But it isn't under the description of the app. It's under the description for online lobby and voice that. It's the only thing under that section. There's no "in addition to using voice chat on your Switch, you'll be able to use our new mobile app!"

So, just so we have our terms squared away. If on March 3rd 2017, there's no built in in-game voice chat on the Nintendo Switch, I win. If there is, you win.

I hope i havent offended anyone to much. Basically i understand taking them word for word. So thinking that is your choice. But on the other hand reading between the lines a bit isnt wrong either. Hopefully it works out so everyone wins. I would love to see the switch succeed

Yes the wording is perfect. Its a bet

And thats my point too. You can jump in and play random games online on the switch. 

But to fully utilize the switch and for deeper onljne features (and match making is one of these deeper features!!!) you need to have the mobile app which means you need to have a smartphone.

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.

Well considering when I said, they should have a 4G version, people said just use your phone, apparently this is what people want.

I've said it before, and I will say it again. Gamers wanting consoles and handhelds to do nothing but play games will be the death of these devices, and the end of AAA games as we know them. If consoles are to survive, gamers need to take the same attitude Apple fans have, and only do things if theg are possible through their console or handheld. We need phone calls, texting, video and photo editing, tax apps, banking apps, health apps etc. to come to console, and we all need to use the apps we want on out favorite console. The future of the gaming industry depends on it.

Wow. I have not seen people so willfully misread or misinterpret something that a company is bluntly putting out. Are you guys afraid Nintendo found a way to Nintendo the Switch? It's very clear that all things online will be done through the app. Whenever asked about online, Nintendo goes straight to the app. I think that's why they aren't worried about a browser, Netflix, or Youtube on the device at launch. If you want those apps, you have your phone, with the Nintendo app, anyway.

Now, will the Switch be able to do online gaming by itself? I think so. However, the only thing you'll be able to do is play random matches/races with whoever you are paired up with. Nintendo has clearly stated that if you want voice chat, matchmaking, and a friends list, you will need the app. Basically, EVERYTHING but the actual online play.

Gonna suck for those without a smartphone. Or want to do that stuff on the Switch through the Wifi at home, so they don't use up pointless data.

Because they clarified it and it is in fact the only option.

Wow...... 

Using your smartphone in that case would have been as turning on wifi hotspot. 

But having to use your phone to create game lobbies, invite your friends and chat with your friends or send mesages is just ridiculous.