In the Nintendo Direct, the Switch 2 and its new features were introduced in more detail. This makes the hybrid console a good alternative for communicative MMO players.
For players on Nintendo Switch, it looks bad if they want to communicate with their teammates. There are hardly any options to talk with other players within the games. Either the individual group members can only use emojis and predefined sentences like in Mario Party, or they type very short sentences into a keyboard like in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Alternatively, there is the option to join the voice chat of the Nintendo Switch Online app. However, all participants have to download the corresponding app first, which can be too cumbersome for many. Moreover, there is no way to see the other participants while playing.
With the Nintendo Switch 2, that will change: Nintendo is introducing new features that will make it even easier for you to interact with other players. There are several features that are a big advantage, especially for MMO gamers. This will make the Switch 2 even more social than the Switch.
You can see the social features of the Nintendo Switch 2 here in the video:
Nintendo Switch 2 gets more social functions
GameChat as a direct voice channel
A major feature announced during the Direct is the GameChat
. With this function, owners of a Nintendo Switch 2 can start a conversation with their friends at the push of a button – anytime. No external software is needed anymore to communicate with others. Nintendo has significantly improved the chat with the Switch 2.
This will make it especially easy for MMO players to communicate with their team members. For tasks that must be completed together with friends and strangers, predefined sentences or emojis are not sufficient to coordinate with others.
This is evident, for example, in MMORPGs. In raids, gigantic PvP battles with countless players and bosses, it is crucial that players coordinate who stands where or executes which skills. Without communication, it is nearly impossible to execute more difficult routines smoothly.
In Final Fantasy 14, for instance, it is essential to coordinate with other players about which class moves to which spot. Without a person announcing which attacks are coming next, it becomes difficult for some not to die. Direct communication is crucial here, as seconds can determine whether the entire group is wiped out.
The alternative is to coordinate with friends in the chat. But that becomes annoying over time, as you have to discuss things after each round and the error analysis takes time. The app for voice chat on the Switch is also not a good alternative, as not everyone might want to download the app.
Final Fantasy XIV is still not available for Nintendo Switch. However, I can imagine that with the voice chat and improved hardware, it could now be possible to release the MMORPG for Nintendo’s console.
In survival games as well, it will be easier on the Switch 2 to discuss task distribution through the voice chat. In titles like Minecraft, fans could then decide who will focus on resource gathering, who will build a fortress, and who will simply explore the area.
This way, friends also get informed if something happens in the surroundings. You can warn your teammates of lavafalls or enemies that suddenly appear in the vicinity (due to one’s own fault). That was not possible on the Switch without detours before.
Consoles like the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One were released long before the Switch 2, but they already had voice chat. Nintendo missed the opportunity to integrate such an essential feature into the console in time. It is all the more pleasant that the new hybrid console now has it.
Screen sharing is long overdue
As with MMORPGs, it is very practical to be able to share the screen in MMOs and shooters as well. Everyone can benefit from the ability to provide quick guidance to each other.
This way, you can show other teammates in seconds where you are or what you are describing. This is practical for multiple genres, whether for MMORPGs or survival titles. The larger the map, the easier it is to lose sight of each other.
Furthermore, players can help when one is stuck on a task. In MMOs like Palia, for example, one quest follows another to progress. Here, an extra pair of eyes can help if one cannot find an NPC or is looking for an enemy that drops a certain item.
Until now, there was no way for Nintendo Switch to inform others about what the problem is. The only alternative was to take a photo of the screen with a smartphone so that others could understand the complications.
The Joy Cons 2 become the mouse for PC players
What is completely new: Thanks to the mouse function of the Joy-Cons 2, shooters become particularly interesting for PC players. Many fans are used to aiming with the mouse on the PC. Once they have to aim with sticks, it is a strong adjustment for many.
With the mouse function, this will no longer be necessary. With the Joy-Con 2, the controller can be used like a mouse, making it easier to aim in shooters like Warframe. However, there will still be 2 disadvantages that PC players will have to get used to:
- On the couch, there is often no flat surface for players to navigate the mouse. A pant leg is not an alternative to aim accurately in shooters. Only a portable stand could help.
- If PC players set up their Switch 2 on a table, the screen is significantly smaller than a PC monitor. It might be challenging to recognize certain details in the games.
Moreover, a player can share their screen with other friends. This way, you can show other teammates in seconds where you are or what you are describing. This is especially practical for MMOs that work with large areas.
The Switch 2 could hence be the first Nintendo console that finally becomes attractive for MMO players thanks to its functions. To let you know which titles benefit from voice chat, MeinMMO lists all games for Switch 2: All games that will be released for the Switch 2 or will receive a paid upgrade
