There's been no real need for Nintendo Switch to have voice chat until now and the release of Splatoon 2. Aaand, the solution is currently not very good - involving an app, a splitter, wires and patience.
It works, it's just cumbersome, fiddly and way more complicated than talking to someone on a console has any right to be.
Look at this, the full setup required for both voice chatting and listening to the game via a single headset:
I haven't tried the system yet so I'm just going on what I've been told talking to people who have, and the overall reactions. People are basically furious and I'm having to avoid some pretty swear-heavy reactions. These are just the nicest things people are saying...
People are pointing out Ninty HAS got it right in the past
Nintendo DS voice chat (2006) vs Nintendo Switch voice chat (2017) pic.twitter.com/kWQPkmPXMIJuly 19, 2017
As has... just about everything else
As great as the switch is, I don't understand why Nintendo just doesn't take cues from Microsoft or Sony regarding voice chat!July 20, 2017
The sheer excess of wires is getting all the jokes
Just getting this room ready to go for some Nintendo Switch online gameplay with voice chat. pic.twitter.com/fKHSoVPkTkJuly 20, 2017
There, all ready to voice chat on my Switch. pic.twitter.com/s5g4gZyCYgJuly 20, 2017
Got my Switch voice chat going. Hit me up if you on! pic.twitter.com/4TwiT49DyUJuly 20, 2017
The basic functionality of the app isn't going down too well either
switch voice app-kills phone in 40 mins-must be open at all times-hori nightmare setup mandatory for voice chatIt keeps getting worse.July 20, 2017
Can't do Nintendo Switch Online voice chat while using other phone apps pic.twitter.com/ZZO1EAb1cxJuly 19, 2017
Some people are claiming that if you lock your phone while using Switch voice chat, it goes off. You have to leave the screen on😐July 19, 2017
It's a small but very pointy thorn in the side of an otherwise great piece of kit and, so far, only if you're playing one thing - check out our Splatoon 2 review to find about more about the game in general. And, if you're looking for some Switch Accessories, we've got you covered.
