Nintendo Switch Online App Overview and FAQ

The Nintendo Switch Online app is available for iOS and Android devices.

The app is currently compatible with the Splatoon™ 2 game, giving players the ability to access SplatNet 2, invite friends to online matches, and voice chat during various game modes. Both the app's functionality and online play are free, where available, until the Nintendo Switch Online service launches in 2018.

With the app and the Splatoon 2 game, you can access SplatNet 2 to see your online play stats, check out upcoming game stages, and more.

You can also invite friends who have the game to Private Battles, League Battles, Salmon Runs, and Splatfest Battles via social media and other services. When players are invited to a game, they'll get an instant notification on their smart device.

The app lets you chat with friends in your Splatoon2 online lobby and then talk to your teammates to coordinate strategy during the online match.

What is required to use the Nintendo Switch Online app?

To use the Nintendo Switch Online app, you must have the following:

A Nintendo Switch and compatible game (either physical or digital).
An Android or iOS smart device.
A Nintendo Account linked to your Nintendo Switch console and smart device.
Important:The Nintendo Switch Online app service can be used by Nintendo Account holders who are age 13 and older.
A persistent Internet connection for the Nintendo Switch and smart device. Data charges may apply.

How much does this service cost?

Both the app's functionality and online play are free until the Nintendo Switch Online service launches in 2018. After the free-trial period, the online play portion of most games and the Nintendo Switch Online app will require a paid online service subscription from Nintendo.

Where is this service available?

Within the Americas, the free-trial period, the paid service, and online play (for applicable modes in compatible games) will be available for customers in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

How do I get the Nintendo Switch Online app?

The Nintendo Switch Online app can be downloaded to your smart device from the App Store (iOS) or the Google Play Store (Android). Click here, for additional instructions.

Which smart devices are supported?

iOS:

Devices using iOS 9.0 or later are supported.

Android:

Devices using Android 4.4 or later are supported.

Important:While the Nintendo Switch Online app supports the above operating systems, it doesn't not guarantee compatibility with all devices using these OS versions.

What games are supported?

Currently, the Nintendo Switch Online app is compatible with the Splatoon 2 game.

Which languages are supported?

The following 9 languages are currently supported:

English
French
Spanish
Japanese
German
Dutch
Russian
Portuguese
Italian

Do I need to use the Nintendo Switch Online app to play games online?

The Nintendo Switch Online app provides additional features, such as voice chat and the ability to send user invites over social media, but it is not required to play Splatoon 2 online.

Can I invite anyone or just friends to play online and chat?

When creating rooms and inviting users, you can invite friends you have from Nintendo Switch, friends you communicate with over social media or messaging apps, and other users you have recently played with through the Nintendo Switch Online app.

In addition to this, users must be age 13 years of age of older to use the Nintendo Switch Online app.

Can I use the app to voice chat with other players when not playing a game?

No. Players are not able to start voice chat communication until they have joined the Online Lounge within Splatoon 2.

Can I use the Nintendo Switch Online app on multiple smart devices?

If you would like to change devices, you can sign into a new device using your Nintendo Account. However; it is not possible to use voice chat on two or more smart devices at the same time if they use the same Nintendo Account. Each user would need to use his or her own Nintendo Account in order to voice chat with each other.

Can I use a headset or headphones for voice chat?

Yes. You are able to use headsets or headphones connected to your smart device. If using a wireless Bluetooth headphone or headset with your smart device, ensure it supports the HSP or HFP Bluetooth profile.

Please note that game sounds normally output from the TV or Nintendo Switch console will not be heard from your smart device.

If I use my smart device's other features (texts, social media, etc.) will I be disconnected?

The voice chat will disconnect while you're talking on the phone or using another application, but your voice chat will restart in the same room once you open the Nintendo Switch Online application again as long as the game session is still ongoing.

How do I set Parental Control restrictions?

The service can be used by Nintendo Account holders who are age 13 and older. Because the app runs on your smart device, it cannot be controlled by the parental controls offered in Nintendo's ecosystem. To set restrictions for use of the Nintendo Switch Online app, please refer to your smart device settings.