Nintendo is now launching a new app for iOS and Android devices to let gamers and fans browse and play Nintendo music. With about 40 years of video game history, Nintendo sure has a loaded bag of music ranging from chiptunes to orchestra-grade soundtracks that accompanied many of us at some point in our youth or more recently. Is that worth a dedicated app in an age wherein everybody tries to keep as few apps as possible on their phones?
Nintendo releases Nintendo Music App, but its not fan service
While a Nintendo Music App seemed like a cool, nice-to-have fan service to most, the people who went all the way to download the app and log in with their Nintendo account might have encountered a quick end to their test run when they got told this app is not free. In contradiction to the misleading phrase “download the app now for free,” Nintendo meant that only the app is free for you to download, but to listen to music, you need to pay a subscription.
If you are a Nintendo Switch Online subscriber, using the music app is included in your plan. If you do not use that plan, you must subscribe for USD 3.99 monthly. This means that no aspect of this is truly free except for a 7-day trial to the subscription if you want to go that far. Calling the process of downloading the app from the app stores free is simply misleading marketing that you put up in big letters to catch some more prospects to add to your funnel.
What’s in it for you if you pay?
If you already pay for the Switch Online service anyway, or if you love the app and the library so much that you end up paying for it on top of what on other music streaming services anyway, what can you expect to listen to and what are the Nintendo Music App features like? You can’t say much innovation went into the app as the focus is truly on having a large media library for fans, but there are some things worth mentioning here. One notable feature of the platform is the ability to loop songs or extend certain tracks to 15, 30, or 60 minutes. This option allows uninterrupted listening, catering to those who prefer longer playtimes.
Another notable feature is the Switch-based recommendation system based on what you play and the ability to filter out soundtracks that could reveal critical plot points. This ensures that users do not worry about game spoilers disrupting their experience. With this option, players can enjoy their gaming journey without fearing unwanted surprises.
Before you go: What Is It with Music Nowadays?
To find out more about the app and the music offered, you can check their website, download the app (knowing you need an account and at least a trial subscription), or check the video below for a first glimpse.
YouTube: Nintendo Music – Announcement Trailer
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Photo credit: All media shown is owned by Nintendo and has been provided as part of a press release.
Source: Info sourced from the user invitation (promotional) email and the gated press release from the Nintendo press portal.
