If you own a switch, you often also have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. There is a special app for this with additional functions, but soon not all iPhone users will have access to it.
The Nintendo Switch Online subscription comes with features such as multiplayer and online mode, which are required for many games. The app offers additional functions to make even better use of those modes. This includes, for example, voice chat via smartphone and the option of sending invitations to other players via social networks. Nintendo offers the Switch Online app for free for both Android and iPhone. But with iOS, the barriers to entry are now getting higher.
App for Nintendo Switch Online requires iOS 14 and higher
So far, the app for Nintendo Switch Online could also be installed on older smartphones. Users only need an Android device with version 6.0 or higher or an iPhone running at least iOS 12. But on its Japanese website, Nintendo has now announced that it wants to increase the requirements for the iOS system. In the future, the app will only run on iPhones with iOS 14 or higher. The changeover is to take place in the summer of 2022, Nintendo has not yet been more specific.
Around the summer of 2022, we plan to update the iOS version of the Nintendo Switch Online app. This update changes the operating environment to “iOS version 14.0 or later”. Please note that the app will not be available on devices running “iOS version 13 or earlier”.
Nintendo Japan
So those users whose iPhone is still running older firmware are left in the dust with the changeover. This mainly affects owners with models that are older than the iPhone 6s. Or those who don’t want to update their iPhone for other reasons. Overall, the group of subscribers who can no longer install the app should be manageable.
Also Read: All the Nintendo Switch Highlights Coming in 2022
Voice chat in the Nintendo Switch Online app
In principle, Nintendo Switch Online can also be used without an app. However, it is a prerequisite for features such as the chat function, which can only be used with certain titles. Nintendo states the list of supported games as follows:
- ARMS
- Dragon Quest Builders 2
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Mario tennis aces
- Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order
- Mortal Kombat 11
- Red Faction Guerrilla Re-Mars-tered
- Saints Row: The Third—The Full Package
- Skulls of the Shogun: Bone A Fide Edition
- splatoon 2
- Stardew Valley
- super mario party
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- TT Isle of Man
In addition, voice chat is supported across the entire Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) game library via the Switch Online app.
In the video we explain what options the Switch Online subscription offers and for which users it is actually suitable: