IDontBeatGames
Member
Good question to be honest, if that's the true reason I mean.. I have no real actual response to it cause I don't know how we would be able to counter that y'know, what we gonna do put headphone jacks in the joy-cons?
Voice chat on the Switch will consist of a paid app on "smart" devices (your phone)
- Thread starter Trojita
- Start date
Good question to be honest, if that's the true reason I mean.. I have no real actual response to it cause I don't know how we would be able to counter that y'know, what we gonna do put headphone jacks in the joy-cons?
Soldiussnaku
Member
Sigh...
A part of me thinks they look at the money made by their smartphone games and half assed the switch after looking at potential, short term profits, that can be made by putting games On mobiles. Such a boneheaded decision.
Sr. Wiggles
Banned
Lol, sure they are...
I mean it'd be one thing if they allowed both and had chat built into the console as well, let the user decide... But to only allow an app to access this? What a joke.
WhiteRabbitEXE
Member
The PC Xbox app has supported party chat with Xbox One players for quite some time now actually. Whenever I receive a party chat invite I can accept it on my console or PC.
Key being console OR PC, not just PC
For switch, I understand the thought that you might prefer to have your audio route through something that is neither the controller nor the tablet, so you don't have to either sit by the tablet while in tv mode, or alternatively have earbuds dangling from your Wii mote while you are swinging your arms like a mad man.
That part makes sense, for switch, specifically (but not really Xbox or PS4). I'm just not sure how it would work. Phone app connects to switch over wifi connection/Bluetooth and sends data to the phone to merge with the voice chat... maybe? That would be sort of cool if so. Would be doubly cool if 2 players could have 2 separate audio streams in split screen instead of one audio stream playingsound effects for both halves of the game. The idea has potential and use cases... but they really need to explain how it is going to work.
brochiller
Member
It would also make no sense to have a stereo headset that claims to be able to transmit game sound with a mic that supposedly has to connect to a smartphone. Something is missing here.
They could just say 'buy a pro controller'.
Audioboxer
Member
I can't see them on the PDP site. If real it will depend what the connection is. If it's simply a stereo input don't be surprised if they're for... plugging into a phone lol.
Reggie made things appear very clear in that interview, so unless he literally has no idea like half of Nintendo I'd unfortunately take what he says as truth right now.
ThatStupidLion
Member
Cant i just call my friends? Whats the purpose of having to use my phone, i mean i get they want it proprietary and maybe offer extra features, but if im on my phone anyways ill just make a call.
GuitarAtomik
Member
Though I'm not quite as convinced as you about the shift, the key there is that it would still be supported.
Gimmicky controllers strike again, I guess. Why can't they do a simple controller that doesn't cost $80 and we can use headphones with?
IDontBeatGames
Member
Yeah but then most people would complain oh why do we have to pay $80 for a controller just to talk to my friends.
I legitimately understand how this idea sounds completely stupid and the fact that we have
- Download an App
- Pay for Online in order to get the app, let alone have access to online/multiplayer features (which kudos to Nintendo for trying to join the subscription crew w/ Microsoft and Sony).
- Then use the app to Sync it to our Switch's
- Use various headsets by plugging them into the phone's and then speak to our friends
Like... why?
It's a lose-lose situation really.
brochiller
Member
It's like they won't do what MS and Sony do because they need to come up with their own solution.
Guess what Nintendo, they do it they way they do because people like the way they do it.
Guess what Nintendo, they do it they way they do because people like the way they do it.
chrisPjelly
Member
What are you, some sort daredevil just waiting for a stranger to harass and fondle you? /s
DrROBschiz
Member
hooollllyyy shit
ForsakenLotus
Member
So if I understand you correct, the cool scenario you propose is this:
Two players, presumably playing locally, each with their earbuds/headsets plugged into their phone or tablet so they can have their own audio source for their game...let's even assume that Nintendo are magicians and there isn't an echo because the person is in the same room (don't see how, but let's assume they figure it out). Honestly, that seems like an inferior local multiplayer experience to me. It disconnects you from the other player.
And this is assuming Nintendo does things that almost nobody expects them to even try to do (streaming game audio to smart device as well as chat, split screen gameplay with independent audio, etc.).
And this doesn't address the obvious flaws, like receiving calls or texts or notifications. Will you have to go dark while playing? Will you have to manually deselect certain notifications?
And honestly, I still don't see why this is superior even as an option to just plugging your headset up to the console, especially given it's behind a paywall.
Parapraxis
Member
Just fill out a Nintendo approved FRIEND application form and they'll get back to you in 2-3 weeks with their decision as to whether or not you are allowed to talk to your fellow gamer.
IDontBeatGames
Member
Exactly this, like why change what's perfectly fine? I don't see the reason why they have to do some overly complicated work around just to speak to our friends/family or strangers online during games such as Mario Kart 8, Splatoon and such. It's gonna not only be such a hassle but at the same time, they could just put a headphone jack into the Switch and make everyone happy while adding party chats by Fall 2017. But even that is too much to ask from Nintendo, stop trying to fix what isn't broken, just go the classic route that Xbox/PS4 has done perfectly already.
VlaudTheImpaler
tl;dr
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 what if you can't afford smart phones for all or any of your kids?
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."
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 what if you can't afford smart phones for all or any of your kids?
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."
Most outlets are in flat out denial and spin. Refusing to see any of this. Maybe Monday. So far Giantbomb has been the only outlet to talk about it after their time with the system.
Iced_Eagle
Member
For real life friends, sure.
For random people you meet and talk to while playing games online, I don't think you should be giving out your phone number so they can call you.
Plus, can you even have more than 3 people on a regular phone call (Splatoon has 4 player teams as an example)? I only remember 3-way calling. I've used Skype for most conference calls.It's crazy to me that this is their solution to this problem. Having the app on top of including the same functionality in the console would have been great. I would love to be able to talk to my friends off-console. However, when I'm at home, this makes the act of talking with people needlessly complicated needing to get these devices set up. If Nintendo is really going this route, I hope their app is truly amazing.
Let's not even forget about Windows Phone, Blackberry, Ubuntu Phone, etc. Sure, those are the minority compared to iOS and Android but it is ridiculous that your choice of phone OS now means you can't use some online functionality of the Switch (but you still gotta pay for it if you want to play online!). I hope that in addition to a native app, that they will also have an HTML5 site which works the same, so that it is device independent as long as you have an HTML5 browser. That way I could use it on my Surface for example.
AcademicSaucer
Member
bluetooth is a thing that exists
Forearm Star
Member
Are you talking about these?
Yeah you can plug those into any standard 3.5 audio jack including the ones on your cell phone (unless you got that new iphone).
Really people these "headsets" are just headphones with a Mic on the wire and they are no different than the "headset" Sony was selling for PS Vita near it's launch.
nah not these
I believe the Playstation app already lets you message from your phone to other gamers.
Also as many have said having this as an option would be great, but not the only method. It is after all marketed for gamers of all ages. Having to now supply an addition mobile device in order to communicate seems like a hassle. I am however a bit intrigued about this app you continue to mention. Is this for communication when playing smart phone games?
EDIT: I just looked into it. This app makes sense when you're using it for your PC and for your smart phone, because those are the devices you're playing on. There is no middle man there. This, while convenient when not playing, presents the issue of using an addition item when using a home console that already has this feature built in. It just becomes a bit redundant.
Theres def an added bonus when not actually being by the device you are playing on, that much is true.
This is what they were!! Afterglow headsets!
IDontBeatGames
Member
So uh guys, random thought, what happens if you're in the middle of party chat with your phone and headset synced, and you suddenly get a phone call?
DrROBschiz
Member
that really our last hope
but then its up to developers to program and host the voice chat assuming they even have the option to do so
Fahzgoolin
Banned
bulky gamer headset? LOL
Exactly. The amount of people not just ITT, but around GAF, defending Nintendo for these things and labelling the criticisms from people like you and I as "Nintendoomed rhetoric" is absurd.
The idea of not having party chat because of the situation where the console could be docked, or not, and you could be using one of a number of controllers... it's not ideal but I understand it. I do. And for me it's not a big deal.
But the idea that I'm going to have to pay an online fee, and part of the justification of that fee will be some useless chat app on my smartphone? When I could just use Discord or a hundred other solutions? No. That is unacceptable. Completely unacceptable.
But the idea that I'm going to have to pay an online fee, and part of the justification of that fee will be some useless chat app on my smartphone? When I could just use Discord or a hundred other solutions? No. That is unacceptable. Completely unacceptable.
ElRenoRaven
Member
Some people are sadly too attached to some things. They can't accept that this company isn't their bestest friend in the world. Hence they will defend it to the end logic and sense be damned.
ronaldthump
Member
why can't you just pair a fucking bluetooth headset?
and paid? lol
and paid? lol
Mikey Jr.
Member
Dude, its Nintendo. If one thing is certain, it'll be fucked in some way.
This online functionality is somehow the most depressing disappointing news of all. It perfectly encapsulates how insanely out of touch Nintendo is with console gamers.
I mean, I thought Wii U was absolutely abysmal online functionality-wise, but I would way rather have that than we what we're getting here.
There is no party chat. It's just voice chat in games that support voice chat. And to answer your question, who knows? Certainly not Nintendo.
I mean, I thought Wii U was absolutely abysmal online functionality-wise, but I would way rather have that than we what we're getting here.
There is no party chat. It's just voice chat in games that support voice chat. And to answer your question, who knows? Certainly not Nintendo.
IDontBeatGames
Member
Exactly why I asked the question like ???
There needs to be another direct/console conference about the UI, Online and other features.
I think you have it backwards...
IDontBeatGames
Member
Wait wait wait,
So if Kaelan has it backwards, it's an audio jack on the tablet/screen however there's no audio jack on the dock? If that's true and I have it right, whats the complaining going on besides the party stuff/voice chat stuff
ElRenoRaven
Member
Yup. It's what pisses me off the most. I'm gonna show how big a fanboy I am. I love Nintendo to death. My first console of my own was an NES. I have owned every Nintendo console & handheld except the Virtual Boy. I'd played my cousins Atari 2600 etc but I got an NES for one of my birthdays as a kid. I was hooked for life. I want to see this company be successful and thrive. They are so damn stubborn that they refuse to admit when they screw up and refuse to say hey maybe we should try doing these things to get Developers back and fans back. Instead they double and triple down and go even more batshit insane.
It used to be when you thought of Nintendo you thought decent powered console with tons of great games. Now 3rd party support is pretty much dead. Hell even Nintendo's output has diminished to almost nothing. Half of what they do put out is 3rd party collaborations that do not live up to the Nintendo quality. I'm looking at you Metroid Other M and Star Fox.
Now it's almost as if they're actively trying to show contempt for their customers. It pisses me off because all it's doing is hurting them in the long run. The worst part is that some will just accept anything they do because well it's Nintendo. That number though is growing smaller and smaller all the time as more of us decide that we can't support them anymore with our money. This will be the first Nintendo console that I do not buy. I can't support them anymore.
always crazy bacon
Banned
So stupid, I have to be tethered to one device while I'm holding the Switch for mutiplayer, hope I don't get interruped by notifications or constantly hearing other peoples phone notifications during play. I'd need to buy Buethooth headphones if I dont want to be tethered to my phone and hope that the headphones or phone don't run out of power.
And I have to pay for this?
What's happening at Nintendo? Was this system designed by yes men?
And I have to pay for this?
What's happening at Nintendo? Was this system designed by yes men?
Living the Dream
Member
I don't think there's Bluetooth in the switch....
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-switch-specs-confirmed/1100-6446904/
Yeah, here's visual confirmation.
The problem is that if you dock the switch, it shouldn't be right next to you. Which means that you wouldn't be able to use the voice chat party stuff I guess?
illmatic22
Banned
I really don't get Nintendo sometimes. Love their games but their decision making is, questionable, at the very least.