The Nintendo Switch Online app has recently been outfitted with a new update that finally brings with it some long-requested features. The new additions include the ability to send friend requests via the app itself, albeit with a notable twist.
After adopting a relatively modern and straightforward social system on the Wii U, for the Switch Nintendo awkwardly reverted to its old Friend Code system that harkens back to the Wii/DSi era. Thus, this new update for the Nintendo Switch Online app makes things a little simpler.
As reported by The Verge, the new version 2.2 of the app, users can copy and paste their friend code as a URL or even a scannable QR code. You can also send requests using your standard friend code from the app.
So, friend codes still are not completely skippable, even when using the app. The closest thing to being able to add someone without fiddling with a friend code is by linking up your Facebook and/or Twitter account(s) to the Switch and then adding friends from there. Of course, this only works if both you and your friend have accounts on those services, and yet it’s still another extra step versus being able to connect with users in a regular fashion.
Nintendo has never exactly stated why it reverted to the use of friend codes on the Switch, considering it went through the trouble of creating the Nintendo Network ID system back on the Wii U. One argument that fans have come up with is that this could simply be a safety measure on Nintendo’s part to limit the chances of younger players connecting with older strangers. That said, there’s already a dedicated Parental Controls system in place on the Switch (along with its own dedicated mobile app). That being said, if child protection really is part of the company’s reasoning for this, then it comes at the expense of fluidity for older players.
Nevertheless, at least this update does indicate that Nintendo is still looking for ways to support the Switch Online app. It hasn’t changed a whole lot since its debut back in 2019, and is still lamented by some Switch owners for being the only way to access otherwise routine functionality like voice chat in some titles. Yet, Nintendo clearly isn’t shelving it anytime soon.
Earlier this year, Nintendo promised it would continue expanding the Nintendo Switch Online service throughout 2022.
