Nintendo Switch Online App Updates, Allows Voice Chat While Phone Is on Sleep

It’s fair to say that Nintendo has never “gotten” online functionality. From their early attempts with the infamous DS friend codes (inexplicably returning to the Switch), to their questionable smartphone app for the Switch online service, Nintendo fans have always been frustrated by the company’s “solutions.”

Switch owners were baffled by the iOS and Android app, which was Nintendo’s only official option for voice chat. Not only do Splatoon 2 players need their phone to chat with their friends, but the app had to be open on their phone the entire time for voice chat to function properly. Now with a new update, at least this grievance has been fixed.

Nintendo’s support website describes fixes in version 1.1.0 of the mobile application, stating that “voice chat will now continue when other apps are opened” and “will now continue during sleep mode.” But limitations still exist, however, as switching to apps that utilize the microphone or have any audio output (Spotify, for example) will still interrupt voice chat. This is one small step for the smartphone app, but far from a giant leap to practical online functionality.

The Nintendo Switch Online App update is live for iOS and Android users—though honestly, just stick to using Discord or Skype. Nintendo will livestream a Direct Presentation on Wednesday Sept. 13, at 6 p.m. EDT.