Highlights
- The Nintendo Switch Online app no longer supports older iOS and Android versions, making it more optimized for current devices.
- Online multiplayer games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Splatoon 3 rely on the app for communication, despite mixed reviews.
- Fans speculate on the app's future with the rumored release of the Switch successor in early 2025.
The Nintendo Switch Online app is phasing out support for older versions of iOS and Android. The mobile app component for Nintendo Switch Online has long been a controversial aspect of the service as it further complicates features like voice chat which are natively available on rival platforms. Rather than chat with friends directly from the Switch console, or even from a supported third-party app like Discord on the system itself, Nintendo gamers are forced to download a phone app to communicate with friends while playing online games.
As many of the best-selling Nintendo Switch games feature online multiplayer as either a core or significant feature, countless fans are taking titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Splatoon 3 online regularly. The Nintendo Switch Online app was originally designed to be the hub for these online gaming experiences. Still, mixed reviews on both the App Store and the Google Play Store appear to mirror the consensus that the app is a bit obtuse.
Nintendo Switch Online Is Adding 5 Rare Games Today
The Nintendo Switch Online subscription service is adding five games developed by Rare for subscribers to check out later today.
As first spotted by My Nintendo News, the latest version of the Nintendo Switch Online app (Version 2.9.0) will now only support iPhones, iPads, and iPod touch devices with iOS 15.0 or later and Android devices with Android OS 8.0 or later. The latest version of iOS is 17, while Android OS is now on 14. It should be noted that this phasing out of older operating systems has become a standard procedure for game apps. Not to mention, iOS 15 has been available since 2021, while Android OS 8 was introduced back in 2017.
The 2.9.0 update patch notes also state that "other minor changes have been implemented," but the app page doesn't elaborate further. The update comes at a potentially busy time for Nintendo Switch Online, as many players are likely logging on for the massive Splatoon 3 7.0.0 update and Side Order DLC launch.
Outside of the app, it's already been an interesting year for Nintendo Switch Online. NSO Expansion Pack added two acclaimed GBA JRPGs that fans have long been asking for. Not to mention, Nintendo recently shadow dropped five different Rare-developed games onto the service.
Fans are likely wondering if the app will remain when the Switch's successor is inevitably released. While the console is still unannounced, the Switch 2 is practically Nintendo's worst-kept secret at this point. The latest rumors and speculation slate the new hardware for an early 2025 release, so fans could potentially hear something about the console and its online capabilities in the coming months.
Nintendo Switch Online App Version 2.9.0 Patch Notes
- System requirements have been updated to iOS 15.0/Android OS 8.0 or higher.
- Other minor changes have been implemented.
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid portable and home console that aims to be the only gaming system anyone needs. The hybrid controller is an undisputed success because it provides a high degree of portable visual quality and converts easily into a home console.
- Brand
- Nintendo
- Battery
- 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required
- Dimensions
- 13.7 x 7.8 x 3.66 inches
- Weight
- 2.65 pounds
