360/Vita

geez guys... trying to say that os level features and party chat are less desirable than being tethered to a second device?

this thing is being marketed as an all in one hybrid AND they want you to pay to play online

i demand, at the very least, the bare minimum industry standard features

this is bullshit

Well, I mean.....I don't have much experience on console online games, but I kinda hate trying to communicate with people over PS3 (haven't used PS4/XBO).

I'm not saying it's worse or better, I'm just saying that I typically would set things up through my phone anyway in the past rather than use a console interface. I just found it to be easier to text and/or Skype with friends that way.

I'm not considering PC in this mix because I've always thought PC was a million times better anyway. As far as keyboard input and stuff, I would rank it as PC>phone>console.

I am also saying this as someone who would prefer text to speech, so I dunno. Either way, I'm fine with it. My phone doesn't leave my side as is : p

Also, in a more positive spin, maybe this app can act as the central hub for all things Nintendo online and I can set up game times and stuff even if I'm not around my Switch.

 

[AGoodODST]

What? I've played a bunch of Battlefront while in a private party and never noticed additional lag.

I mean this whole thing is insane.

I was doing party chat on my 360 back in 2008 while in college.

It's almost 10 years later and the newest Nintendo system can't do that.

I would take a video but I cba but I can assure the UI goes to shit while playing it and going back to the PS menu.

It like I said I doubt it's the reason as older consoles have done it. It's obviously a conscious decision for better or worse.

Or you could, you know, use the dozens of voice apps for free on your phone. You know, whatever.

I assume what they are going for here is that by being linked to your Switch you will have access to you FL and other stuff without the need to manually add people into a third party app. I don't think that is altogether a terrible idea to be fair. The price is an issue when comparing to 3rd party apps but then you won't be playing online without the subscription and then the app is "free"?

 

[Mikey Jr.]

I think the subscription fee is absolute bullshit but using the smartphone app for the switch when not on wifi is innovative. It's useful and a way to accomplish the same thing without using switch resources or adding cost to the device.

I already only reply to messages and invites as well as use the store on ps4 through the app. It's a much better experience.

Or you could, you know, use the dozens of voice apps for free on your phone. You know, whatever.

 

[azyless]

I think the subscription fee is absolute bullshit but using the smartphone app for the switch when not on wifi is innovative. It's useful and a way to accomplish the same thing without using switch resources or adding cost to the device.

I already only reply to messages and invites as well as use the store on ps4 through the app. It's a much better experience.

What am I reading lol. In what real life situation would you need voice chat when not on Wifi anyway ?

 

[DrROBschiz]

Well, I mean.....I don't have much experience on console online games, but I kinda hate trying to communicate with people over PS3 (haven't used PS4/XBO).

I'm not saying it's worse or better, I'm just saying that I typically would set things up through my phone anyway in the past rather than use a console interface. I just found it to be easier to text and/or Skype with friends that way.

I'm not considering PC in this mix because I've always thought PC was a million times better anyway. As far as keyboard input and stuff, I would rank it as PC>phone>console.

I am also saying this as someone who would prefer text to speech, so I dunno. Either way, I'm fine with it. My phone doesn't leave my side as is : p

Also, in a more positive spin, maybe this app can act as the central hub for all things Nintendo online and I can set up game times and stuff even if I'm not around my Switch.

ok great


you can already do this now with Nintendo doing NOTHING.... and you can do it for free

thats the point

fornthose of us expecting options that have been standard since 360.... its very disappointing

 

[Kei-]

So have they clarified if this is in addition to OS-based voice chat? Or is this really the only way?

I think the subscription fee is absolute bullshit but using the smartphone app for the switch when not on wifi is innovative. It's useful and a way to accomplish the same thing without using switch resources or adding cost to the device.

I already only reply to messages and invites as well as use the store on ps4 through the app. It's a much better experience.

How is creating a proprietary voice app innovative? there are many out there that are much better....

 

[azyless]

So have they clarified if this is in addition to OS-based voice chat? Or is this really the only way?

Everything points to it being the only way.

 

[sugarhigh4242]

Everything points to it being the only way.

just amazing. bravo to the whole team.

 

[Taij]

I am fairly upset Nintendo didn't come out of the gate EXPLAINING everything. I was under the impression that this conference/event would enlighten every detail about the Switch, barring opinions on game output and such. Like, this thing comes out in 5ish weeks and we don't have a full understanding of how the online works or how the OS functions

But this has been Nintendo's MO for a while now. Their marketing team takes the approach that they will release just a little information and that will tantalize everyone enough that it generates buzz and leads to people absolutely having to own the product.

The thing is that in 2017 there are leaks, "official sources", and random internet posters all spreading their own info which leads to so much confusion about what's actually going on. Look at how Nintendo announced the Wii-U, tons of people thought that it was an addon for the wii. But the other problem with the Switch, and Nintendo in general, is that they want to compete (with Sony/MS) without directly competing. So they have an online system but they don't really have it done, and they still want to maintain a LOT of control over all of it, and don't really want to spend a ton of money on it, but want it to make a lot of money. So again they tantalize people saying "we have an online service!! Free games!! MP!!" but they don't want to detail what they really have because they know that it isn't impressive on paper, at least yet, maybe they have plans to bring it up to par and make it actually compete but detailing what it will have in 3 years just points out what it won't have now.

Any way yeah, it sucks that Nintendo doesn't give actual information that would be useful in making an informed purchase, but that's what they do and you either ignore their marketing until you know the truth or you buy in and feed off the dreams.

 

[Cynar]

Well, I mean.....I don't have much experience on console online games, but I kinda hate trying to communicate with people over PS3 (haven't used PS4/XBO).

I'm not saying it's worse or better, I'm just saying that I typically would set things up through my phone anyway in the past rather than use a console interface. I just found it to be easier to text and/or Skype with friends that way.

I'm not considering PC in this mix because I've always thought PC was a million times better anyway. As far as keyboard input and stuff, I would rank it as PC>phone>console.

I am also saying this as someone who would prefer text to speech, so I dunno. Either way, I'm fine with it. My phone doesn't leave my side as is : p

Also, in a more positive spin, maybe this app can act as the central hub for all things Nintendo online and I can set up game times and stuff even if I'm not around my Switch.

It's awful. Just because of your ignorance of other online services which are light years better doesn't mean this is acceptable. This is absolutely backwards. This and the rental game each month is the thing that pissed me off most about this conference. Their competition has been doing this for years and all they had to do was match features and they STILL can't do that. Nintendo just does not understand the internet at all.

 

[Niter]

I think this was obviously a conscious decision by Nintendo for two reasons:

1. Nintendo wants you to be more connected to Nintendo Online. We use social media mostly by our smartphones and they want us to use theirs as well. More we use it, more we will be tied to the Nintendo ecosystem.

2. Off load precious resources from the gaming device. Pausing game to chat actually takes more resources than people realize. CPU context switching and memory requirement will be higher because now the game and the OS requires larger dedicated allocations of memory for a smooth user experience to switch between them.

I know the general consensus here is not positive but like many things I would wait until we get more details on how it is.

 

[DrROBschiz]

I think this was obviously a conscious decision by Nintendo for two reasons:

1. Nintendo wants you to be more connected to Nintendo Online. We use social media mostly by our smartphones and they want us to use theirs as well. More we use it, more we will be tied to the Nintendo ecosystem.

2. Off load precious resources from the gaming device. Pausing game to chat actually takes more resources than people realize. CPU context switching and memory requirement will be higher because now the game and the OS requires larger dedicated allocations of memory for a smooth user experience to switch between them.

I know the general consensus here is not positive but like many things I would wait until we get more details on how it is.

mental gymnastics again?

Vita does party chat and ive never had issues on any platform before switch going back to the 360

gimme a damn break

 

[RulkezX]

mental gymnastics again?

Vita does party chat and ive never had issues on any platform before switch going back to the 360

gimme a damn break

NintendoGAF is the best GAF

Spoiler

For trying to rationalise fucking nonsense decisions

 

[Jaded Alyx]

About that Switch purchase...

PSP had subscription-free voice chat in 2005. Vita had subscription-free cross-game party chat on day one.

At some point I don't understand why Nintendo keeps trying to do online services in house. .

The rumour is DeNA is handling it. The DS had voice chat too btw.

I suppose this and the Parental Controls app are what those rumours were about. The ones about smartphone connectivity....

 

[EVH]

NintendoGAF is the best GAF

Spoiler

For trying to rationalise fucking nonsense decisions

The land of the "acceptable friend codes" and "achievements are shit because the interface is intrusive and the per-game crappy stickers are better". I'm actually happy they are doing this bullshit, it's funny to see more stretching in this thread than in a Yoga class. When you see that they finally ditch friend codes, they make it impossible to communicate like any other reasonable system.

 

[DrROBschiz]

you know who else has mobile apps that connect you to their ecosystems?

Sony and Microsoft

hell you can even remote play from your phone or PC with it

and they are free

imagine that

sorry if im calling bullshit on what Nintendonis trying to sell me

 

[Niter]

mental gymnastics again?

Vita does party chat and ive never had issues on any platform before switch going back to the 360

gimme a damn break

Vita wasn't trying to compete with Playstation or Xbox. They were trying to compete with 3DS. The graphic requirement was less important as it just needed to be better than 3DS.

Nintendo Switch is trying to be Home Console that you can also take it to go. Definitely a different technical requirements.

 

[sugarhigh4242]

It's awful. Just because of your ignorance of other online services which are light years better doesn't mean this is acceptable. This is absolutely backwards. This and the rental game each month is the thing that pissed me off most about this conference. Their competition has been doing this for years and all they had to do was match features and they STILL can't do that. Nintendo just does not understand the internet at all.

Plus, providing voice chat functionality via technologies like WebRTC has become stupid-easy in the intervening years since PS2 Socom, when it was actually kinda novel.

If Nintendo can't provide baseline online features, what are we even doing here? It's more important than the hardware these days.

 

[DrROBschiz]

Vita wasn't trying to compete with Playstation or Xbox. They were trying to compete with 3DS. The graphic requirement was less important as it just needed to be better than 3DS.

Nintendo Switch is trying to be Home Console that you can also take it to go. Definitely a different technical requirements.

yeah.... if you think about it..

this is hurting your argument

 

[Niter]

yeah.... if you think about it..

this is hurting your argument

Right. I'm not trying to win any arguments. I didn't call you guys names and I'm just suggesting possible reasons why Nintendo might have done this. If I wasn't contributing a healthy dose of discussion, my bad.

 

[sugarhigh4242]

Right. I'm not trying to win any arguments. I didn't call you guys names and I'm just suggesting possible reasons why Nintendo might have done this. If I wasn't contributing a healthy dose of discussion, my bad.

It might be a point if Nintendo had a great track record with online features. Like when Battlefield PC replaced their UI with that weird browser extension. But Nintendo has never been good at this.

 

[DrROBschiz]

Right. I'm not trying to win any arguments. I didn't call you guys names and I'm just suggesting possible reasons why Nintendo might have done this. If I wasn't contributing a healthy dose of discussion, my bad.

no its cool

there are plenty of people thatbhave chimed in that will likely not be affected by this

im just really bummed since it was an important feature to me and i thought switch represented a transtion for Nintendo to offer the basics

switch a super cool hardware but its got some gaps and compromises as always

very disappointed in their online and os level software decisions so far

 

[Sr. Wiggles]

The land of the "acceptable friend codes" and "achievements are shit because the interface is intrusive and the per-game crappy stickers are better". I'm actually happy they are doing this bullshit, it's funny to see more stretching in this thread than in a Yoga class. When you see that they finally ditch friend codes, they make it impossible to communicate like any other reasonable system.

Nintendo announcements no longer interest me because I'm actually excited for a new Nintendo platform. They interest me because I can't wait to see what new gimmick they have up their sleeve and how hard Nintendo fans try to defend it.

I'm fine with defending Nintendo games, they definitely still have a lot of awesome titles that consistently deliver... But most everything else about Nintendo is a joke.

The chat app, if that's all they're offering to organize parties and communicate, is terrible.

 

[Niter]

no its cool

there are plenty of people thatbhave chimed in that will likely not be affected by this

im just really bummed since it was an important feature to me and i thought switch represented a transtion for Nintendo to offer the basics

switch a super cool hardware but its got some gaps and compromises as always

very disappointed in their online and os level software decisions so far

I'm bit disappointed by their decision as well but I'm open minded to hear what they have to say about their online features in detail. We just have to wait and see at this point.

 

[Sesuadra]

Using it might be clever. Requiring it would not be.

and if I'm not mistaken we don't know yet if it is required or just an option. We'll have to wait until we are told by nintendo.

 

[Gotdatmoney]

The land of the "acceptable friend codes" and "achievements are shit because the interface is intrusive and the per-game crappy stickers are better". I'm actually happy they are doing this bullshit, it's funny to see more stretching in this thread than in a Yoga class. When you see that they finally ditch friend codes, they make it impossible to communicate like any other reasonable system.

I like achievements/trophies and think friendcodes are dumb but I as a side note do enjoy the concept of stickers. I found them fun to collect. Preferrably they would have a trophy/achievement system though.

 

[Boke1879]

I just don't see how they don't have voice communication for the console and instead want to use an app on the phone.

 

[SideSwiped]

This made me chuckle.

 

[Ploid 3.0]

I just don't see how they don't have voice communication for the console and instead want to use an app on the phone.

It's a tablet with limited space. The OS features will probably be very light. Instead of fitting things to the OS maybe it will just require you to have a companion phone, laptop, maybe something else, a new nintendo device.

 

[Ninja Scooter]

and if I'm not mistaken we don't know yet if it is required or just an option. We'll have to wait until we are told by nintendo.

if it were an option why would this be the only thing mentioned in their own online service FAQ?

 

[Lucifon]

Have we had this officially confirmed yet? Feel like there's some really terrible messaging with this thing. There's multiple different types of headsets for the switch launch which advertise supporting voice that that it seems incredibly odd for this to be for phones only.

 

[flkraven]

So who here has genuine plans to buy a switch day one, subscribe to the multiplayer service, and download the app on your phone to talk with your friends?

 

[EVH]

Nintendo announcements no longer interest me because I'm actually excited for a new Nintendo platform. They interest me because I can't wait to see what new gimmick they have up their sleeve and how hard Nintendo fans try to defend it.

I'm fine with defending Nintendo games, they definitely still have a lot of awesome titles that consistently deliver... But most everything else about Nintendo is a joke.

The chat app, if that's all they're offering to organize parties and communicate, is terrible.

It's the same for me. One always expect the worst with hardware, like low specs, high prices and weird set-ups. But then they surprise too with strange choices for stuff like the online voice chat in this case or the so long discussed friend codes. They became a joke, as you said.

I'm reaching that point for software, too, with overpriced ports with little to zero extra content like MK8d. I'm not even sure Nintendo can make a big "western-like" game anymore and they can just stay in Mario-like, party games or weaboo crap like that Xenoblade2 commented in the other thread. I will never forgive them turning Excite Truck in a shitty bionicle bug racer.

EDIT: Man, just take a look at the stretching in the specs thread too, regarding the Foxconn leak...

 

[azyless]

Have we had this officially confirmed yet? Feel like there's some really terrible messaging with this thing. There's multiple different types of headsets for the switch launch which advertise supporting voice that that it seems incredibly odd for this to be for phones only.

I think it's bordering on denial to think that it wouldn't have been mentioned by now that the app is only optional.
I mean :

(Splatoon page)
Smart Device Support – An upcoming smart-phone application for the Nintendo Switch system will enhance matchmaking and allow for voice chat options.

(From Reggie)
I think it would be helpful maybe to step back. Because I think it's important there's an understanding of the bigger vision. The bigger vision is that we are going to provide an overall online service, subscription-based, that not only will capture the multiplayer opportunity, but also the voice chat capability that we're going to provide through a global app. We think that that's just as important as access to Virtual Console content.

(From Nintendo's website
Online lobby and voice chat
Our new dedicated smart device app will connect to Nintendo Switch and let you invite friends to play online, set play appointments, and chat with friends during online matches in compatible games─all from your smart device.

(From Reggie again
When asked why voice chat for Nintendo Switch will be tied to a mobile app, Reggie said, "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."

 

[DrZeus]

I just don't see a world where Nintendo can provide a robust online suite worth paying for access to. And with this app voice chat and monthly old game aren't giving me confidence. It better be $20 or something for the year.

 

[Deleted member 1235]

I just don't see how they don't have voice communication for the console and instead want to use an app on the phone.

not defending it, but i'd like to understand the tech reason.

does this save them on.... size of the console? no jack to plug in saves... I guess some space (but usb C) could they not realise the headset due to the joycons? is some kind of radio thing just too hard to squish in the small form factor? Does it have headphones actually? if so why not apple headphones that do a microphone on the headphone?

forgetting the device, perhaps their server infra isn't up to the task, or it's too much development and an app is easier? they outsource the app backend and just build the gaming infra?

I always wondered if they kept voice out to ensure a smotther online experience. how much does voice traffic actually eat of the bandwidth?

 

[skynidas]

I don't understand why they can't just provide the option of doing it on the phone or with your console and a headset. PS2 games did voice chat back in the day ffs.