Nintendo Making Changes to Switch Online App

Nintendo has confirmed that it will be changing the name of the Nintendo Switch Online app in late May 2025. The Nintendo Switch Online app is a smartphone app that gives Switch gamers extra functionality. Notably, the Switch Online app is the primary way that Switch 1 gamers can chat with their friends when playing games online as traditional party chat isn’t a feature on Nintendo’s home console/handheld hybrid.

The Nintendo Switch 2 will be providing its own version of party chat called GameChat. But instead of traditional party chat, Switch 2’s GameChat takes things a step further, letting players not only talk with their friends, but also see their live gameplay. Those willing to invest in the Switch 2 Camera will even have the option of sharing their face while playing. It remains to be seen how well it all works, but there’s no denying that Switch 2 GameChat is a huge step forward when compared to Switch 1 relegating voice chat functionality to the Switch Online app.

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With the Nintendo Switch 2 release date right around the corner, some would assume that the Switch Online app is eventually going to be obsolete. On the contrary, Nintendo plans to continue using the Switch Online app after the Switch 2 launches. Voice chat for Switch 1 games will still be supported through the app, and other existing services will remain available. However, Nintendo has confirmed that it will be changing the name of the app from Nintendo Switch Online to simply Nintendo Switch App in late May 2025. Nintendo did not announce a specific date for this change and did not offer an explanation as to why the change is being made.

Nintendo Changing Switch Online App Name

• Starting in late May 2025, it will be called Nintendo Switch App.

After the Nintendo Switch Online app is changed to the Nintendo Switch App, it will maintain its existing functionality, but it will also be introducing new features. Nintendo will be using the Nintendo Switch App to distribute the Zelda Notes service, which gives players helpful tools when playing the Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Zelda Notes will even add achievements for the two games, potentially giving Zelda fans an interesting excuse to replay them both. Not only that, but Switch 2 captures will also be accessible through the Nintendo Switch App, with the most recent 100 screenshots and video captures available. Compared to how captures work on the original Switch, this is significantly more convenient.

Nintendo may not be producing nearly as many mobile games as it once was, and in fact has started winding down its ongoing mobile offerings, but it is still taking advantage of the space. Besides the changes coming to the Nintendo Switch App, Nintendo also recently launched Nintendo Today. Nintendo Today has been used to keep fans in the loop about upcoming Nintendo projects, including The Legend of Zelda live-action movie that’s currently in production.