Nintendo’s Switch event briefly talked about its newly-designed online service for the Nintendo Switch, but it might not be as great as it sounded.

Having confirmed that the Switch will be getting its very own online service, which will have its own subscription model, it seems like players will need to rely on their smartphones for many typical online features.

Taking a look at the page for Switch’s Online Service over on the official Nintendo website suggests that might be the case. When discussing the online functions of the Switch, the page reads: “You’ll be able to play compatible co-op and competitive games online by signing in with your Nintendo Account. Online play will be free for Nintendo Account holders until our paid online service launches in fall 2017.”

At first glance, nothing seems out of the ordinary. However, further down the page, it seems the app will be required for chatting with friends and others in online matches. The page reads:

“Our new dedicated smart device app will connect to Nintendo Switch and let you invite friends to play online, set play appointments, and chat with friends during online matches in compatible games─all from your smart device.

A free, limited version of this app will be available for download in summer 2017.”

A chart further down the page even clearly points out that the online lobby and voice chat are all part and parcel of the Switch app. Looks like your phone will be one heck of an important part of your Nintendo Switch experience if you’re playing online then.

What do you make of the Switch? Let us know down in the comments below.

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