Skip to main content

Nintendo Switch Online voice chat now works when your phone is locked

The Nintendo Switch uses a dedicated smartphone app in order to facilitate voice chat, instead of using a built-in program like just about every other modern console. Up to this point, the app has been severely limited, not even allowing users to continue talking if their phones went to sleep, but this is no longer the case.

The latest update for the Nintendo Switch Online app, which you can download now on both iOS and Android devices, allows you to continue talking in voice chat even if your device goes into sleep mode or its screen is locked. Previously, doing so would call your call to end abruptly. The same is also true for using other apps at the same time — you can now check texts or look at Twitter without ending a call with your friend in Splatoon 2.

Recommended Videos

The Nintendo support page stresses, however, that calls will still end if the app you’re using has audio output, so watching a YouTube video could cause problems. On newer Android devices using power-saving features, you’ll also need to disable battery optimization to guarantee that your calls aren’t ended prematurely, as well.

To some, however, this is still going to be a Band-Aid solution to a larger problem. Without a traditional voice chat program available on the Nintendo Switch, it’s impossible for players to chat if the two aren’t playing the same game. Given the size of the Switch’s library, this isn’t a huge issue right now, but as more games are released and players’ game collections begin to vary, friends won’t be playing the same games with each other as frequently. Right now, it still makes far more sense to just Skype chat with your buddies, as you don’t have to hook your phone up with a confusing series of wires. In many ways, the Wii U’s infrastructure was more convenient than the Switch’s, even offering a simple video chat application.

Will the recent update make you more likely to use the Nintendo Switch Online app to chat with friends, or will you stick with a third-party option? With Nintendo Switch Online transitioning to a paid subscription service in 2018, Nintendo still has its work cut out for it.

Gabe Gurwin
Gabe Gurwin has been playing games since 1997, beginning with the N64 and the Super Nintendo. He began his journalism career…
Nintendo Switch Online adding GameCube games exclusively for Switch 2
Nintendo GameCube controller on red background

The Switch 2 direct wasn't just about all the shiny new games you'll play, there was also a much requested update to Nintendo Switch Online focused on some great old ones too! Yes, GameCube games are finally coming to Nintendo's online games service. The major caveat being that this is exclusive for Nintendo Switch 2.

This update is part of the Nintendo Switch 2 Online + Expansion Pack service, which to date already lets you play games from past consoles from the NES to Nintendo 64. The first game that will be included is The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, the classic cartoon looking entry that sees Link setting sail in a world of islands. That itself is pretty exciting, but does mean that the constant rumors of a remake or port of the title are probably dead in the water.

Read more
The Nintendo Switch 2 already has its first accessory, and you can reserve it now
The Nintendo Switch 2 sits in a Killswitch case.

Ahead of this morning Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, manufacturer Dbrand has opened reservations on the console's first third-party accessory. The Killswitch is a case for Nintendo's new console that comes with an open dock adapter, a travel cover, and ergonomic Joy-con holders.

The Killswitch is a variation on Dbrand's Steam Deck case, which soups up Valve's handheld. The company has been teasing a similar device for Switch 2 since December, even leaking the system's design before Nintendo could reveal it. Over 10,000 users have signed up for the device's waitlist since then, but they can formally reserve it starting today.

Read more
Apple iPhone owners urged to download new update now as a security must
An iPhone showing the Apple Password app.

The new iPhone software update, iOS 18.4, could be more critical than is being talked about when it comes to security.

While there are lots of new features added in the latest release, out yesterday, what's less talked about is the 62 security updates and fixes that roll out with this version. Some are quite serious.

Read more