Nintendo Switch Online can't rest, although the constant controversy surrounding it is hardly unfounded. The service has long been defined by its inadequacy, and a recent breach brought another flaw to Nintendo Switch Online.
Nintendo's online service was never going to be very popular, especially since late CEO Satoru Iwata was fundamentally opposed to charging for online games. However, the derision of Switch Online stems more from dissatisfaction with the service itself, as fans have long reported that playing online is lagging. Switch Online's outdated network code is just the tip of the iceberg, as games available through the service (old Nintendo titles added via drip feed) arrive there instead of the Virtual Console system that many fans would prefer.
Relatives
The Nintendo Switch online game has received a surprise update
The exclusive Nintendo Switch game Online has received an amazing update that adds quite a lot of content for subscribers to the service.
Nintendo Switch Online icons confuse users
Recently, a number of NSO subscribers have been inconvenienced by Nintendo's evasive online policies, especially when it comes to profile icons. NSO users can unlock new profile badges through Platinum Points, which can be earned by completing missions or through promotional/tournament prizes. However, acquiring these badges often requires a process that is at best a hassle and at worst, bordering on Rube Goldberg.
Switch Online's icon system is full of amazing solutions
There are some immediate issues with the icon creation process that many Nintendo fans have pointed out. First, the badge elements (character, background, and frame) are in the rotating Missions and Rewards section of NSO, meaning each piece is only available for a limited time.
This FOMO structure is way oversaturated in today's market, and it's a particularly bad fit for what should be a subscription benefit.
There's no reason any icon item shouldn't be available forever, especially since Nintendo has little incentive to push impulse purchases; icons can only be bought with Platinum Points, which cannot be bought with real currency. Since rotating items can be gone for more than a year, Nintendo may be banking on this system to encourage continued NSO subscriptions, although it's unlikely that icon availability will be the deciding factor for subscription renewal.
As for platinum glasses, these no-nonsense collectibles only add to the shifting showcase problem. Platinum Points expire in six months, which means fans will have to keep up with their tasks. Fortunately, Nintendo does offer a constant cycle of missions, so fans will have plenty of opportunities to accumulate points. Still, it creates inconvenience within what is already a paid service – one that already has its fair share of complexities for customers.
NSO Subscribers Frustrated by Icon Limitations
Back in March, Nintendo introduced icon elements related to Super Mario World and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Fans immediately noticed that these badges have some absurd restrictions that require fans to not only own the games in question, but also play them during the promotional period. Not only was it not retroactive, but in the case New horizons, the rewards section required fans to “play on three different days in the last 30 days, leaving at least 24 hours between each play session.”
These absurd terms are hardly good for the consumer, and many callers are beginning to voice their concerns. Reddit users like u/WhispyWhirl address these exact limitations, Animal Crossing: New Horizons becoming the chief zoupel. With a Switch successor on the horizon, Nintendo needs to rethink its entire online system. Not only the quality of the online program needs to be improved, but features such as NSO games and icon elements need to be streamlined and improved for the customer.
Nintendo
- Date of establishment
- September 23, 1889
- Headquarters
- Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
- Mother company
- Nintendo
