Some iPhone and Android Users Can No Longer Use Switch Online App

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.

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