With the upcoming release of Splatton 2, Nintendo has made the Nintendo Switch Online App available for iOS and Android devices. The app allows players to access SplatNet 2, to invite friends to online matches, and voice chat during various game modes. The app and online play are free until the Nintendo Switch Online service launches in 2018.
Unfortunately, the early days of the Nintendo Switch Online app are not being hailed with joy (when the full service launches in 2018, things might look different).
One of the reasons folks are upset with the Nintendo Switch’s voice chat solution is that it requires a number of accessories to make work. Matthew Hayes of WWG showed off the voice chat solution for Splatton in a tweet. It should be noted that the phone clip is not a necessary fixture for voice chat to work, but everything else in the image is:
Another reason folks are peeved with the app is that it requires for your phone screen to consistently remain on in order for voice chat to remain connected (via Eurogamer). This means that your phone’s battery life will be drained at an almost unreal pace.
On top of that, you can’t use any other apps while using Nintendo’s app. That means no texting, internet browsing, using social media or anything else while chatting through the app. Once you navigate away from the Nintendo Switch Online App your voice chat will disconnect until you open the Nintendo Switch Online app again. Once you open the app again, it will connect you to the same room you were before.
At the moment, Nintendo Switch Online app users cannot connect and chat at any time, they need to be in the Online Lounge within Splatoon 2 before they are able to chat.
[Ninteno Switch Online App FAQ]
