In a rather unexpected move, Nintendo recently unveiled Nintendo Music, a new streaming app for Android and iOS. This announcement has caught fans by surprise, particularly since it comes on the heels of the release of Nintendo Alarmo, a Nintendo-themed alarm clock. Despite the excitement, many were hoping for updates on the much-rumored Switch 2, with hardware specs and release date leaks stirring interest for months.
Upon opening the app, users will find a familiar interface reminiscent of Spotify and other music streaming services. Nintendo has ensured that the app retains key features, such as curated playlists. They’ve also added unique touches like spoiler filters for game songs and the option to extend songs for up to an hour, rather than merely looping them.
So, what’s the takeaway here? Many of you might already be intrigued and considering downloading the app onto your Android or iOS device. If you have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership—even if it’s just a free trial—you can dive right into Nintendo Music and make the most of its features.
However, let’s address a few noticeable issues.
Firstly, Nintendo’s decision to create a standalone music app instead of simply sharing its soundtracks on popular platforms like Spotify is puzzling. Other developers and publishers commonly use these platforms, catering to listeners who prefer a unified music library. Having official Nintendo soundtracks is great, but it would be even more convenient if they were accessible without a separate app and subscription, especially for those who enjoy other music and social features.
Moving on, it’s clear that Nintendo is late to join the party. Fans have been sharing Nintendo soundtracks on YouTube and throughout the internet for over two decades. The company, surprisingly, leaves out essential composer and artist information on individual tracks, providing only the game titles. In contrast, fan uploads have typically included this valuable information.
Nintendo’s aggressive copyright actions against fan-uploaded music now seem more understandable with the release of Nintendo Music. Nonetheless, this move has impacted game preservation efforts, particularly when Nintendo is in a prime position to supply this information better than anyone else.
The current collection of soundtracks also leaves much to be desired. Despite technically covering all Nintendo consoles, there are only 23 soundtracks available, neglecting numerous classic OSTs. This includes soundtracks hinted at in the app’s promotional trailer; for example, the Super Mario 64 OST—teased in the trailer—is missing.
Given Nintendo’s vast and iconic gaming library, and the time it has taken to develop this app, users have reasonable expectations for a more extensive collection of soundtracks at launch. Fans can only wonder when lesser-known gems like the Legend of the Seven Stars OST will finally be included.
