New Nintendo Switch App Update Released, Chat With Friends While Your Phone Is Locked

The Nintendo Switch Online app, which allows Switch players to partake in various multiplayer features on the Switch, launched back in July in conjunction with Splatoon 2. It's a mobile app that has made online functionality far better than it would have been without it, but it had some glaring issues. Most notably, it required users to keep their phone unlocked with the app open in order to run, otherwise, it wouldn't work. This has finally been fixed.

With the new update to iOS and Android versions, the app allows you to lock your phone screen and even use other apps without worrying about the app failing. However, Nintendo notes that devices running Android 6.0 or later will not allow you to continue chatting while not in the app if power-saving mode is on, which is easily rectified.

The Nintendo Switch Online App is currently free but will require a subscription of $20 a year in 2018. It will include online multiplayer access, voice chat, and even access to classic Nintendo games like Super Mario Bros. 3, Dr. Mario, and more.

Splatoon 2 was very well received, scoring an 8.5 from GameZone with Tom Caswell writing, "Splatoon 2 remains accessible to gamers of all ages whilst adding new features that will delight fans of the original game. The most unique shooter on the market."