Switch online requires Phone App? Why is no one talking about this?

[superchunk]

Intrinsic said:

superchunk said:

Why?

1) Allows game console to focus 100% of resources on games vs OS functionality.

2) Allows customers to have a single focused UI for when playing and not playing to chat, plan, etc. Think miiverse 2.0 that is integrated into game experience as well as mobile.

3) Allows tie-in to their increasing mobile experience as well.

4) Allows seamless tie-in to 3DS or other console expereinces.

So basically, to giv you the best switch possible they require you buy a smartphone.

Thats what you are saying right?

I was asked why they would do this approach. I listed some benefits. I didn't say I agree with it. Of course I'd rather have it built into the Switch itself and just have a companion app similar to others, but those are reasons why I can see Nintendo chose this route. Realistically, they likely ran into issues (#1) and this was their solution around those issues.

This is a minor issue to me as I don't play online much and if/when I do, I just play. I don't care about voice chat or groups etc. I'm more concerned with the eventual price so that I can decided if I want to add it at all.