Did it also land on Mars ? All jokes aside I don't think people realize how little RAM the PS2/PS3/X360 had and yet managed to handle voice chat somehow.
Voice chat on the Switch will consist of a paid app on "smart" devices (your phone)
- Thread starter Trojita
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Sleeping on it, I think I kind of like the idea. If it pairs to my phone, I can play online from anywhere my phone has service, I can use my phones headphone/mic without having to deal with unpair/pairing. I can buy software without leaving my game.
IF it is well done, it could turn out pretty convenient. We will have to see. The mimamori switch app looks pretty slick and well integrated. It if works the same (and is very cheap) I would have no complaints.
IF it is well done, it could turn out pretty convenient. We will have to see. The mimamori switch app looks pretty slick and well integrated. It if works the same (and is very cheap) I would have no complaints.
ThanksVision
Member
i just need to know how the audio works out. how am i supposed to hear audio from my phone and the game at the same time...
So I just looked at that new switch commercial/ad, and the guy plugs his headphones into the switch (in portable mode)
This tells me the app is essential for mainly 2 possible reasons
edit: however if bluetooth works and headsets can pair, what would be the need for the 2nd reason? something I just thought of. Maybe if your headset is wired probably.
This tells me the app is essential for mainly 2 possible reasons
- OS is barebones like my earlier theory, and the app is just used to send invites/handle the party interface, however audio chat etc still takes place in the system, it just won't be visible and only seen on the app
- The app is a solution to when the switch is docked and unless you have a long cord you won't be able to connect headphones
edit: however if bluetooth works and headsets can pair, what would be the need for the 2nd reason? something I just thought of. Maybe if your headset is wired probably.
Dash_Riprock
Member
Boggles my mind how a company as innovative as Nintendo can still be THIS clueless when it comes to online infrastructure...
It is awkward as fuck. How am I going to juggle two pairs of headphones and having to constantly unlock my phone and check a app. This is the dumbest thing imaginable.
Yankee Ruin X
Member
Plus will this global chat app run in the background or will it have to be active on your phone screen at all times. If it has to active to work then that's going to be very bad.
Tacklemacain
Member
This. Why cant i plug in the earbuds into the Controller or console. How will i be able to hear the game audio? And i like to use my "bulke" headset. This makes no sense.
Flying Toaster
Member
They have never really shown interest in online structure. It has to be strange to them.
ChosenPredator
Banned
I don't usually jump on the hate train for things but this is beyond stupid, I don't understand what goes on through the brainstorming sessions
Nintendo keeps taking Luigis.
Nintendo keeps taking Luigis.
FinalStageBoss
Banned
Has Nintendo said anything new about this? Like if you want to use headphones for game audio and chat at the same time, then what?
It's things like this that show how Nintendo just doesn't understand modern online infrastructure. This has to be the most backwards solution to voice chat I've ever seen.
It's almost like the system is being rushed out considering other features won't be live for a while.
After the Wii u failure you'd think that Nintendo would have some humility, but instead they wear that shit like its some kind of badge of honor. It's embarrassing.
It's almost like the system is being rushed out considering other features won't be live for a while.
After the Wii u failure you'd think that Nintendo would have some humility, but instead they wear that shit like its some kind of badge of honor. It's embarrassing.
If you watch the video on Parental Controls I think the app for Online will work the same.
You use the app for search or create the lobby and everything but the voice chat and the audio will be on the console itself.
They have offloaded the configuration and management of the Parental Controls on the app, but the work it's still done on the console.
You use the app for search or create the lobby and everything but the voice chat and the audio will be on the console itself.
They have offloaded the configuration and management of the Parental Controls on the app, but the work it's still done on the console.
orthodoxy1095
Banned
Calling something a "solution" when there was never a problem to begin with is laughable.
That's what I thought too, would pretty much confirm my theory. They want the OS as minimalistic as possible, which several insiders have confirmed on here.
ebullientprism
Member
I dont get this.
If I am using the Switch without the dock and have a pair of headphones plugged into it, how am I supposed to get sound and audio from my mobile phone for voice chat?
Am I missing something?
If I am using the Switch without the dock and have a pair of headphones plugged into it, how am I supposed to get sound and audio from my mobile phone for voice chat?
Am I missing something?
GuitarAtomik
Member
Frankly, it doesn't matter how good the app is. If it's the ONLY way to do those features (or even access them), that is a reason to call them out. Again, as a companion option it's actually a really cool idea, but as the ONLY option it is bonkers.
I think bolded is best case scenario as of right now and entirely possible. But you're forgetting possible scenario 3 where headphone/mic has to be plugged in to the phone and the headphone jack on the Switch is purely for headphone audio with no mic functionality. Nothing in that commercial suggests anything contrary to that.
In theory the app would just facilitate the interface (creation of party chat, sending invites), while the system the switch it's self would still have audio and what not. Meaning game audio, chat audio, is all being routed through the audio jack to your headphones - the app has no role in this.
The only thing you dont see on the system is creating parties, invites, etc. A quick glance at the app would show you who's in the party, while the switch it's self is still handling the audio.
This is how I think it will work
It may be possible if the device is paired to your phone, for it to send the audio to your phone and then the app on your phone to send it and the voice chat to your wireless headset. This could work pretty well I think.
Throwaway123456789
Member
Except Nintendo is saying that voice chat will also be done over the phone.
Same way you rage about stuff you haven't tried or been within a 1000 miles of. Make it up.
Everyone's freaking out over Nintendo's online plans but the biggest problem at the moment is a plain lack of info. Not that pessimism when it comes to Nintendo and online is unwarranted 
They really needed to be clear about the details though. I get the feeling that details are still being hammered out but they felt they needed to be up front with consumers that they'll be charged for online eventually. Even if they couldn't show much, they should have at least been straightforward and clear about what they're planning. As it is, all talk of their online has been consumed by FUD.
They really needed to be clear about the details though. I get the feeling that details are still being hammered out but they felt they needed to be up front with consumers that they'll be charged for online eventually. Even if they couldn't show much, they should have at least been straightforward and clear about what they're planning. As it is, all talk of their online has been consumed by FUD.
Do the mobile games even have a shared friend list?
joecanada
Member
Which is also why it's very dumb. That's the same as phoning your friend anyone can do this for free on wifi any time. I use my console separately from my phone in fact I don't even Normally use my phone when gaming because I'd never hear it anyway
TheSpoiler
Member
I feel like it is what it is and people are trying to find ways to justify/excuse/rationalize it.
Currently, the only mobile apps Nintendo has made with a friends list are the Miitomo social app and Mario Run game, and they're independent (and these will probably have nothing whatsoever to do with the Switch). Nintendo will still have to build a backend for a unified friends list that's not what these apps have had.
VlaudTheImpaler
tl;dr
Sigh, for the third time,
Anyone who thinks this is forward thinking to require a separate off console smart device app for chat instead of as an option to supplement on board chat... you might be having a mental break and might want to sit back and contemplate your life for a bit.
Like I asked earlier, what if you are like me where my wife and I share a phone since I don't need a smart phone and she does? I won't be able to chat with friends in MP games when she is gone and then when she is here what if someone calls for her while I am playing or she just needs to use it like she does all the time?
Or what if you can't afford smart phones for all or any of your kids?
What if they have one phone to share between each other? What if someone calls or texts for the other? Are they supposed to be tied up to the Switch while others are playing? Lol that ain't happening.
What if I want to use my nice headphones because it's what I use every single time I game? How will I hear both chat and the game at the same time?
What about my "Smart devices" battery life? Do I really need to attach yet another cable to keep my phone charged as well?
I could list tons of scenarios where this is a problem.
This shouldn't be an issue at all really because it should be native to the console. I really hope this is just poor wording on Nintendo's part and it isn't actually restricted to a flipping separate "smart device."
Think about this, Nintendo are still as clueless as they were about online when the Dreamcast was around.
They'll never get online in any sensible way then use the excuse of kids interacting with strangers as the reason why it's so locked down and nonsensical .
There is a gamer headset "for Switch" for pre-ordering out there. It also includes a microphone. So I am sure that it's because the System is focused on gaming alone while outsourcing all the friend management to your smartphone. That wouldn't necessarily mean that (just) the app serves as a Teamspeak replacement, the console itself can do that in addition to your smartphone app (which you would use if there is no Switch around to join lobbies and chat with your friends).
It's true that I'm giving Nintendo the benefit of a doubt here, because the poorly communicated solution here makes little to no sense. So it might be Nintendo being a bad communicator or Nintendo being a company with weird design choices (see friend codes).
EatinOlives
Member
It's a company clearly uncomfortable with the very idea. They even had Namco pull in most of the weight of doing their online infrastructure and netcode for some of the games including Mario Kart 8 and Smash 4.
Market: "Online multiplayer is a staple of video games. Consumers want it and fans crave it!"
Nintendo:
test_account
XP-39C²
You can do all of those things even if Switch had built in voice chat though.
Jaded Alyx
Member
Yeh but...................................................................... What if I forget to charge my phone?
Yep.
I mean this is truly staggering, beyond comprehension even, that Nintendo would use this ridiculous method for online chat.
TriForce Hero
Member
Sooo...
What if it was DeNA Idea to put Nintendo online ecosystem on varios Apps?
¯\_(ツ
_/¯ Fresh ideias can be as dangerous as can be good...
What if it was DeNA Idea to put Nintendo online ecosystem on varios Apps?
¯\_(ツ
_/¯ Fresh ideias can be as dangerous as can be good...DrROBschiz
Member
Sooo...
What if it was DeNA Idea to put Nintendo online ecosystem on varios Apps?
¯_(ツ
then DeNA are hosing Nintendo good with this partnership
they better hire a damn engineer that knows how to get native OS functions working man... cuz this backwards solution is ridiculous
If I'm not mistaken those headphones aren't from Nintendo. How would you use this headset with the console when none of the controllers have headphone jacks anyway ?
Sure, we just don't know what it has. They haven't said anything other than what Reggie has said, and really how much does he know about the development of the system software over in Japan. Probably not a whole lot.
DrROBschiz
Member
yeah isnt that irritating?
for those who want to play this like a traditional console...
you either need to be tethered to your phone or use a wireless headset assuming they are even compatible
you are almost better off just using a free third party app and say fuck Nintendo
except you cant cuz you have to pay to play online
DrROBschiz
Member
wow ok
ill challenge that. Bought some fire tablets from amazon for my kids this xmas
you know how they handle that? user account restrictions
managing access through software! what a concept! what an idea!
How about instead of making the dumbest decisions possible.... Nintendo hires a competent engineer
test_account
XP-39C²
True. Looking forward to hear more specific details once launch is getting close.
Hear me out here. I've got a crazy idea. Why not... include control of voice chat for your kids through the fancy parental control app they showed ?
This is insane.
Swimmer9800
Member
It's 2017 and nintendo cant have native party chat.... that is absolutely baffling.
PerfectFlaw
Member
4th dimensional sarcasm, or most out of touch post in the thread?
I think (hope) he meant ingame voice chat and not party chat.