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[Nerazar]

I think it's time to link this post again, quoting all the official info from Nintendo (and Reggie), seeing how we reached again the "We don't know" phase:

http://neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=228670270&postcount=3384

Case in point:

You just see Reggie staying on script on what he is allowed to or wants to say at this point. But: explain to me why the Japanese hardware spec site specifically mentions that the headphone jack is for audio and microphone headphones?

That's one official piece of info people like to exclude in such lists.

 

[Pineconn]

Another thought just occurred to me. Will it be at all possible to manage your friends list from the Switch?

I know this may seem like a stupid question but after reading the title of this thread I think this warrants a discussion too.

Yes, you can:

Just look at this image. This is for the paid subscription that starts in the fall of this year.

 

[flkraven]

From Nintendo News:

Yes.

So with Black Ops 2 on Wii U, you can't. So yes, my original point is valid.

 

[Dark Cloud]

You just see Reggie staying on script on what he is allowed to or wants to say at this point. But: explain to me why the Japanese hardware spec site specifically mentions that the headphone jack is for audio and microphone headphones?

That's one official piece of info people like to exclude in such lists.

Well. I didn't know the Japanese website confirmed it's for audio and a mic. That settles that.

 

[NotLiquid]

Another thought just occurred to me. Will it be at all possible to manage your friends list from the Switch?

I know this may seem like a stupid question but after reading the title of this thread I think this warrants a discussion too.

The Switch Online Service page lists friend management as something you can do without a paid subscription.

That doesn't necessarily mean you can do it straight from the console, it could very well be something you have to do from a browser or whatever, but make of it what you will.

Custom matchmaking is controlled through the app. Inviting your friends to lobbies and private games, etc. Games that have in-game matchmaking can join you up with random opponents, like Mario Kart and Splatoon, for instance.

Again, we're not even sure if this is the case. There's never been any specification that you can only play with randoms if you don't use the app. Right now the app explicitly seems like an OS solution rather than in-game solution, which should still allow you to play with friends through similar hooks that Wii U games had.

 

[Krakatoa]

Yes, you can:

That doesn't mention you can do it on the switch. All it says is subscribers, and non subscriber's. I am sure you can log into the app without a subscription. The same as PSN/Live

 

[orthodoxy1095]

You just see Reggie staying on script on what he is allowed to or wants to say at this point. But: explain to me why the Japanese hardware spec site specifically mentions that the headphone jack is for audio and microphone headphones?

That's one official piece of info people like to exclude in such lists.

Because have audio input is proof of including tech that allows developers the freedom to include sound input in their games.

Not proof of OS-level voice chat options.

 

[KingSnake]

You just see Reggie staying on script on what he is allowed to or wants to say at this point. But: explain to me why the Japanese hardware spec site specifically mentions that the headphone jack is for audio and microphone headphones?

That's one official piece of info people like to exclude in such lists.

Maybe because they plan to launch a Just Sing or whatever in the future? Or you can optionally blow fans in Super Mario Odyssey?

Having sound input for the audio jack doesn't invalidate the tons of official statements from Reggie.

 

[psynergylover]

Bahahaah

These are too damn good!!!

 

[The Cartographer]

That's unquestionably a creative approch, in a stupid way that is.

 

[mlclmtckr]

Fixed.

Well there go my hopes

 

[FX-GMC]

So with Black Ops 2 on Wii U, you can't. So yes, my original point is valid.

Your original point was that the Bo2 developers didn't take the time to implement something they could have? I know you're not blaming Nintendo for THAT.

 

[breveglieri]

You just see Reggie staying on script on what he is allowed to or wants to say at this point. But: explain to me why the Japanese hardware spec site specifically mentions that the headphone jack is for audio and microphone headphones?

That's one official piece of info people like to exclude in such lists.

Compatibility with DS and 3DS games that uses mic input for in game features?

 

[Copenap]

So some obvious bonuses to Nintendo could be that they can offload the effort to the very large pool of app creation companies.

This is the only explanation. They realised they are too incompetent to do it on their own so they got two interns from Google to do it in an app.

 

[Oresama]

I'm started to believe that Nintendo, not having any real experience with implementing a robust online infrastructure, tasked DeNa to create it for them.

DeNa, whose expertise is in mobile, stuck to what they know and long and behold we have a mobile app that that handles alloy of the things Sony and MS learned to do themselves natively a long time ago.

That's just my speculation.

DISCLAIMER: Please refrain from attacks or low blows, these are just my opinions and these are just video games, not politics. Civil discourse is greatly appreciated.

 

[DrROBschiz]

I'm started to believe that Nintendo, not having any real experience with implementing a robust online infrastructure, tasked DeNa to create it for them.

DeNa, whose expertise is in mobile, stuck to what they know and long and behold we have a mobile app that that handles alloy of the things Sony and MS learned to do themselves natively a long time ago.

That's just my speculation.

DISCLAIMER: Please refrain from attacks or low blows, these are just my opinions and these are just video games, not politics. Civil discourse is greatly appreciated.

The switch is a damn tablet

Put the mobile app on the Tablet at least

 

[Schnozberry]

Again, we're not even sure if this is the case. There's never been any specification that you can only play with randoms if you don't use the app. Right now the app explicitly seems like an OS solution rather than in-game solution, which should still allow you to play with friends through similar hooks that Wii U games had.

So...is it more likely that random matchmaking exists natively.....or that Nintendo would release several Multiplayer focused games (ARMS, MK8 Deluxe) without multiplayer capability until the app releases in the summer?

 

[Nerazar]

Sure. $59.99!!

Spoiler

Is my guess

Well, that's a good guess.They are indeed copying MS and Sony in the worst way. But I wouldn't jump in for that price yet, the service right now is $29.99 for me... but let's see what they want to offer.

 

[The Xtortionist]

I can see how voice chat/private parties through a phone might function, but the matchmaking part makes no sense to me. If I buy Splatoon 2, am I unable to matchmake with other players without using my smartphone? I can't just click "Find Match" and play? If it doesn't require the phone, why wouldn't the wording be something along the lines of "party matchmaking" or "matchmaking with friends"?

 

[KingSnake]

So...is it more likely that random matchmaking exists natively.....or that Nintendo would release several Multiplayer focused games (ARMS, MK8 Deluxe) without multiplayer capability until the app releases in the summer?

Yes, playing with randoms online probably works directly from Switch.

 

[Dark Cloud]

That doesn't mention you can do it on the switch. All it says is subscribers, and non subscriber's. I am sure you can log into the app without a subscription. The same as PSN/Live

But wouldn't it just say "manage friends in app" just like it says online lobby and voice chat app?

 

[ASIS]

Yes, you can:

Oh thank go...

The Switch Online Service page lists friend management as something you can do without a paid subscription.

That doesn't necessarily mean you can do it straight from the console, it could very well be something you have to do from a browser or whatever, but make of it what you will.



Again, we're not even sure if this is the case. There's never been any specification that you can only play with randoms if you don't use the app. Right now the app explicitly seems like an OS solution rather than in-game solution, which should still allow you to play with friends through similar hooks that Wii U games had.

That doesn't mention you can do it on the switch. All it says is subscribers, and non subscriber's. I am sure you can log into the app without a subscription. The same as PSN/Live

... oh.. please no.

 

[flkraven]

Your original point was that the Bo2 developers didn't take the time to implement something they could have? I know you're not blaming Nintendo for THAT.

My original point is that their PR keeps saying that their solution sounds insane, and they are not above insane things, and a PR picture doesn't suddenly reverse everything they've said. BO2 isn't the only one, but I used it as a counter example.

 

[XandBosch]

I can see how voice chat/private parties through a phone might function, but the matchmaking part makes no sense to me. If I buy Splatoon 2, am I unable to matchmake with other players without using my smartphone? I can't just click "Find Match" and play?

I'd be willing to bet my life savings that this won't be an issue.

I think they strictly meant that the phone app can be used to create lobbies with friends, so you can do things like search for a Splatoon game together, that sort of thing. Mario Kart 8 launches in April well before the app does, and there's no way it launched without this type of thing.

 

[R0ckman]

Who is in charge of their online infastructure and development? Its obvious they have to go. Just now realized miiverese was getting the axe.

Instead of building on it and expanding it they axe it in favor of twitter and facebook, that not only do not keep things focused on gaming but these media platforms have recently in the west gone deeper into the depths of hell.

 

[Oresama]

The switch is a damn tablet

Put the mobile app on the Tablet at least

It's a Tablet but has a proprietary OS. DeNa is most familiar with iOS or Android.

 

[Movalpolos]

Yes, playing with randoms online probably works directly from Switch.

I think it's pretty obvious that it will work that way. Still I think they need to come out and be clear about that.

 

[RedAssedApe]

lol too good

 

[flkraven]

Who is in charge of their online infastructure and development? Its obvious they have to go. Just now realized miiverese was getting the axe.

Instead of building on it and expanding it they axe it in favor of twitter and facebook, that not only do not keep things focused on gaming but these media platforms have recently in the west gone deeper into the depths of hell.

It's a Tablet but has a proprietary OS. DeNa is most familiar with iOS or Android.

So does that mean the Switch is hard to develop for?

 

[Schnozberry]

Yes, playing with randoms online probably works directly from Switch.

That's my guess too.

I hate to circle the wagons again, but walling off the garden for custom matchmaking and voice chat to the mobile app seems directly related to protecting kids, given what happened with Swapnote. The fact that pedos were grooming kids using their online service probably scared the living crap out of them, and rightfully so.

 

[Dark Cloud]

You would think Nintendo has read all this negativity and confusion about their online and would've came out and said something.

 

[Tubie]

All Nintendo had to do was copy what Sony and MS are doing with their consoles when it comes to online. I'm sure it isn't anything too difficult or out of reach for a company as big as Nintendo.

But nope, they went ahead and did something beyond our wildest dreams (nightmares), and just put the whole online gaming aspect of the console through a smartphone app...

 

[eoa-swam]

So how does this fit in with the free online at launch if the app is launching later? Im utterly baffled

It doesn't look like the app will launch at 'launch' of the Switch, so multiplayer/matchmaking should work until certain games require you to pay to play online.

 

[ASIS]

That's my guess too.

I hate to circle the wagons again, but walling off the garden for custom matchmaking and voice chat to the mobile app seems directly related to protecting kids, given what happened with Swapnote. The fact that pedos were grooming kids using their online service probably scared the living crap out of them, and rightfully so.

They already have the parental control app though. There's no reason the rest of us should suffer because of "won't you think of the children!" Mentality.

 

[TS-08]

That doesn't mention you can do it on the switch. All it says is subscribers, and non subscriber's. I am sure you can log into the app without a subscription. The same as PSN/Live

You actually probably can't use the app without a subscription, since the Switch site says a free and limited version of it is coming in the summer before the subscription service starts. That would imply that it will "cost" you to use the app once he service starts in earnest ("cost" probably in the sense of being a subscriber).

 

[KingSnake]

I think it's pretty obvious that it will work that way. Still I think they need to come out and be clear about that.

That's my guess too.

That doesn't mean that after they launch the app the future games won't use it for everything, seeing at it seems the paid subscription is hand in hand with the app in their info.

 

[eoa-swam]

You just see Reggie staying on script on what he is allowed to or wants to say at this point. But: explain to me why the Japanese hardware spec site specifically mentions that the headphone jack is for audio and microphone headphones?

That's one official piece of info people like to exclude in such lists.

Do you have a link to a translation?

 

[MUnited83]

We have no idea what the service entails...

relax.

We do. Nintendo has already stated what the service entails. It's on their goddamn website right now.
It's not worth 5$ a year.

 

[SomewhatGroovy]

Miivese getting the axe is unfortunate as I thought it was one of the most creative things Nintendo has done in quite some time.

 

[LordOcidax]

That doesn't mean that after they launch the app the future games won't use it for everything, seeing at it seems the paid subscription is hand in hand with the app in their info.

We are in the crystal ball territory now...

 

[Dark Cloud]

We do. Nintendo has already stated what the service entails. It's on their goddamn website right now.
It's not worth 5$ a year.

Umm no they haven't given us the full details and layout.

 

[KingSnake]

We are in the crystal ball territory now...

Yes, I put my Switch headset on and joined you.

 

[Movalpolos]

That doesn't mean that after they launch the app the future games won't use it for everything, seeing at it seems the paid subscription is hand in hand with the app in their info.

That's a good point seeing as the paywall is directly connected with online play, hence the app...

They really need to clarify this.

 

[moltonasty]

Miivese getting the axe is unfortunate as I thought it was one of the most creative things Nintendo has done in quite some time.

Leave it to Nintendo to actually remove functionality and features from a previously free service and start charging you for it

 

[Oresama]

We do. Nintendo has already stated what the service entails. It's on their goddamn website right now.
It's not worth 5$ a year.

 

[Twenty7KVN]

We have no idea what the service entails...

relax.

We have a pretty good idea we just haven't seen it in motion yet.

 

[KingSnake]

That's a good point seeing as the paywall is directly connected with online play, hence the app...

They really need to clarify this.

They even call the trial version of the app releasing in Summer free, implying that the full version won't be free which led to some confusion around here. So maybe the app enforces the subscription.

 

[TS-08]

That doesn't mean that after they launch the app the future games won't use it for everything, seeing at it seems the paid subscription is hand in hand with the app in their info.

The app is clearly treated as a unique part of the service, just like online gameplay itself, the free monthly game and the "exclusive deals".

 

[Spiral Insanity]

From Nintendo News:

That is for the WiiU version, not sure if I follow you.

 

[KingSnake]

The app is clearly treated as a unique part of the service, just like online gameplay itself, the free monthly game and the "exclusive deals".

Both free monthly game and exclusive deals are probably linked to My Nintendo.