The newest iOS app from Nintendo will debut later this month. Instead of bringing another game to the iPhone though, Nintendo plans to make a new app dedicated to connecting owners of the new Switch console.
Nintendo revealed its plans for the new app during a Nintendo Direct event this morning. Aptly dubbed “Nintendo Switch Online,” the new app will be available on both iOS and Android when it launches on July 21.
Connecting on the Switch
Switch owners will be able to use the app to create teams, voice chat with friends, invite people to online matches and more. It can also be used to access SplatNet 2 which is a crucial piece of the new Splatoon 2 game that is being released on the same day as Nintendo Switch Online.
The new app means Switch gamers probably won’t ever be able to chat natively in game as the functionality is offloaded to smartphones. To compensate, Nintendo is promoting a Hori headset that combines audio from the iPhone and Switch so that you don’t have to juggle devices while playing.
Nintendo Switch Online will only support Splatoon 2 at launch. Other games be added in the near future. For now the online service will be free until the full version is released in 2018. Subscriptions to Nintendo Switch Online will then cost $19.99 per year or $3.99 per month.
Via: MacRumors
