In many ways, the Nintendo Switch is a very forward facing console. It allows you to take big budget experiences on the go, making big on a promise that hasn’t worked out for its competitors so far. In others though, namely in online functionality and voice chat, the Nintendo Switch is rather dated. Voice chat in particular is a complicated affair, requiring a separate smart device and a dedicated app to get working.
To help you get you Nintendo switch voice chat up and running, we’ve put together this Nintendo Switch Voice Chat Guide. We’ll take a look at how to download the necessary app, which games you can voice chat on, and whether or not you need a Nintendo Online subscription to use voice chat.
For everything else you need to know about Nintendo Switch online, be sure to head over to our Nintendo Switch Online Guide. It has info on free NES games, pricing, and more.
How to Start a Nintendo Switch Voice Chat Session
- Download and install the Nintendo Switch Online app on an Android or iOS device.
- Launch the app and sign in with your Nintendo account. (If you don't have an account, you can register here.)
- Launch the game you want to play using the same Nintendo account and enter a mode that supports voice chat.
- On your smart device, tap Start when asked if you want to begin your voice chat session. The app will create a lobby others can join as you play online.
How to Download the Nintendo Switch Online App
As we mentioned previously, you’ll need to download the Nintendo Switch Online App. To do so, head to either the Google Play Store for Android users, or the Apple Store for iOS. Once it’s downloaded you need to sign in using your Nintendo ID.
What Games Can You Use Voice Chat For on Nintendo Switch
Unlike other services, Nintendo Switch Online only allows you to use voice chat on a small handful of software. To check which software support the Nintendo Switch voice chat function, you’ll need to open the app and select Voice Chat.
Then, scroll to the ‘Supported Software’ section and you’ll see what’s available. We’ve listed all of the games that you can use Nintendo Switch voice chat on below:
- Stardew Valley
- Super Smash Bros Ultimate
- Super Mario Party
- NES Online
- Mario Tennis Aces
- ARMS
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Splatoon 2
Do You Need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to use Voice Chat on Nintendo Switch?
Nintendo Switch Online launched in September of 2018, and is a paid-for subscription service. You need it to play online games, and therefore to voice chat. This is pretty commonplace nowadays, with PS4 and Xbox One both requiring subscriptions to use online voice chat as well.
How to Start Voice Chat In-Game on Nintendo Switch
If you’re looking to voice chat in any of the supported games listed above, you’ll need to have downloaded the Nintendo Online App. From there you’ll need to head into the online lobby of the game you’re playing, and then select voice chat in app.
A prompt will then pop-up asking you to Start Voice Chat. From here you can chat with anyone you are currently in a game with.
